1.Effect of Oral Sodium Butyrate on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy via The Gut-muscle Axis in Antibiotic-pretreated CT26 Tumor-bearing Mice and Its Mechanism
Shu-Ling ZHANG ; Jun-Wei WANG ; Shi-Liang HU ; Tu-Tu WANG ; Shun-Chang LI ; Jia FAN ; Jun-Zhi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):724-739
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of oral sodium butyrate on skeletal muscle atrophy in CT26 tumor mice through the gut microbiota-skeletal muscle axis and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF BALB/c male mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into a normal control group (NC, n=18) and a ABX-depleted group (ABX, n=42). The ABX mice were pretreated with a quadruple antibiotic cocktail via oral gavage (0.2 ml per administration, once daily, 6 d per week, for 2 weeks), whereas NC received an equal volume of sterile water. The quadruple antibiotic cocktail consisted of metronidazole (1 g/L), vancomycin (0.5 g/L), ampicillin (1 g/L), and gentamicin (1 g/L). Following successful pretreatment, six mice from each group were randomly selected for gut microbiota sequencing analysis and designated as the Abx group and the NC0 group, respectively. Theremaining mice in ABX were subcutaneously inoculated in the dorsum with 0.2 ml of CT26 cell suspension (at a cell density of 1×107/ml). Then these mice were randomly allocated into three subgroups: a control tumor bearing model group (0_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving low-dose oral sodium butyrate (L_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving high-dose oral sodium butyrate (H_NaB, n=12). And mice in NC were inoculated at the same site with 0.2 ml of normal saline. The administration dose for L_NaB was 0.3 g/(kg·d), that for H_NaB was 0.5 g/(kg·d), while NC and 0_NaB were given the same volume of normal saline (0.2ml per time, once daily, 6 d per week, for 4 weeks). The general condition of mice was monitored, and forelimb grip strength gastrocnemius muscle mass and its muscle fiber cross-sectional area were measured for each group. The structural changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal contents. Pathological alterations in the intestinal wall were examined via HE staining. Serum and gastrocnemius muscle levels of TNF‑α, IL-6, IL-1β, and LPS were quantified using ELISA. The protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin in the small intestine, as well as proteins associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle, were detected by Western blot analysis. Results(1) The alpha-diversity in Abx was significantly lower than that in NC0 (P<0.01), a significant decrease of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius (P<0.01), with the majority of gut microbiota being effectively depleted. (2) Compared with NC, the subcutaneous tumors of mice in 0_NaB were prominent, a significant increase of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius, accompanied by a significant decrease in body weight at the end of the 3th and 4th week (P<0.05), and a significant weakening of the forelimb grasping strength at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.01). Compared with 0_NaB, the tumor mass of mice in L_NaB and H_NaB showed a significant decreasing trend, and the grip strength of the forelimbs significantly increased at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) Compared with 0_NaB, the Shannon and Observed species indices in α diversity of L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared with 0_NaB, L_NaB exhibited a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Parasutterella (P< 0.01), while H_NaB showed significant reductions in the relative abundances of both Escherichia-Shigella and Parasutterella (P < 0.01). (4) Compared with 0_NaB, the small intestinal tissue structure in L_NaB and H_NaB was more intact, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was significantly reduced, and the capillaries were slightly dilated. The expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin proteins in L_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.01). (5) The LPS concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF‑κB p65 in L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05). The serum TNF‑α concentration in H_NaB and TNF-α concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle of the L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01). ConclusionOral administration of NaB can improve gut microbiota α diversity, adjusting its composition, improving intestinal mucosal barrier function, reducing the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory response, and delaying skeletal muscle atrophy. The underlying mechanism may involve down regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in skeletal muscle.
2.Academic Characteristics of Contemporary Chinese Medicine Masters in Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on SrTO
Yu SUN ; Xiaodan WANG ; Yingzi CUI ; Tianying CHANG ; Fan LI ; Lisha WANG ; Chenxuan DONG ; Shoulin ZHANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):258-269
ObjectiveTo explore the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspectives of principles, methods, formulas, and medications. MethodsIn strict accordance with the Systematic Review of Text and Opinion (SrTO) process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), an Australian evidence-based healthcare center, the databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, Wanfang Data, and China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) were searched. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, text information extraction, quality evaluation, and text information synthesis were conducted sequentially. The data were analyzed and presented in the form of text and figures. ResultsA total of 215 articles related to 43 contemporary renowned experts in the fields of Chinese medicine nephrology and endocrinology were included. The study found that the academic thoughts of these masters in the treatment of DKD are extensive, involving multiple levels such as disease understanding, therapeutic strategies, formula application, and medication use. In terms of disease understanding, the primary pathogenesis is characterized by deficiency in the root and excess in the manifestation. It is emphasized that internal factors, such as congenital endowment deficiency, interact with external factors such as improper diet, emotional disturbances, invasion of exogenous pathogens, and delayed or inappropriate treatment, to jointly induce the disease. This further gives rise to various pathogenetic theories, including obstruction of renal collaterals by blood stasis, toxin-induced damage to renal collaterals, latent wind disturbing the kidney, and internal heat leading to mass formation. In terms of therapeutic strategies and medication use, the principal treatment method is to replenish Qi and nourish Yin. Stage-based and syndrome-differentiated treatments are advocated. Flexible use of insect-derived drugs and wind-dispelling drugs is emphasized, along with proficiency in applying classical formulas and drug pairs. Integrated internal and external treatments, as well as the combined application of multiple therapeutic approaches, are commonly employed for comprehensive management. Meanwhile, the concept of "preventive treatment of disease" is upheld, and individualized long-term management of patients is advocated. ConclusionThrough the SrTO process, the academic thoughts of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in the treatment of DKD have been systematically and standardly synthesized, providing a scientific and standardized basis for future theoretical exploration.
3.Academic Characteristics of Contemporary Chinese Medicine Masters in Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on SrTO
Yu SUN ; Xiaodan WANG ; Yingzi CUI ; Tianying CHANG ; Fan LI ; Lisha WANG ; Chenxuan DONG ; Shoulin ZHANG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):258-269
ObjectiveTo explore the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspectives of principles, methods, formulas, and medications. MethodsIn strict accordance with the Systematic Review of Text and Opinion (SrTO) process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), an Australian evidence-based healthcare center, the databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, Wanfang Data, and China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) were searched. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, text information extraction, quality evaluation, and text information synthesis were conducted sequentially. The data were analyzed and presented in the form of text and figures. ResultsA total of 215 articles related to 43 contemporary renowned experts in the fields of Chinese medicine nephrology and endocrinology were included. The study found that the academic thoughts of these masters in the treatment of DKD are extensive, involving multiple levels such as disease understanding, therapeutic strategies, formula application, and medication use. In terms of disease understanding, the primary pathogenesis is characterized by deficiency in the root and excess in the manifestation. It is emphasized that internal factors, such as congenital endowment deficiency, interact with external factors such as improper diet, emotional disturbances, invasion of exogenous pathogens, and delayed or inappropriate treatment, to jointly induce the disease. This further gives rise to various pathogenetic theories, including obstruction of renal collaterals by blood stasis, toxin-induced damage to renal collaterals, latent wind disturbing the kidney, and internal heat leading to mass formation. In terms of therapeutic strategies and medication use, the principal treatment method is to replenish Qi and nourish Yin. Stage-based and syndrome-differentiated treatments are advocated. Flexible use of insect-derived drugs and wind-dispelling drugs is emphasized, along with proficiency in applying classical formulas and drug pairs. Integrated internal and external treatments, as well as the combined application of multiple therapeutic approaches, are commonly employed for comprehensive management. Meanwhile, the concept of "preventive treatment of disease" is upheld, and individualized long-term management of patients is advocated. ConclusionThrough the SrTO process, the academic thoughts of contemporary renowned Chinese medicine masters in the treatment of DKD have been systematically and standardly synthesized, providing a scientific and standardized basis for future theoretical exploration.
4.Research advances in mechanism of salvianolic acid B in treating coronary heart disease.
Hong-Ming CAO ; Hui SUN ; Chang LIU ; Guang-Li YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xi-Jun WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1449-1457
Coronary heart disease is a cardiovascular disease that affects coronary arteries. It presents high incidence and high mortality worldwide, bringing a serious threat to human health and quality of life. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease. Salvianolic acid B is an active component in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma extracts, and studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptosis-and autophagy-regulating, anti-fibrosis, and metabolism-modulating effects. This article reviews the research progress regarding the therapeutic effect of salvianolic acid B on coronary heart disease in the recent decade. It elaborates on the role and mechanism of salvianolic acid B in treating coronary heart disease from multiple perspectives, such as the inhibition of thrombosis, improvement of blood circulation, reduction of myocardial cell injury, and inhibition of cardiac remodeling. This article provides a theoretical basis for the application of Chinese medicinal materials and TCM prescriptions containing salvianolic acid B in the treatment of coronary heart disease.
Humans
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Benzofurans/administration & dosage*
;
Coronary Disease/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Depsides
5.Intraspecific variation of Forsythia suspensa chloroplast genome.
Yu-Han LI ; Lin-Lin CAO ; Chang GUO ; Yi-Heng WANG ; Dan LIU ; Jia-Hui SUN ; Sheng WANG ; Gang-Min ZHANG ; Wen-Pan DONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2108-2115
Forsythia suspensa is a traditional Chinese medicine and a commonly used landscaping plant. Its dried fruit is used in medicine for its functions of clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling, dissipating masses, and dispersing wind and heat. It possesses extremely high medicinal and economic value. However, the genetic differentiation and diversity of its wild populations remain unclear. In this study, chloroplast genome sequences were obtained from 15 wild individuals of F. suspensa using high-throughput sequencing technology. The sequence characteristics and intraspecific variations were analyzed. The results were as follows:(1) The full length of the F. suspensa chloroplast genome ranged from 156 184 to 156 479 bp, comprising a large single-copy region, a small single-copy region, and two inverted repeat regions. The chloroplast genome encoded a total of 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes.(2) A total of 166-174 SSR loci, 792 SNV loci, and 63 InDel loci were identified in the F. suspensa chloroplast genome, indicating considerable genetic variation among individuals.(3) Population structure analysis revealed that F. suspensa could be divided into five or six groups. Both the population structure analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction results indicated significant genetic variation within the wild populations of F. suspensa, with no obvious correlation between intraspecific genetic differentiation and geographical distribution. This study provides new insights into the genetic diversity and differentiation within F. suspensa species and offers additional references for the conservation of species diversity and the utilization of germplasm resources in wild F. suspensa.
Genome, Chloroplast
;
Forsythia/classification*
;
Phylogeny
;
Genetic Variation
;
Chloroplasts/genetics*
;
Microsatellite Repeats
6.Chemical and pharmacological research progress on Mongolian folk medicine Syringa pinnatifolia.
Kun GAO ; Chang-Xin LIU ; Jia-Qi CHEN ; Jing-Jing SUN ; Xiao-Juan LI ; Zhi-Qiang HUANG ; Ye ZHANG ; Pei-Feng XUE ; Su-Yi-le CHEN ; Xin DONG ; Xing-Yun CHAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2080-2089
Syringa pinnatifolia, belonging to the family Oleaceae, is a species endemic to China. It is predominantly distributed in the Helan Mountains region of Inner Mongolia and Ningxia of China. The peeled roots, stems, and thick branches have been used as a distinctive Mongolian medicinal material known as "Shan-chen-xiang", which has effects such as suppressing "khii", clearing heat, and relieving pain and is employed for the treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and joint pain. Over the past five years, significant increase was achieved in research on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects. There were a total of 130 new constituents reported, covering sesquiterpenoids, lignans, and alkaloids. Its effects of anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, sedation, and analgesia were revealed, and the mechanisms of agarwood formation were also investigated. To better understand its medical value and potential of clinical application, this review updates the research progress in recent five years focusing on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S. pinnatifolia, providing reference for subsequent research on active ingredient and support for its innovative application in modern medicine system.
Medicine, Mongolian Traditional
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Animals
;
Syringa/chemistry*
7.Forty years of construction and innovative development of scientific regulation system of traditional Chinese medicine in China.
Jun-Ning ZHAO ; Zhi-Shu TANG ; Hua HUA ; Rong SHAO ; Jiang-Yong YU ; Chang-Ming YANG ; Shuang-Fei CAI ; Quan-Mei SUN ; Dong-Ying LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3489-3505
Since the promulgation of the first Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China 40 years ago in 1984, China has undergone four main stages in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) regulation: the initial establishment of TCM regulation rules(1984-1997), the formation of a modern TCM regulatory system(1998-2014), the reform of the review and approval system for new TCM drugs(2015-2018), and the construction of a scientific regulation system for TCM(2019-2024). Over the past five years, a series of milestone achievements of TCM regulation in China have been achieved in the six aspects, including its strategic objectives and the establishment of a science-based regulatory system, the reform of the review and approval system for new TCM drugs, the optimization and improvement of the TCM standard system and its formation mechanism, comprehensive enhancement of regulatory capabilities for TCM safety, international harmonization of TCM regulation and its role in promoting innovation. Looking ahead, centered on advancing TCMRS to establish a sound regulatory framework tailored to the unique characteristics of TCM, TCM regulation will evolve into new reform patterns, advancing and extending across eight critical fronts, including the legal framework and policy architecture, the review and approval system for new TCM drugs, the quality standard and management system of TCM, the comprehensive quality & safety regulation and traceability system, the research and transformation system for TCMRS, AI-driven innovations in TCM regulation, the coordination between high-quality industrial development and high-level regulation, and the leadership in international cooperation and regulatory harmonization. In this way, a unique path for the development of modern TCM regulation with Chinese characteristics will be pioneered.
Humans
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China
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards*
;
History, 20th Century
;
History, 21st Century
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/trends*
8.Application of genome tagging technology in elucidating the function of sperm-specific protein 411 (Ssp411).
Xue-Hai ZHOU ; Min-Min HUA ; Jia-Nan TANG ; Bang-Guo WU ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Chang-Gen SHI ; Yang YANG ; Jun WU ; Bin WU ; Bao-Li ZHANG ; Yi-Si SUN ; Tian-Cheng ZHANG ; Hui-Juan SHI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):120-128
The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Mice
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Spermatids/metabolism*
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Spermatogenesis/physiology*
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Spermatozoa/metabolism*
;
Thioredoxins/genetics*
9.Clinical Features, Prognostic Analysis and Predictive Model Construction of Central Nervous System Invasion in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma.
Ya-Ting MA ; Yan-Fang CHEN ; Zhi-Yuan ZHOU ; Lei ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Xin-Hua WANG ; Xiao-Rui FU ; Zhen-Chang SUN ; Yu CHANG ; Fei-Fei NAN ; Ling LI ; Ming-Zhi ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):760-768
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of central nervous system (CNS) invasion in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and construct a risk prediction model for CNS invasion.
METHODS:
Clinical data of 395 patients with PTCL diagnosed and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS:
The median follow-up time of 395 PTCL patients was 24(1-143) months. There were 13 patients diagnosed CNS invasion, and the incidence was 3.3%. The risk of CNS invasion varied according to pathological subtype. The incidence of CNS invasion in patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) was significantly higher than in patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) (P <0.05). The median overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with CNS invasion than in those without CNS involvement, with a median survival time of 2.4(0.6-127) months after diagnosis of CNS invasion. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis showed that more than 1 extranodal involvement (HR=4.486, 95%CI : 1.166-17.264, P =0.029), ALCL subtype (HR=9.022, 95%CI : 2.289-35.557, P =0.002) and ECOG PS >1 (HR=15.890, 95%CI : 4.409-57.262, P <0.001) were independent risk factors for CNS invasion in PTCL patients. Each of these risk factors was assigned a value of 1 point and a new prediction model was constructed. It could stratify the patients into three distinct groups: low-risk group (0-1 point), intermediate-risk group (2 points) and high-risk group (3 points). The 1-year cumulative incidence of CNS invasion in the high-risk group was as high as 50.0%. Further evaluation of the model showed good discrimination and accuracy, and the consistency index was 0.913 (95%CI : 0.843-0.984).
CONCLUSION
The new model shows a precise risk assessment for CNS invasion prediction, while its specificity and sensitivity need further data validation.
Humans
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Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral/pathology*
;
Prognosis
;
Retrospective Studies
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Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Male
;
Female
;
Central Nervous System/pathology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
10.Analysis of ABO System Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn in 283 Cases at Yunnan Province.
Jin-Yu ZHOU ; Ru SHEN ; Han-Xin WU ; Ju-Ding GUO ; Hong-Mei LIU ; Li-Li SHU ; Yu ZHU ; Jing-Yue SUN ; Jun CHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):881-885
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the laboratory detection results of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn(HDFN).
METHODS:
Related test results of 283 newborns and their mothers' blood samples from Kunming Maternal and Child Health Hospital from August 2023 to May 2024 were collected, including mother and child ABO blood group, RhD blood group, as well as 3 tests of HDFN, total bilirubin (TBil) and indirect bilirubin (IBil).
RESULTS:
283 were ABO incompatibility, among which 187 were HDFN positive, with a positive rate of 66.08%; the positive rate of HDFN in neonates with antigen-A incompatibility was 74.12%(126/170), the positive rate of HDFN in neonates with antigen-B incompatibility was 53.57%(60/112), which was the highest in neonates with O/A incompatibility [75.45%(126/167)], followed by O/B incompatibility[54.55%(60/110)]. Group by age, the positive rates of HDFN in the ≤1 d group, 2 d group, 3 d group, 4 d group, 5 d group and ≥6 d group were 76.03%(111/146), 67.86%(38/56), 57.14%(24/42), 38.46%(5/13), 46.15%(6/13) and 23.08%(3/13), respectively. With the increase of age, the positive rates of HDFN gradually decreased, there was a statistically significant difference between the ≤3 day age group and >3 day age group ( P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in TBil and IBil levels between the "direct antibody+indirect antibody+release+" group and the HDFN negative group in newborns. HDFN infants exhibited a rapid increase in bilirubin levels within the first day after birth, with significantly higher TBil and IBil values compared to Non ABO-HDFN infants in the ≤1 day group ( P <0.01). However, the difference of bilirubin levels between the two groups gradually narrowed from 2-6 days after birth, and the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05). The peak value of TBil and IBil occurred on the 4th day after birth in HDFN infants.
CONCLUSION
ABO-HDFN is most commonly seen in newborns whose mothers are type-O, and the positive rate was the highest in newborns with O/A incompatibility. The detection rate of HDFN is affected by the age of the newborns, and the two were correlated inversely. ABO-HDFN group developed more rapidly with a higher peak. Therefore, HDFN tests should be carried out as soon as possible for mothers and newborns with incompatible blood types, and appropriate treatment should be provided to prevent complications.
Humans
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Infant, Newborn
;
ABO Blood-Group System
;
Erythroblastosis, Fetal/epidemiology*
;
Female
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Blood Group Incompatibility
;
Male
;
Bilirubin/blood*

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