1.Role of TLR4-mediated NETs formation in isoproterenol-induced heart failure in aged mice
Huan LIU ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Zhilin WU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):699-705
ObjectiveTo examine the impact of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced heart failure (HF) in aged mice. MethodsThe mice were randomly divided into Control group, Model group, TAK-242 (TLR4 inhibitor) group, LPS (TLR4 agonist) group and LPS+DNaseⅠ (NETs inhibitor) group, with 8 mice in each group. The HF model was established by continuous infusion of ISO through an osmotic pump, and TAK-242, LPS, and LPS+DNaseⅠ interventions were administered during the last week of infusion for 7 consecutive days. ELISA was used to detect the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum and myocardial tissue myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA) and neutrophil elastase-DNA (NE-DNA) levels. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the deposition of collagen fibers in myocardial tissue. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the colocalization of Ly6G and MPO in myocardial tissue. The protein expressions of TLR4, MPO, NE and cit-H3 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) in the Mode group significantly increased (P<0.01), fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the myocardial structure was significantly damaged. The myocardial collagen fiber precipitation, serum NT-pro BNP, cTnI, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α contents, MPO-DNA and NE-DNA contents in serum and myocardial tissue significantly increased (P<0.01). The co-localization of Ly6G and MPO and the expression of TLR4, MPO, NE and cit-H3 proteins in myocardial tissue significantly increased (P<0.01). After TAK-242 intervention, the above indicators were significantly reversed, while the injury was further aggravated in LPS group. DNaseⅠ treatment could partially alleviate the deterioration of myocardial structure and function induced by LPS. ConclusionTLR4 and NETs are abnormally elevated in the myocardial tissue of aged HF mice. Treatment with the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 effectively suppresses NET formation, attenuates inflammatory responses, and enhances cardiac function in aged HF mice.
2.Comparison of clinical efficacy of different doses of rituximab combined with tacrolimus in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Ruihua SHANG ; Qian LI ; Minghao GUO ; Xiangdong LIU ; Shu-long WANG ; Huilin XING ; Jin LI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(17):2740-2747
Objective To investigate the effect of two treatment regimens combining Tacrolimus(TAC)with different Rituximab(RTX)dosages,and to provide clinical reference for treatment strategies.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with idiopathic membranous nephropathy(IMN)and treated with RTX combined with TAC regimen(RTX+TAC group and low-dose RTX+TAC group)in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University.Propensity score matching(PSM)was performed at a 1:1 ratio,and a total of 60 patients were enrolled,with 30 in each group.In low-dose RTX(375 mg/m2 at the first and fifteenth day respectively)+TAC group,if circulating B cells(CD19?)exceeded 5 cells/μL after 3 months,a 200 mg RTX infusion was administered.In RTX(1g at the first and fifteenth day respectively)+TAC group,if complete remission(CR)was not achieved by 6 months,an additional 1000 mg RTX infusion was administered.The incidence of CR,partial remission,and adverse events were followed up for 12 months after medication in both groups.Results(1)Both groups showed significant reductions in 24-hour proteinuria,with the RTX+TAC group demonstrating a notably higher decrease compared to the low-dose RTX+TAC group.Statistical differences were observed between the two groups at the 1st and 3rd months of treatment(P<0.05).Albumin levels gradually increased,and there were differ-ences between the two groups at both the 1st and 3rd months(P<0.05).The anti-phospholipase A2 antibody levels decreased significantly after one month of treatment[3.45(1.90,22.10)vs.3.28(8.30,23.08)RU/mL],P>0.05.At 3 months of treatment,the overall clinical remission rate was 63.3%for the RTX+TAC group compared to 36.7%for the low-dose RTX+TAC group(P<0.05).At 12 months,the RTX+TAC group achieved an overall remission rate of 86.7%,while the low-dose RTX+TAC group reached 83.3%,showing no statistical significance(P>0.05).After one month of treatment,the RTX+TAC group achieved a complete serological immunological remission rate of 33.3%,significantly higher than the 3.3%in the low-dose RTX+TAC group(P<0.05).(2)The cumulative remission rate of the RTX+TAC group was higher than that of the low-dose RTX+TAC group during the first 6 months of follow-up.The remission rate in the low-dose RTX+TAC group increased significantly after 6 months.Log-rank test showed no statistical difference between the survival curves of the two groups(P=0.37).(3)Based on a multifactorial COX regression analysis of factors related to remission in patients with IMN,for every unit increase in serum immunological remission time,the risk of patients achieving remission decreased by 13.5%(HR=0.87,P=0.016).The risk of remission for patients with high titers of anti-PLA2R antibodies decreased by 60.2%(HR=0.39,P=0.018).Conclusions Different RTX dosages yielded comparable overall clinical remission rates without significantly increasing adverse events.RTX+TAC regimen achieves higher early CR rate.Serological remission time and high titer anti-PLA2R antibodies are associated with clinical outcomes.
3.Progress of Biomechanical Study of Flat Foot Formation and Therapy
Zongxiang HU ; Qiang LI ; Hui LIU ; Xuecan CHEN ; Xiangdong WANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(1):237-243
This study reviews recent publications on the biomechanical causes and treatment of flat foot,through searching PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang and other databases.The reasons for the formation of flat foot include congenital factors and acquired factors,while the treatment methods mainly include orthopedic insoles,physical therapy,surgical therapy and exercise therapy.These methods,to a certain extent,can correct foot structural abnormalities,optimize biomechanical properties and improve foot stability and range of motion.For future research,the advanced imaging and simulation technology will be used for accurate assessment,the application of novel materials and non-surgical therapies will relieve long-term symptoms,genetic researches will promote the development of early diagnosis and personalized treatment,and the use of intelligent orthosis will realize real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment,to provide more and more effective methods and means for the evaluation,intervention and treatment of flat foot.
4.Effects of Dahuang Tangluo Pills on Intestinal Inflammatory Injury in Type 2 Diabetes Rats Based on TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zhongtang LIU ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Dong AN ; Yankui GAO ; Min BAI ; Sichen ZHAO ; Yunhui ZHAO ; Xiaoli PEI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):91-98
Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of Dahuang Tangluo Pills on intestinal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)rats based on TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods Eight ZDF(fa/+)rats were used as the blank group,and 40 ZDF(fa/fa)rats were fed with high-fat diet and then randomly divided into model group,metformin group(0.18 g/kg metformin)and TCM high-,medium-and low-dosage groups(2.16,1.08,0.54 g/kg Dahuang Tangluo Pills),respectively.The medication groups were gavaged with corresponding dosages for 12 consecutive weeks.The body mass and fasting blood glucose(FBG)of rats before and after intervention were detected.After the intervention,an oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was performed,the serum glucose(GLU),glycosylated serum protein(GSP),triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents were detected.ELISA was used to detect serum fasting insulin(FINS),free fatty acids(FFA)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-22,lipopolysaccharide(LPS),secreted immunoglobulin A(SIgA)contents in colonic tissue.HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue,and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Toll like receptor 4(TLR4),nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65),p-NF-κB p65,NF-κB inhibitor α(IκBα),p-IκBα,myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)and zona pellucida protein-1(ZO-1)in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the body mass and FBG significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01),blood glucose significantly increased at all time points of OGTT(P<0.01),serum GLU,GSP,TG,TC,LDL-C,FINS,FFA and TNF-α,IL-6,IL-22,LPS contents in colonic tissue significantly increased,serum HDL-C and colonic tissue SIgA contents significantly decreased(P<0.01),with colonic tissue nuclear condensation,cytoplasmic dissolution,inflammatory cell infiltration.The protein expressions of TLR4,NF-κB p65,p-NF-κB p65,p-IκBα and MyD88 in colonic tissue significantly increased,while the protein expressions of IκBα and ZO-1 significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass and FBG significantly decreased in metformin group,TCM high-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.01),blood glucose decreased at different time points of OGTT,and serum GLU,GSP,TG,TC,LDL-C,FINS,FFA and TNF-α,IL-6,IL-22,LPS contents in colonic tissue significantly decreased,serum HDL-C and colonic tissue SIgA contents significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),with significant improvement in colonic tissue structure and reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration.The protein expressions of TLR4,NF-κB p65,p-NF-κB p65,p-IκBα and MyD88 in colonic tissue significantly decreased,while the proteins expression of IκBα and ZO-1 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Dahuang Tangluo Pills may inhibit the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway,reduce the release of inflammatory factors,improve intestinal inflammatory injury,restore intestinal homeostasis,thereby improving glucose and lipid metabolism and exerting therapeutic effects on T2DM.
5.Evaluation of ultrasound scoring system combined with shear wave elastography on curative effect of IgG4-related submandibular and lacrimal gland inflammation
Jinhuai ZHANG ; Mingzhu ZHOU ; Yanying LIU ; Xiangdong HU
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(5):10-15
Objective:To explore the assessment value of ultrasound scoring system combined with shear wave elastography(SWE)on curative effect of IgG4-related submandibular and lacrimal gland inflammation.Methods:This study was a prospective cohort study.A total of 103 patients with IgG4-related submandibular and/or lacrimal gland inflammation who admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University from September 2022 to December 2024 were consecutively included.They were divided into an effective group(45 cases)and a non-effective group(58 cases)based on the curative effect.All patients were assessed by conventional ultrasound and SWE before and after treatment.Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent influencing factors of assessing the curative effect,and then,a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and nomograms were drawn.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in gender and age between the effective group and the non-effective group(P>0.05).The difference between the submandibular and lacrimal gland score,change rate of score,difference of mean Young's modulus(Emean),Emean change rate,difference of maximum value of Young's modulus(Emax),and Emax change rate in the effective group were all higher than those in the non-effective group,and the differences were statistically significant(Z=-7.916,-7.680,-6.767,-6.722,-6.360,-5.957,P<0.05),respectively.The difference between the submandibular and lacrimal gland score(OR=2.90,P<0.001)and the Emax difference(OR=1.18,P<0.05)had diagnostic value for assessing the curative effectiveness.The area under curve(AUC)value,sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the difference between submandibular and lacrimal gland score were respectively 0.945,88.9%,94.8%and 87.4%in assessing the curative effectiveness.The above indicators of Emax difference were respectively 0.866,86.7%,70.7%and 77.7%in assessing the curative effectiveness.The above indicators of the combination of them were respectively 0.976,93.3%,94.8%and 94.2%.Conclusion:The combination of the conventional ultrasound scoring system and SWE has higher diagnostic value in assessing the curative effect of IgG4-related submandibular and lacrimal gland inflammation.The combined application can significantly improve the accuracy and provide reliable imaging reference for clinical practice.
6.Research progress in the treatment of targeting breast cancer stem cells
Tumor 2025;45(3):297-306
In recent years,the incidence of breast cancer among Chinese women has been increasing annually,with its poor prognosis and high mortality rates presenting major challenges in current breast cancer treatment.Breast cancer stem cells(BCSCs)are the key factors which leading to the occurrence,development,treatment resistance,and recurrence of breast cancer.A high proportion of BCSCs are also closely related to adverse outcome of breast cancer patients.However,traditional drugs are difficult to effectively eliminate BCSCs and may even increase their enrichment level.Therefore,developing therapeutic strategies specifically targeting BCSCs represents a critical breakthrough for improving treatment efficacy in breast cancer patients.Significant progresses have been made in this field,including the development of various inhibitors targeting BCSCs surface markers,key signaling pathways,and immune checkpoints,as well as advances in nano-drug delivery systems(NDDS)and the discovery of numerous novel targets,offering new directions for breast cancer treatment.This paper systematically reviews recent advances and existing challenges in BCSCs-targeted therapies,and outlines future directions,aiming to provide new insights for both clinical practice and scientific research in breast cancer treatment.
7.Relationship of Heart Rate and Velocity During 15 km Cross-Country Sit-Skiing Simulation Race
Xiangdong WANG ; Hailiang YANG ; Ruijiao LIU ; Zongxiang HU
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(3):545-552,579
Objective The athletic performance and physiological indicators of two top seated cross-country skiers during simulated competitions were analyzed,and the characteristics of exercise intensity and pacing strategies in different terrains were explored,so as to provide a scientific basis for physical fitness allocation and speed rhythm optimization of the athletes.Methods Differential global positioning system and Momentum Technology MT-Sports T2 were used to test athlete A and athlete B with class of locomotor winter 10(LW 10),who were the first and second runners-up of Beijing Winter Paralympic mid-distance cross-country ski race.The athletes' real-time gliding speed and heart rate during five consecutive 15 km cross-country skiing time trials were collected,and the time spent on each section,speed and heart rate changes in each course were analyzed.Results The coefficient of variation(CV)of mean heart rate on uphill and flat terrain sections were significantly correlated with total scores.The average gliding speed and average heart rate as a percentage of maximum heart rate(HRmax)of the athletes in three terrains were significantly correlated with total scores.The correlation between the mean time spent on uphill and flat terrain and total performance was stronger than that between the mean time spent on downhill terrain and total scores.Both athletes used a cumulative acceleration speed rhythm.Conclusions Uphill and flat terrain time are critical to race performance.Athletes adopt a progressive pacing strategy,gradually increasing speed in the first half,maintaining stable output in the mid-race,and finishing the last lap at a high-speed.Heart rates are mainly distributed between 70%-90%HRmax,and balancing high-intensity efforts on uphills with recovery on downhills helps optimize energy expenditure.
8.Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of peroral super minimally invasive incision for esophageal diverticulum
Qun SHAO ; Yutong SUN ; Qianqian CHEN ; Jinping LI ; Shengzhen LIU ; Bo NING ; Xiangdong WANG ; Enqiang LINGHU
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(8):687-691
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of peroral super minimally invasive incision for esophageal diverticulum.Methods:The clinical data of patients with esophageal diverticulum who underwent super minimally invasive surgery (SMIS) at the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from April 2022 to September 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. These data include clinical baseline data, endoscopic surgical parameters, preoperative and postoperative Eckardt scores, surgical costs, and the duration of hospitalization.Results:Thirteen patients successfully completed submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division (STESD) surgery without any postoperative adverse events. The duration of operation was (37.00 ± 5.82) min, the application time of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) was 4 (4, 4) d, the application time of antibiotics was 3 (2, 4) d, the surgical cost was 22 580 (27 044, 34 255) yuan, and the hospital stay was 12 (10, 22) d. The Eckardt scores before and after the operation were 3 (2, 4) scores and 1 (0, 1) score respectively, the Eckardt score after the operation decreased significantly compared with that before the operation.Conclusions:STESD is a safety and efficient operation for the treatment of esophageal diverticulitis. It has the advantages of short term curative effect and obvious improvement of the patient′s symptoms.
9.Development and performance evaluation of a laser-induced graphene-based multimodal electrochemical sensor for monitoring the burn wound microenvironment
Shaoyuan LIU ; Yuheng ZHANG ; Rong HUANG ; Zhuomin LYU ; Xiangdong LI ; Xiaoli XU ; Xueyong LI
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(7):688-697
Objective:To develop a laser-induced graphene (LIG)-based multimodal electrochemical sensor for monitoring the burn wound microenvironment and to evaluate its performance.Methods:This study was an experimental study. LIG three-electrode substrates were functionalized with L-lactate oxidase, polyaniline, and sortase A to fabricate lactate sensor, pH sensor, and bacterial sensor, respectively, thereby constituting the LIG-based multimodal electrochemical sensor. An electrochemical workstation was used to assess the electrochemical performance of the lactate sensor and bacterial sensor by cyclic voltammetry, with voltammetric response curves being plotted. An electrochemical workstation was used to assess the lactate sensor's response to lactate by chronoamperometry (with current-time curve being recorded and calibration curve being plotted during the test in the L-lactic acid solution with a molar concentration of 10-60 mmol/L), the pH sensor's response to pH by open-circuit potential measurement (with open-circuit potential-time curve being recorded and calibration curve being plotted during the test in the standard buffer solutions with pH values ranging from 3 to 8), and the bacterial sensor's response to bacteria by differential pulse voltammetry (with current-voltage curve being recorded and calibration curve being plotted during the test in gradient suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus ranging from 1×103-1×10? colony forming unit (CFU)/mL). The sample size for all the above experiments was 3. The correlation analysis was performed on the current value of the lactate sensor and the lactate concentration, the average value of steady-state open circuit potential of the pH sensor and the pH value, and the peak current value of the bacterial sensor and the bacterial concentration value. Each of the prepared standard test system solutions for lactate, pH value, and bacteria were all aliquoted into 30 samples. The lactate concentration, pH value, and bacterial concentration were determined by the lactate sensor and a L-lactate assay kit, the pH sensor and a precision pH meter, and the bacterial sensor and a microvolume spectrophotometer, respectively. Fifteen pairs of matched data were selected according to the random number table method for comparison, and the correlation analysis was performed on the measured values of each sensor and the reference values of the corresponding standard methods. Results:The voltammetric response curves showed that the lactate sensor and the bacterial sensor exhibited distinct oxidation peak currents at oxidation peak potentials of approximately 0.74 and 0.65 V, respectively. In the lactate sensor, the change in current after addition of phosphate buffered solution was (0.025±0.041) μA, which was significantly lower than that after addition of L-lactate solution (0.228±0.117) μA ( t=2.85, P<0.05). In the L-lactic acid solution with a molar concentration of 10-60 mmol/L, the current value of the lactate sensor was significantly linearly correlated with the lactate concentration ( r=0.98, P<0.05). In the standard buffer solutions with pH values ranging from 3 to 8, the average value of steady-state open circuit potential of the pH sensor was significantly linearly correlated with the corresponding pH values ( r=0.96, P<0.05). In gradient suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus ranging from 1×103 to 1×10? CFU/mL, the peak current value of the bacterial sensor was significantly linearly correlated with the logarithm of bacterial concentration ( r=0.95, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the lactate concentrations measured by the lactate sensor and by the L-lactate assay kit, pH values measured by the pH sensor and by the precision pH meter, and logarithmic bacterial concentrations measured by the bacterial sensor and by the microvolume spectrophotometer ( P>0.05), but there were significant positive correlations between the two (with r values of 0.97, 0.96, and 0.95, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions:After functional modification, the developed LIG-based multimodal electrochemical sensor enables accurate monitoring of lactate concentration, pH value, and bacterial load in the burn wound microenvironment with the results being of high sensitivity and stability. This platform provides a reliable new approach for non-invasive monitoring of the critical indicators of burn wound microenvironment, which shows great prospects for clinical application.
10.Associations of Life's Crucial 9 and the risk of thyroid dysfunction: a cohort study
Juanjuan ZHANG ; Yuerong HE ; Zhiyuan TANG ; Xiangdong SUN ; Jiale SHEN ; Jianping GONG ; Chao LIU ; Yang XIA
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(8):1400-1408
Objective:Exploring the association between Life's Crucial 9 (LC9) and the risk of thyroid dysfunction (TD), as well as its potential predictive capacity.Methods:A total of 247 600 TD-free participants from the UK Biobank were enrolled in the study. The LC9 score was divided into three CVH groups: low (0-), medium (50-), and high (80-100). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the HRs and 95% CIs of the risk of TD with LC9 CVH status. Calculate Harrell's concordance index ( C-index), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) to evaluate the predictive ability of the LC9 score and Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score. Results:During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 5 515, 911, and 4 869 new cases of TD, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism were documented, respectively. Participants with a high LE8 CVH group had 57.00% ( HR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.38-0.49), 55.00% ( HR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.34-0.60), and 58.00% ( HR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.37-0.47) lower risk of TD, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, respectively, than those with low CVH group. Compared with the LE8 score, the improvement in C-index for the LC9 score predicted TD risk was 0.004 (95% CI: 0.001-0.007), the NRI was 0.101 (95% CI: 0.021-0.103), and the IDI was 0.001 (95% CI: 0.000-0.001). Conclusions:The better CVH status, defined by LC9, was associated with a lower risk of TD. Compared to the LE8 score, the LC9 score demonstrated a significant enhancement in both risk discrimination and reclassification capability for TD risk.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail