BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) presents a significant health burden in Asia and remains a critical challenge. This study aims to delineate the PAH burden in Asia from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: Using the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021, we evaluated and analyzed the distributions and patterns of PAH disease burden among various age groups, sexes, regions, and countries in Asia. Additionally, we examined the associations between PAH disease burden and key health system indicators, including the socio-demographic index (SDI) and the universal health coverage (UHC) index. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 25,989 new PAH cases, 103,382 existing cases, 13,909 PAH-associated deaths, and 385,755 DALYs attributed to PAH in Asia, which accounted for approximately 60% of global PAH cases. The age-standardized rates (ASRs) for prevalence and deaths were 2.05 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1.66-2.52) per 100,000 population and 0.31 (95% UI: 0.23-0.38) per 100,000 population, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, Asia reported the lowest ASRs for PAH prevalence but the highest ASRs for deaths compared to other continents. While the ASRs for prevalence increased slightly, ASRs for mortality and DALYs decreased over time. This increasing burden of PAH was primarily driven by population growth and aging. The burden was especially pronounced among individuals aged ≥60 years and <9 years, who collectively accounted for the majority of deaths and DALYs. Moreover, higher SDI and UHC levels were linked to reduced incidence, but higher prevalence rates. CONCLUSIONS Although progress has been made in reducing PAH-related mortality and DALYs, the disease continues to impose a substantial burden in Asia, particularly among older adults and young children. Region-specific health policies should focus on improving early diagnosis, expanding access to treatment, and effectively addressing the growing PAH burden in the region.
Humans ; Global Burden of Disease ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Asia/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Aged ; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/mortality* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/epidemiology*

BACKGROUND: The potential impact of pre-existing coronary artery stenosis (CAS) on right ventricular (RV) function during acute pulmonary embolism (PE) episodes remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between pre-existing CAS and RV dysfunction in patients with acute PE. METHODS: In this multicenter, case-control study, 89 cases and 176 controls matched for age were enrolled at three study centers (Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Fuwai Hospital, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University) from January 2016 to December 2020. The cases were patients with acute PE with CAS, and the controls were patients with acute PE without CAS. Coronary artery assessment was performed using coronary computed tomographic angiography. CAS was defined as ≥50% stenosis of the lumen diameter in any coronary vessel >2.0 mm in diameter. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between CAS and RV dysfunction. RESULTS: The percentages of RV dysfunction (19.1% [17/89] vs. 44.6% [78/176], P <0.001) and elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (19.3% [17/89] vs. 39.5% [68/176], P = 0.001) were significantly lower in the case group than those in the control group. In the multivariable logistic regression model, CAS was independently and negatively associated with RV dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.367; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.185-0.728; P = 0.004), and elevated sPAP (OR: 0.490; 95% CI: 0.252-0.980; P = 0.035), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Pre-existing CAS was significantly and negatively associated with RV dysfunction and elevated sPAP in patients with acute PE. This finding provides new insights into RV dysfunction in patients with acute PE with pre-existing CAS.
Humans ; Pulmonary Embolism/complications* ; Case-Control Studies ; Male ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/physiopathology* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Coronary Stenosis/complications* ; Logistic Models ; Adult

Objective : To investigate the effects of sinapine on lung tissue inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in asthmatic mice. Methods: Eight-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into Control group, ovalbumin(OVA) group, Sinapine group, and Sinapine+OVA group. The asthmatic mice model were established by intraperitoneal injection of OVA combined with aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] suspension and OVA nasal stimulation. One hour before OVA nasal stimulation, the mice in Sinapine+OVA group and Sinapine group were intraperitoneally injected with sinapine solution, and the mice in OVA group and Control group were treated with the same dose of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. 24 hours after the last OVA stimulation, the inflammation of lung tissue of mice were observed by HE staining; the mucus secretion were evaluated by PAS staining; the mRNA expression levels of Interleukin-4(IL-4), Interleukin-5(IL-5), Interleukin-13(IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), Mucin 5ac(Muc5ac), and the mRNA of the key genes of Notch pathway such as Notch receptor 1(Notch1), Notch receptor 2(Notch2), Notch receptor 3(Notch3), and hes family bHLH transcription factor 1(Hes1) in lung tissues were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR); the expression levels of Notch1, Notch2, Notch3 and Hes1 proteins were determined by Western blot. Results : Compared with Control group, the inflammation score and PAS score of lung tissues of mice in OVA group increased(P<0.001); the mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, and Muc5ac of mice in OVA group were enhanced(P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch2, Notch3, and Hes1 of mice in OVA group significantly increased(P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1. Compared with OVA group, the inflammation score and PAS score of lung tissues of mice in Sinapine+OVA group decreased(P<0.001); the mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, and Muc5ac of mice in Sinapine+OVA group were reduced(P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch2, Notch3, and Hes1 of mice in Sinapine+OVA group were downregulated(P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1. Conclusion Sinapine can alleviate the lung tissue inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in asthmatic mice, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Notch2/Notch3-Hes1 signal pathway.

Objective:To explore the effect of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation (iTBS) of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking function of stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-five stroke survivors complicated with lower extremity dysfunction were divided into an iTBS group, an exoskeleton group and a combined group, each of 25, according to a random number table. In addition to conventional rehabilitation training, the iTBS group was given cerebellar iTBS combined with traditional walking training, the exoskeleton group received sham cerebellar iTBS combined with walking training assisted by a lower extremity exoskeleton robot. The combined group received both therapies. The schedule was once a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the 10-metre walking test (10MWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE) were used to evaluate the subjects′ walking ability, balance and lower extremity motor ability. Gait and neuro-electrophysiological tests were also conducted in all three groups.Results:After the treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the 10MWT times, BBS scores, FMA-LE scores, stride frequency and stride speed of all three groups compared with before the treatment. On average, the results of the exoskeleton and combined groups were significantly better than those of the iTBS group, and those of the combined group were significantly better than among the exoskeleton group. Almost everyone′s MEP latency and amplitude had improved significantly compared with before the treatment, but the improvements in the exoskeleton group tended to be superior to those in the iTBS group ( P≤0.05). The latency in the combined group averaged (21.25±1.70)ms, and the amplitude averaged (184.17±6.54)μV, both significantly better than the exoskeleton group′s averages. Conclusions:Cerebellum iTBS combined with lower extremity exoskeleton walker training can significantly improve the motor functioning, balance and walking ability of stroke survivors.

Objective:To explore the effect of combining repeated peripheral (rPMS) and central transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating upper limb motor dysfunction after a stroke.Methods:Seventy-eight patients with upper limb motor dysfunction after a stroke were randomly divided into a control group, an rTMS group and a combined magnetic stimulation group, each of 26. All three groups underwent routine rehabilitation, while the rTMS group was repeatedly given low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation of the M1 region on the unaffected side, and the combined group also received repeated peripheral magnetic stimulation at Erb′s point on the affected upper limb. There was one treatment session a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb motor function was quantified using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Wolf motor function test (WMFT). Skill in the activities of daily living was quantified in terms of a Barthel index (BI). Motor recovery of the upper limbs and hands was assessed using Brunnstrom staging. The latency and amplitude of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the subjects′ affected abductor pollicis brevis muscles were also recorded before and after the treatment. Pearson correlation coefficients quantified the correlation between the changes in FMA-UE scores and MEP amplitudes before and after the treatment in the three groups.Results:There were no significant differences among the three groups before the treatment. Afterward, however, the average FMA-UE, WMFT and BI scores, as well as the upper limb and hand Brunnstrom stages and the average MEP latencies and amplitudes of all the three groups had improved significantly. The combined group′s average results were then significantly better than the other two groups′ averages, except for the upper limb Brunnstrom stages. The increases in MEP amplitude were positively correlated with the increases in FMA-UE scores among the rTMS and the combined group, but there was no significant correlation between them in the control group.Conclusions:The combined application of rPMS and contralateral low frequency rTMS can effectively relieve motor dysfunction in the upper limbs in the early stages after a stroke.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Kangliu Zengxiao Jiandu Prescription(KLJD)in enhancing the efficacy of cisplatin chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)through network pharmacology and in vivo/in vitro experiments.Methods Components of KLJD were screened via the TCMSP database to identify active components and potential targets.Lung cancer-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards and OMIM databases.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed on drug-disease intersection targets using the Metascape database;molecular docking was performed between core target proteins and main active components.A Lewis lung cancer mouse model was established,and intervened with KLJD and cisplatin.Organ indexes and tumor inhibition rate were counted,and Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expressions of key pathway target proteins and mRNA;A549 and H1299 cells were intervened with KLJD,and Western blot was used to detect key target protein expressions.Results Network pharmacology identified 74 active components and 20 key targets of KLJD,primarily involved in biological processes such as cell proliferation and inflammatory response,and pathways in cancer and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway;molecular docking revealed stable binding between EGFR and major compounds.Animal experiments demonstrated that,compared with the model group,the KLJD group showed significantly higher tumor inhibition rate(P<0.01)and downregulation of EGFR,AKT and PI3K protein and mRNA expression in tumor tissues(P<0.05).Compared with the cisplatin group,the combination group exhibited significantly enhanced tumor inhibition rate(P<0.01),elevated thymic and splenic indices(P<0.01),and decreased EGFR,PI3K and AKT protein and mRNA expressions(P<0.01).Cell experiments showed that KLJD concentration-dependently inhibited A549 and H1299 cell proliferation(IC50:14.72 mg/mL and 14.68 mg/mL,respectively).Combined with cisplatin,KLJD synergistically down-regulated EGFR PI3K and AKT protein expressions(P<0.01).Conclusion KLJD effectively enhances cisplatin's chemotherapeutic efficacy in NSCLC by inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway while improving immune organ function.Its mechanism likely involves multi-target regulation,including suppression of tumor proliferation,promotion of apoptosis,and modulation of the immune microenvironment.

Objective To explore the correlation between thyroid autoimmunity(TAI)and gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)in Chinese euthyroid women.Methods A total of 508 euthyroid women were enrolled in the cross-sectional study,who performed their entire clinical/biological workup and oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)from the department of Gynecology and Endocrinology of the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Capital Medical University from June 2023 to June 2024.At median 8(6-10)weeks of gestation,thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),free thyroxine(fT4),and thyroid peroxidase antibodies(TPOAb)were measured,baseline characteristics were recorded,and an OGTT was performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.According to the OGTT results,they were divided into GDM group(n=169)and non GDM group(n=339).Thyroid parameters,the demographic and obstetric parameters,and the prevalence of TAI were compared with two groups.The factors associated with GDM were analyzed with multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results The age,body mass index(BMI),and proportion of obese women before pregnancy in the GDM group were all significantly higher than those in the non-GDM group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.001).The proportion of pregnant women over 30 years old in the GDM group was significantly higher than that in the non-GDM group(59.17%vs 6.79%,χ2=168.667,P<0.001).The proportion of obese mothers(BMI≥28 kg/m2)before pregnancy in the GDM group was 24.26%,which was significantly higher than that in the non-GDM group(8.26%)(χ2=24.599,P<0.001).The incidence of TAI in the GDM group was 54.44%,while it was 15.93%in the non-GDM group.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(χ2=81.659,P<0.001).The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age over 30 years and pre-pregnancy obesity increased the risk of GDM occurrence in TAI women by 6.08 times(OR=6.08,95%CI 3.61-10.25,P<.001).Conclusion Among early pregnancy women with normal thyroid function,as age increases during follow-up(especially over 30 years old),pre-pregnancy BMI increases(especially in obese individuals),and those with pre-pregnancy TAI,the risk of developing GDM during pregnancy significantly increases.It is necessary to explore preventive strategies for GDM in euthyroid TAI women,with a view to improving adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1)is closely related to hormone therapy which belongs to the membrane-associated progesterone receptor(MAPR)family.A large number of in vitro experiments,in vivo animal experiments,clinical samples of breast cancer patients and blood studies showed that all synthetic progesterone(excluding natural progesterone and dydrogesterone)can promote the rapid proliferation of breast cancer cells overexpressing PGRMC1.In patients with breast cancer,PGRMC1 is significantly negatively correlated with tumor grade and prognosis,and PGRMC1 level in blood is positively correlated with PGRMC1 expression in breast cancer tissues,and PGRMC1 is superior to traditional tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen(CA125),and CA153 in predicting early breast cancer.Therefore,PGRMC1 may serve as a predictive marker for identifying an elevated risk of breast cancer associated with menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Objective To investigate the curative effect of letrozole combined with Zi Gui Nv Zhen Capsules on patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)complicated by thin endometrial infertility.Methods 140 patients with PCOS who met the diagnosis of endometrial thin infertility(endometrial thickness<0.8 cm and no pregnancy for 1 year without contraception)were recruited and randomly assigned to the control group and the experimental group for 3 cycles of treatment.The control group was given letrozole 2.5 mg/d on the 3rd day of menstruation,estradiol valerate 2 mg/d on the 8-10th day of menstruation,and dydrogesterone 10 mg/d in sequence.The experimental group was treated with Zi Gui Nv Zhen Capsules on the basis of the control group.During 3 cycles of treatment,endometrial thickness(EMT),ovulation rate and cumulative pregnancy rate on the day of ovulation were examined.Results The EMT of the experiment group was significantly higher than that of the control group on the ovulation day of three cycles[(0.86±0.23)cm vs(0.71±0.15)cm;(0.83±0.26)cm vs(0.68±0.19)cm;(0.87±0.26)cm vs(0.71±0.11)cm],the cumulative pregnancy rate of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group(44.3%vs 25.7%).There was no significant difference in ovulation rate between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that the combined use of Zi Gui Nv Zhen Capsule with basic conventional therapy significantly enhances endometrial thickness and improves pregnancy rates in PCOS patients with thin endometrium.

Objective:To explore the effect of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation (iTBS) of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking function of stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-five stroke survivors complicated with lower extremity dysfunction were divided into an iTBS group, an exoskeleton group and a combined group, each of 25, according to a random number table. In addition to conventional rehabilitation training, the iTBS group was given cerebellar iTBS combined with traditional walking training, the exoskeleton group received sham cerebellar iTBS combined with walking training assisted by a lower extremity exoskeleton robot. The combined group received both therapies. The schedule was once a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the 10-metre walking test (10MWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE) were used to evaluate the subjects′ walking ability, balance and lower extremity motor ability. Gait and neuro-electrophysiological tests were also conducted in all three groups.Results:After the treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the 10MWT times, BBS scores, FMA-LE scores, stride frequency and stride speed of all three groups compared with before the treatment. On average, the results of the exoskeleton and combined groups were significantly better than those of the iTBS group, and those of the combined group were significantly better than among the exoskeleton group. Almost everyone′s MEP latency and amplitude had improved significantly compared with before the treatment, but the improvements in the exoskeleton group tended to be superior to those in the iTBS group ( P≤0.05). The latency in the combined group averaged (21.25±1.70)ms, and the amplitude averaged (184.17±6.54)μV, both significantly better than the exoskeleton group′s averages. Conclusions:Cerebellum iTBS combined with lower extremity exoskeleton walker training can significantly improve the motor functioning, balance and walking ability of stroke survivors.