1.Phage/interleukin-4 liposome composite prevents relapse after maxillary expansion in mice
LI Ruizhi ; LIU Ruojing ; WANG Xingming ; PU Ximing ; YIN Xing ; ZOU Shujuan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):529-540
Objective:
To explore the efficacy of a novel injectable hydrogel (GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP) loaded with P11 bacteriophages and interleukin-4 (IL-4) liposomes (LIP) in preventing relapse after maxillary expansion in mice, providing experimental evidence for its clinical application.
Methods:
This study was approved by the experimental animal ethics committee of our hospital. First, 15 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a maxillary expansion model and divided into 5 groups (3 mice in each group): a control group, post expansion day 3 group (PED3 group), post expansion day 7 group (PED7 group), retention for 14 days group (RET group), and relapse for 7 days group (REL group). The mice in each group were sacrificed at their designated time points (day 0, 3, 7, 21, 28), and their maxilla and anterior cranial regions were collected. Bone parameters and the inter-crestal distance (ICD) of maxillary incisor mesial alveolar ridge were measured using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Histological staining was performed to evaluate bone formation and resorption, while immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for macrophage markers (CD86 and CD206), mesenchymal stem cell markers (glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 [Gli1]), and osteogenic markers (Runt-related transcription factor 2 [Runx2] and Osterix [OSX]). Next, GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP was synthesized and administered to mouse models of maxillary expansion. A total of 24 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups (6 mice in each group): a blank control group, GelMA group, GelMA/P11 group, and GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP group. All mice underwent palatal expansion. On PED7, the expanders of all 24 mice were cemented with resin to initiate the 14-day retention period. On day 1 of the retention phase, the mice in each group received injections of saline, GelMA, GelMA/P11, or GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP at the midpalatal suture. After the 14-day retention period, three mice in each group were randomly selected and sacrificed, while the other three had their expanders removed and underwent a 7-day relapse before being sacrificed on day 28 (REL). Micro-CT, histological staining, and IHC were performed to evaluate the preventive effect of GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP on post-expansion relapse.
Results:
The mice maxillary expansion model exhibited a decreased ICD at REL compared to RET in micro-CT analysis (P = 0.008). IHC analysis demonstrated prolonged M1 macrophage infiltration, scarce Gli1+ mesenchymal stem cells, and insufficient expression of osteogenic markers (RUNX2 and OSX) (P < 0.001). Compared to the blank control and GelMA groups, GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP hydrogel injection in the midpalatal suture led to increased ICD at REL, promoted the timely M2 polarization of macrophages, recruited Gli1+ mesenchymal stem cells, and upregulated the expression of RUNX2 and OSX (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The mechanism of relapse after maxillary expansion involves the persistent infiltration of M1 macrophages, as well as the inadequate recruitment and insufficient osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in the midpalatal suture. The GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP composite enhanced orofacial mesenchymal stem cell recruitment and promoted the M2 polarization of macrophages, thereby enhancing osteogenesis in the midpalatal suture and preventing post-expansion relapse.
2.Effect of Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion on Apoptosis of Gastric Mucosal Tissue in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Model Rats:Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Qide WANG ; Shujuan CHEN ; Yu SUN ; Fang LI ; Hongbin GONG ; Mingjun XIE ; Hui LIU ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1650-1658
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=14) and modeling group (n=44). Rats in the blank group were fed routinely, while the rats in the modeling group received drinking water containing 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 140 μg/ml, combined with irregular fasting and feeding for 12 weeks to establish CAG model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into model group (n=10), inhibitor group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=20). After 40 minutes of suspended moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) daily, the rats in the moxibustion group were divided into heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=10) and non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=9) according to the change of tail temperature during moxibustion. The inhibitor group was bound for 40 minutes daily, and then administered with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, rapamycin solution, by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The model group received intragastric administration of 1 ml/kg normal saline after 40 minutes of restraint stress each day. All interventions were administered once daily for 28 consecutive days, while the blank group received no intervention. After the intervention finished, the body weight of rats in each group was compared. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa. The apoptosis-positive rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein levels of matric metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in rat gastric mucosal tissues were measured by Western Blotting. ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in all other groups exhibited decreased body weight, significantly increased gastric mucosal cell apoptosis-positive rates, elevated protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR in gastric mucosa, increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and enhanced protein expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed thinning of the gastric mucosa, glandular disorganization and atrophy, accompanied by intestinal metaplasia.Compared to the model group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group all showed significant improvements in the above-mentioned indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group exhibited increased positive rates of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis; the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group showed increased protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR, as well as mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and protein expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR; the inhibitor group exhibited elevated protein expression level of EGFR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination showed that the gastric mucosal glands in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were arranged more regularly, with an approximately normal structural appearance. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the body weight of CAG rats and repair gastric mucosal injury. Its therapeutic effects may be mediated by inhibiting excessive activation of gastric mucosal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis.
3.Current Status of Early Surgical Site Infection Following Prosthetic Implantation in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery and Evaluation of Quality Control Improvement Outcomes
Mingzi ZHANG ; Loubin SI ; Jiaojie ZHENG ; Shujuan SHAN ; Qianyu LI ; Jingya WANG ; Xiaojun WANG ; Xiao LONG ; Xiao XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1174-1180
To assess the current status of early surgical site infections following prosthetic implantation in plastic surgery across four provincial-level administrative regions in China, and to explore the effectiveness of standardized training for infection prevention and control. From January to May 2025, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to perform a baseline investigation in medical institutions performing plastic and aesthetic prosthetic implant surgeries in Chongqing, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, and Guizhou provinces. Data were collected on the volume of various types of prosthetic implant surgeries and the corresponding incidence of early surgical site infections. Improvement strategies for the prevention and control of early surgical site infections in prosthetic implant surgeries were jointly developed by the National Medical Quality Control Center for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery and the National Medical Quality Control Center for Hospital Infection Management, followed by promotion and training. Subsequently, post-implementation data from June to October 2025 were collected from the above regions, and comparisons were made between pre- and post-implementation periods across different regions and surgical categories. A total of 209 medical institutions were included in the baseline period, with a questionnaire response rate of 99.52% and a total of 7475 prosthetic implantation surgeries. In the post-implementation period, 624 medical institutions were included, with a response rate of 96.00% and a total of 4813 surgeries. The combined proportion of breast prosthesis implantation and nasal/nasal base prosthesis implantation surgeries consistently exceeded 80% across all regions and periods. Regarding the distribution of infection cases, among different types of prosthetic implant surgeries, nasal/nasal base prostheses accounted for the highest proportion, with 57.50%(23/40) at baseline and 62.86% 22/35) post-implementation. The proportion of breast prosthesis infections decreased from 40.00%(16/40) at baseline to 17.14%(6/35) post-implementation. Across different regions, infection cases in Jiangxi (post-implementation)(100%), Guizhou[both baseline(100%) and post-implementation(100%)] were all concentrated in nasal/nasal base prostheses. Shaanxi reported four cases of chin prosthesis infections (22.22%) during the post-implementation period, and Chongqing reported three cases of metal-related infections(27.27%) during the post-implementation period. In terms of infection rates, Chongqing(0.55% Breast prostheses and nasal/nasal base prostheses currently represent the main types of implants used in prosthetic implantation surgeries. The improvement strategies implemented in this study were associated with decreased early surgical site infection rates in multiple regions, suggesting that these strategies provide clinical insights for the prevention and control of early infections following prosthetic implantation surgeries in China.
4.Effect of Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion on Apoptosis of Gastric Mucosal Tissue in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Model Rats:Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Qide WANG ; Shujuan CHEN ; Yu SUN ; Fang LI ; Hongbin GONG ; Mingjun XIE ; Hui LIU ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1650-1658
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=14) and modeling group (n=44). Rats in the blank group were fed routinely, while the rats in the modeling group received drinking water containing 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 140 μg/ml, combined with irregular fasting and feeding for 12 weeks to establish CAG model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into model group (n=10), inhibitor group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=20). After 40 minutes of suspended moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) daily, the rats in the moxibustion group were divided into heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=10) and non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=9) according to the change of tail temperature during moxibustion. The inhibitor group was bound for 40 minutes daily, and then administered with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, rapamycin solution, by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The model group received intragastric administration of 1 ml/kg normal saline after 40 minutes of restraint stress each day. All interventions were administered once daily for 28 consecutive days, while the blank group received no intervention. After the intervention finished, the body weight of rats in each group was compared. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa. The apoptosis-positive rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein levels of matric metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in rat gastric mucosal tissues were measured by Western Blotting. ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in all other groups exhibited decreased body weight, significantly increased gastric mucosal cell apoptosis-positive rates, elevated protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR in gastric mucosa, increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and enhanced protein expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed thinning of the gastric mucosa, glandular disorganization and atrophy, accompanied by intestinal metaplasia.Compared to the model group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group all showed significant improvements in the above-mentioned indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group exhibited increased positive rates of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis; the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group showed increased protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR, as well as mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and protein expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR; the inhibitor group exhibited elevated protein expression level of EGFR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination showed that the gastric mucosal glands in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were arranged more regularly, with an approximately normal structural appearance. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the body weight of CAG rats and repair gastric mucosal injury. Its therapeutic effects may be mediated by inhibiting excessive activation of gastric mucosal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis.
5.Clinical Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Fatigue Based on Real-world Evidence
Qiuwei PENG ; Quan JIANG ; Jian WANG ; Xun GONG ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):181-188
Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with the aim of providing guidance for clinical treatment. Methods Based on the multicenter real-world cohort of the China Registry of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Rheumatism (CERTAIN) platform, patients with RA enrolled from 2019 to 2025 were included. Demographic data, disease assessment indicators, laboratory indices, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome patterns were collected to analyze the TCM syndromes and clinical characteristics of RA patients with fatigue. Spearman correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with fatigue in RA. Results A total of 3 021 patients with RA were included, among whom 2 007 (66.43%) had fatigue. Compared with the non-fatigue group, the fatigue group was older and had a longer disease duration, with significantly higher scores for the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), swollen joint count (SJC), tender joint count (TJC), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), pain visual analog scale (VAS), and patient global assessment (PGA) (P<0.01). Among TCM syndromes, fatigue was more common in patients with dampness-heat obstruction, cold-dampness obstruction, and liver-kidney deficiency syndromes (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that morning stiffness duration exhibited a stepwise association with fatigue, while poor appetite, insomnia with frequent dreaming, restlessness, high HAQ scores, and high pain VAS scores were identified as risk factors. ConclusionFatigue is a prominent symptom in patients with RA and is more common among those with dampness-heat obstruction, cold-dampness obstruction, and liver-kidney deficiency syndromes. It is closely associated with disease activity, pain, functional limitation, sleep, and emotional status.
6.Effect of Kangxian Yixin Prescription on Cardiac Function and Myocardial Fibroblasts in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Rats
Chuiyi ZENG ; Zhentao WANG ; Huichao ZHANG ; Hongbo CHANG ; Bing WANG ; Suting GU ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):86-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Kangxian Yixin prescription regulates the circular RNA 0006719 (circ0006719)/microRNA 6852-5p (miR-6852-5p)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad axis to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MethodsA DCM rat model was established by administration of furazolidone. The rats were divided into normal group, model group, captopril (CAP, 10.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 rats in each group. After modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding drug solutions by gavage, whereas the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline for 60 consecutive days. Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial ultrastructure, pathological changes, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ) in myocardial tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression and localization of circ0006719, miR-6852-5p, fibrosis-related molecules, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue and CFs. CFs from neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. An Ang Ⅱ-induced CF activation model was established, and the cells were divided into normal group, Ang Ⅱ group, Ang Ⅱ+CAP group, Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, and Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group. CF viability and fibrosis-related molecular expression were detected. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased LVESD and LVEDD, significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS, aggravated myocardial ultrastructural and histopathological injury, and significantly increased collagen volume fraction (CVF) in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, Col ⅢmRNA, and Col1A1, Col Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in myocardial tissue was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the CAP group and the high- and medium-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups showed varying degrees of improvement in cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, circ0006719/miR-6852-5p expression, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related indicators, with more pronounced improvements in the CAP group and the high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, 2.0 g·L-1 was determined as the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. Compared with the normal group, the Ang Ⅱ group showed significantly increased CF viability, significantly upregulated expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA, and Col1A1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and significantly downregulated miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group, the Ang Ⅱ+CAP group and the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group showed markedly decreased CF viability and fibrosis-related mRNA and protein expression, markedly increased miR-6852-5p expression, and markedly attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group showed significantly increased CF viability (P<0.01), markedly increased expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, and Col1A1, TGF-β1, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and markedly decreased miR-6852-5p expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). RNA IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting binding relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p (P<0.01). ConclusionKangxian Yixin prescription may alleviate myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis, improve cardiac function in DCM rats, and inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced abnormal activation of CFs. Its mechanism may be associated with downregulation of circ0006719, restoration of miR-6852-5p expression, and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
7.Effect of Kangxian Yixin Prescription on Cardiac Function and Myocardial Fibroblasts in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Rats
Chuiyi ZENG ; Zhentao WANG ; Huichao ZHANG ; Hongbo CHANG ; Bing WANG ; Suting GU ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):86-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Kangxian Yixin prescription regulates the circular RNA 0006719 (circ0006719)/microRNA 6852-5p (miR-6852-5p)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad axis to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MethodsA DCM rat model was established by administration of furazolidone. The rats were divided into normal group, model group, captopril (CAP, 10.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 rats in each group. After modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding drug solutions by gavage, whereas the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline for 60 consecutive days. Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial ultrastructure, pathological changes, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ) in myocardial tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression and localization of circ0006719, miR-6852-5p, fibrosis-related molecules, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue and CFs. CFs from neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. An Ang Ⅱ-induced CF activation model was established, and the cells were divided into normal group, Ang Ⅱ group, Ang Ⅱ+CAP group, Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, and Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group. CF viability and fibrosis-related molecular expression were detected. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased LVESD and LVEDD, significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS, aggravated myocardial ultrastructural and histopathological injury, and significantly increased collagen volume fraction (CVF) in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, Col ⅢmRNA, and Col1A1, Col Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in myocardial tissue was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the CAP group and the high- and medium-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups showed varying degrees of improvement in cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, circ0006719/miR-6852-5p expression, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related indicators, with more pronounced improvements in the CAP group and the high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, 2.0 g·L-1 was determined as the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. Compared with the normal group, the Ang Ⅱ group showed significantly increased CF viability, significantly upregulated expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA, and Col1A1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and significantly downregulated miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group, the Ang Ⅱ+CAP group and the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group showed markedly decreased CF viability and fibrosis-related mRNA and protein expression, markedly increased miR-6852-5p expression, and markedly attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group showed significantly increased CF viability (P<0.01), markedly increased expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, and Col1A1, TGF-β1, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and markedly decreased miR-6852-5p expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). RNA IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting binding relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p (P<0.01). ConclusionKangxian Yixin prescription may alleviate myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis, improve cardiac function in DCM rats, and inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced abnormal activation of CFs. Its mechanism may be associated with downregulation of circ0006719, restoration of miR-6852-5p expression, and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
8.Clinical features and prognosis analysis of acute corpus callosum infarction
Dingyue PENG ; Weijing WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yi YANG ; Zhuohua BAO ; Yuan LYU ; Shujuan LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(2):234-238
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of acute corpus callosum in-farction.Methods A total of 1 466 patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted to the Neurology Department of Jiangbin Hospital in Guangxi from January 2019 to October 2023 and Neurology Department of Fuwai Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2022 to December 2022.Among them,21 patients with acute corpus callosum infarction confirmed by MRI(observation group)and 25 patients with isolated subcortical infarction at the same period(control group)were selected.By comparing clinical data and follow-up information between two groups,we summarized the clinical characteristics of acute corpus callosum infarction,and analyzed the relevant factors affecting the prognosis of the corpus callosum infarction group.Results Acute corpus callosum infarction accounted for 1.43%(21/1 466)of patients with acute cerebral infarction in the same period.The main clinical manifestations include limb paralysis,cognitive decline,and speech impairment.Compared with the control group,the group with corpus callosum infarction had a longer onset visit time(P<0.05),more cognitive impair-ment(P<0.05),a higher proportion of mild stroke(P<0.05),more worsening symptoms during the course of the disease(P<0.05),a higher proportion of cardioembolic type(P<0.05),a lower proportion of small artery occlu?sion type(P<0.05)and a higher proportion of good prognosis(mRS score≤2 points)(P<0.05).The poor prog?nosis of corpus callosum infarction was found to be related to factors such as large lesions,multiple high?risk factors(≥3),concomitant lobar infarction and worsening of symptoms during the course of the disease.Conclusions Acute corpus callosum infarction often leads to cognitive impairment and mild limb paralysis,which frequently de?lays treatment.The poor prognosis is mainly related to factors such as lobar infarction,major lesions,and worsening of symptoms during the process.
9.Correlation between inflammatory response-related indicators and poor outcomes of in-hospital patients with symptomatic stroke
Nan LI ; Guitao ZHANG ; Bin WANG ; Yao FENG ; Shujuan LI ; Yinghua ZHOU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(8):1083-1087
Objective To analyze the correlation between inflammation indicators(systemic inflammatory response syndrome and systemic immune-inflammation index)and adverse outcomes in patients with symptomatic stroke during hospitalization.Methods This study was a prospective cohort study including consecutive patients with symptomatic stroke who were hospitalized in Fuwai Hospital from January to September 2023.The past medical history,clinical symptoms and signs of the patients were collected.The neurological damage was evaluated with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS).Laboratory test results were recorded and the SIRI and SII in-dex were calculated.Patients were followed up for 90 days after the stroke,and their neurological outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale.A score of 0-1 was classified as good outcome,and a score ≥2 was classified as poor outcome.The correlation between inflammatory response indicators and poor outcomes was as-sessed using multiple Logistic regression.Results A total of 97 patients with in-hospital symptomatic stroke were included with an average age of 61.8±12.7 years.Among them,there were 28 females(28.9%,28/97),9 with a history of prior stroke(9.3%,9/97),15 with atrial fibrillation(15.5%,15/97),16 with heart failure(16.5%,16/97),and 7 with myocardial infarction(7.2%,7/97).Correlation analysis showed that the NIHSS score at the time of stroke onset was significantly correlated with the patient's post-stroke SIRI(r=0.237,P<0.05)and SII(r=0.234,P<0.05).After 90 days of follow-up,41 cases(42.3%,41/97)had a poor outcome.Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that post-stroke SIRI(Or=4.71,95%CI:1.24-17.90)and SII(Or=3.13,95%CI:0.88-11.06)were correlated with poor outcomes within 90 days after the stroke.Analysis using restricted cubic splines showed that as the levels of SIRI and SII increased,the risk of poor out-comes in patients with in-hospital symptomatic stroke increased.Conclusions SIRI is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with in-hospital symptomatic stroke,and the risk of poor neurological outcomes in-creases with high level of SIRI.
10.Correlation between the expression of serum miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p and miR-155 and the degree of Helicobacter pylori infection in elderly gastric cancer patients
Chunli TANG ; Shujuan FAN ; Sheng TAO ; Jianning LIU ; Feng SU ; Caiyun YUAN ; Meiling ZHU ; Ruimei ZHONG ; JiaoJiao CAO ; Yun WANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(2):151-156
Objective To explore the correlation between the expression of serum microRNA(miR)-1298-5p,miR-625-5p,and miR-155 with the degree of Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection in elderly gastric cancer patients.Methods From January 2021 to November 2023,120 elderly patients with gastric cancer admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to November 2023 were selected as the gastric cancer group,and 130 non-gas-tric cancer patients who underwent gastroscopy were selected as the control group.The expression levels of miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p and miR-155 in serum were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR(qPCR).Car-bon 13 urea breath test was used to detect the positive rate of Hp infection in two groups,and the degree of Hp infection in elderly patients with gastric cancer were evaluated.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p,and miR-155 expression levels for Hp infection in elderly gastric cancer patients.Pearson method was applied to analyze the correlation between serum miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p,miR-155 expression and positive rate of Hp infection in elderly gas-tric cancer patients.Results Compared with the control group,the expression levels of miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p in serum of gastric cancer group decreased(P<0.05),while the positive rate of Hp infection and the expression level of serum miR-155 increased(P<0.05).The expression levels of serum miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p in elderly gastric cancer patients with Hp grade Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ infection were lower than those without Hp infection,while the expression level of miR-155 was higher(P<0.05).Patients with poor differ-entiation,lymph node metastasis,and TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ had lower expressions of serum miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p(P<0.05),and higher expression of miR-155(P<0.05)than those with moderate-high differen-tiation,no lymph node metastasis,and TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ.The expression levels of serum miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p were negatively correlated with the positive rate of Hp infection in elderly patients with gastric cancer(r=-0.443,-0.386,both P<0.001),and the expression levels of serum miR-155 were positively correlated with the positive rate of Hp infection(r=0.525,P<0.001).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p and miR-155 combined diagnosis of Hp infection in elderly gastric cancer pa-tients was higher than that of single diagnosis(P<0.05).Conclusion The expression levels of miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p in serum of elderly gastric cancer patients with Hp infection decrease,while the expression level of miR-155 increases.These three factors are related to the degree of Hp infection and have good diag-nostic value for the occurrence of Hp infection.


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