Objective·To identify relevant biomarkers for patients with coronavirus disease 2019-associated kidney injury(COVID-19-associated KI)and explore the mechanisms underlying the involvement of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)proteins in infection-related KI by affecting the interactions between renal cells and macrophages.Methods·A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with KI treated in Shanghai Ninth,People's,hospital from December 2022 to February 2023.Serum levels of inflammatory factors and chemokines were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).In vitro,human macrophage cell line THP-1 cells were stimulated with recombinant S1 subunit protein derived from SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.The cells and culture supernatants were collected to detect the levels of inflammatory factors and chemokines by using quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and ELISA.Conditioned medium was prepared from the cell culture supernatants of S1-stimulated THP-1 cells and used to stimulate human renal epithelial cells(HK-2)in vitro to assess cytokine secretion.Antibody blocking experiments were performed to analyze the effects of the conditioned medium on the production of cytokines in HK-2 cells.Results·Among 39 patients with COVID-19,8(20.50%)had creatinine levels above the reference interval,which indicated the occurrence of KI.The levels of peripheral tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the COVID-19 patient with KI group[(18.33±8.20)pg/mL]were significantly higher than those in the non-KI group[(11.88±6.50)pg/mL](P=0.015).In vitro assay has shown that S1-spike protein stimulation promoted the level of gene transcription and production of TNF-α,interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 10(CXCL10)in THP-1 macrophage cells(P＜0.001).Furthermore,the conditioned medium from S1-stimulated THP-1 cells promoted the secretion of TNF-α,IL-1β and CXCL10 by HK-2 cells(P=0.005).When anti-TNF-α antibody(Infliximab)was used to block TNF-α in the culture supernatants from S1-stimulated THP-1 cells,the secretion level of TNF-α by HK-2 cells decreased dramatically(P＜0.001).Conclusion·TNF-α levels increase significantly in COVID-19 patients with KI,implying the significance of TNF-α in the occurrence of COVID-19-associated KI.In vitro experiments confirm that the S1 protein induces TNF-α secretion from THP-1 cells,leading to increased inflammatory responses in renal cells,which may contribute to the development of COVID-19-associated KI.Therefore,targeting TNF-α may become an alternative strategy to reduce the occurrence of COVID-19-associated KI.

OBJECTIVE: To explore and evaluate the efficacy and safety of a modified thiotepa-based conditioning regimen combined with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). METHODS: In a retrospective, single center, single arm study, we collected data of 28 patients with PCNSL who underwent high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC-ASCT) at our center from March 2021 to December 2024. The clinical characteristics of the patients, the conditioning regimen details, treatment-related toxicities and adverse reactions, post-transplant disease remission status, and survival outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included. Among them, 19 patients received ASCT as first-line consolidation therapy in complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) status, and 9 patients with relapsed/refractory disease underwent salvage ASCT. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 9 days (range: 5-11 days), and the median time to platelet engraftment was 10 days (range: 6-13 days). All patients achieved CR at the initial efficacy evaluation post-ASCT. The main complications during the transplantation period were febrile neutropenia (26 cases) and grade 3 diarrhea (9 cases). No transplantation-related mortality occurred. Post-ASCT, 19 patients received maintenance therapy, which was demonstrated to be safe and effective. Three patients relapse, and one patient died. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients were not reached. The estimated 1-year and 2-year cumulative PFS rates were 88.4% and 66.3%, respectively, while the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were both 94.1%. CONCLUSION The modified thiotepa-based conditioning regimen combined with ASCT is safe and effective for the treatment of PCNSL.
Humans ; Thiotepa/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Transplantation Conditioning/methods* ; Central Nervous System Neoplasms/therapy* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Lymphoma/therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shuangshi Tonglin Capsules (SSTL) in the treatment of prostate fibrosis (PF). METHODS: Human prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1) were used for in vitro experiments to establish PF cell models induced with estradiol (E₂). The cell proliferation, migration and clonogenic capacity were determined by cell counting kit-8, scratch assay, and crystal violet staining, respectively. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for in vivo experiments. The changes in histomorphology and organ index of rat prostate by SSTL were determined. Pathologic changes and collagen deposition changes in rat prostate were observed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine changes in rat PF markers fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), E₂ and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Mechanistically, changes in oxidative stress indicators by SSTL were determined in WPMY-1 cells and PF rats. Then the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway-related proteins as well as Nrf2 and TGF-β1 mRNA were further detected by Western blot or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: In the efficacy study, SSTL significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and clonogenic ability of cells, improved the morphology of the glandular tissue, significantly reduced the prostate index, reduced glandular fibrous tissue and collagen deposition, and resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of FGF-23, E₂ and PSA (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the mechanistic study, SSTL ameliorated oxidative stress by significantly increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels and decreasing malondialdehyde level in WPMY-1 cells and rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SSTL significantly elevated the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), and Smad7 proteins in both cells and rats, and significantly decreased the expressions of TGF-β1, collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin and Smad4 proteins (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SSTL also elevated the content of Nrf2 mRNA and decreased the content of TGF-β1 mRNA in cells and rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was added in in vitro experiments to further validate the pathway relevance. CONCLUSION SSTL was effective in improving PF in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action may function through the Nrf2/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
Male ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans ; Fibrosis ; Prostate/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Capsules ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Rats

Objective·To identify relevant biomarkers for patients with coronavirus disease 2019-associated kidney injury(COVID-19-associated KI)and explore the mechanisms underlying the involvement of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)proteins in infection-related KI by affecting the interactions between renal cells and macrophages.Methods·A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with KI treated in Shanghai Ninth,People's,hospital from December 2022 to February 2023.Serum levels of inflammatory factors and chemokines were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).In vitro,human macrophage cell line THP-1 cells were stimulated with recombinant S1 subunit protein derived from SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.The cells and culture supernatants were collected to detect the levels of inflammatory factors and chemokines by using quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and ELISA.Conditioned medium was prepared from the cell culture supernatants of S1-stimulated THP-1 cells and used to stimulate human renal epithelial cells(HK-2)in vitro to assess cytokine secretion.Antibody blocking experiments were performed to analyze the effects of the conditioned medium on the production of cytokines in HK-2 cells.Results·Among 39 patients with COVID-19,8(20.50%)had creatinine levels above the reference interval,which indicated the occurrence of KI.The levels of peripheral tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the COVID-19 patient with KI group[(18.33±8.20)pg/mL]were significantly higher than those in the non-KI group[(11.88±6.50)pg/mL](P=0.015).In vitro assay has shown that S1-spike protein stimulation promoted the level of gene transcription and production of TNF-α,interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 10(CXCL10)in THP-1 macrophage cells(P＜0.001).Furthermore,the conditioned medium from S1-stimulated THP-1 cells promoted the secretion of TNF-α,IL-1β and CXCL10 by HK-2 cells(P=0.005).When anti-TNF-α antibody(Infliximab)was used to block TNF-α in the culture supernatants from S1-stimulated THP-1 cells,the secretion level of TNF-α by HK-2 cells decreased dramatically(P＜0.001).Conclusion·TNF-α levels increase significantly in COVID-19 patients with KI,implying the significance of TNF-α in the occurrence of COVID-19-associated KI.In vitro experiments confirm that the S1 protein induces TNF-α secretion from THP-1 cells,leading to increased inflammatory responses in renal cells,which may contribute to the development of COVID-19-associated KI.Therefore,targeting TNF-α may become an alternative strategy to reduce the occurrence of COVID-19-associated KI.

Tranexamic acid is widely used in joint orthopedic surgery.At the same time,it has high safety and few adverse drug reactions.It can effectively improve intraoperative bleeding and promote early functional recovery of patients.This article reviews the mode of administration,safe dose,administration time and adverse drug reactions of tranexamic acid in the perioperative period of joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery,in order to provide reference for the clinical application of tranexamic acid.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.