1.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.
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.Aerobic Exercise and MOTS-c Ameliorate Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorder in Type 2 Diabetes via The NRF2/PPARγ Axis
Fei-Long CHEN ; Zhi-Yu LI ; Tu-Tu WANG ; Yu FU ; Lei LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Shun-Chang LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2071-2090
ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often causes severe hepatic metabolic complications, dominated by metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Persistent hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress further trigger steatohepatitis and progressive liver damage, increasing the mortality risk of diabetic patients. Aerobic exercise effectively improves hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity, but poor patient adherence restricts its long-term clinical application. Mitochondrial-derived mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) is a key peptide regulating insulin sensitivity and hepatic redox homeostasis. This study aimed to explore the protective mechanism of MOTS-c against T2DM-related liver injury and its combined beneficial effect with aerobic exercise via the NRF2/PPARγ signaling axis. This study aimed to investigate whether MOTS-c cooperates with aerobic exercise to alleviate T2DM-associated hepatic oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction by activating the NRF2/PPARγ axis, and to clarify the molecular and transcriptomic characteristics of their combined intervention. MethodsStable MOTS-c overexpression and knockdown HepG2 cell lines were constructed using lentiviral transfection. An oleic acid-induced cellular lipid accumulation model and NRF2-knockout cell model were applied to verify the NRF2-dependent mechanism ofMOTS-c. Intracellular lipid deposition, triglyceride levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the expression of NRF2/PPARγ pathway-related genes and proteins were detected. In vivo, a T2DM rat model with obvious hepatic steatosis was established via a high-fat and high-sucrose diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Model rats received aerobic exercise, MOTS-c intraperitoneal injection, or combined intervention. We detected systemic glycolipid metabolic indicators, hepatic histopathological changes, and the expression of core proteins in the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis. Hepatic transcriptomic sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enrich key pathways co-regulated by MOTS-c and aerobic exercise. ResultsCellular results showed that MOTS-c overexpression significantly reduced oleic acid-induced lipid deposition, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and upregulated NRF2 and PPARγ expression. Conversely, MOTS-c knockdown aggravated hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative damage and inhibited NRF2/PPARγ pathway activation. NRF2 knockout completely eliminated the protective effects of MOTS-c on lipid metabolism and redox balance, confirming its NRF2-dependent regulatory mechanism. In T2DM rats, both MOTS-c supplementation and aerobic exercise effectively improved insulin resistance, corrected glycolipid metabolic disorders, and alleviated hepatic steatosis, while consistently activating the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis. Compared with single intervention, the combined treatment showed a better improvement trend in hepatic metabolic and oxidative injury, without definitive synergistic effects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the co-regulated DEGs of MOTS-c and aerobic exercise were primarily enriched in lipid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathways, with multiple antioxidant and lipid-regulating genes significantly modulated by combined intervention. ConclusionMOTS-c exhibits obvious exercise-mimetic hepatoprotective effects in T2DM. It activates the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis to strengthen antioxidant defense, stabilize lipid metabolism, and relieve T2DM-associated hepatic steatosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, MOTS-c produces additive beneficial effects with aerobic exercise, showing a superior intervention trend on diabetic liver dysfunction. This study identifies the NRF2/PPARγ axis as the core mechanism of MOTS-c-regulated hepatic protection, elucidates the transcriptomic basis of combined intervention, and provides a reliable theoretical basis and potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention in T2DM-complicated MAFLD.
4.In Situ Analysis of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Distribution Characteristics in Water-Sediment System Using Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films Probe
Qi-Si CAI ; Xing-Ying LI ; Fang ZHANG ; Jun-Wei YANG ; Si-Si LIU ; Chang-Er CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):300-310,后插1-后插9
The water-sediment interface is an important zone for the migration and transformation of chemical substances,but traditional sampling methods make in situ sampling challenging,thus it is difficult to capture information on environmental processes at the micro-scale.In this study,diffusive gradients in thin films(DGT)probe technique was used as in situ tool to detect 18 kinds of typical per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)in the water-sediment system,elucidating their vertical distribution characteristics and patterns.The results showed that different PFAS exhibited distinct variation patterns with depth in water and sediment.Short-chain PFAS exhibited greater mobility,while the migration of long-chain PFAS was restricted in sediment and pore water due to their strong hydrophobicity and adsorption capacity,resulting in relatively small concentration changes in the sediment column.The PFAS concentrations measured by DGT ranged from 11.2 μg/L to 1305 μg/L.For long-chain PFAS,the concentrations measured by DGT were higher than those obtained from direct measurement of water and pore water,while the opposite results were obtained for short-chain PFAS.The DGT results indicated that although long-chain PFAS exhibited strong adsorption to sediment particles,the adsorbed PFAS were still bioavailable.DGT probe technique,with its advantages of in situ sampling and high spatial resolution,provides deep insights into the complex environmental processes occurring at the microscale in the water-sediment systems.DGT offers important technical support and scientific evidence for assessing the adsorption-desorption behavior,bioavailability,and ecological risks of these emerging pollutants in aquatic environment.
5.Risk factors for postoperative recurrence in solitary fibrous tumor of the central nervous system
Min GUO ; Anqi CHEN ; Huizhen LU ; Yongfei HAO ; Dandan LI ; Yingjuan CHANG ; Xing TANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1614-1618
Objective To explore the imaging data and pathological factors affecting the postoperative recurrence of solitary fibrous tumor(SFT)of the central nervous system.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 40 patients with SFT confirmed by pathology.All patients were divided into recurrence group(n=12)and non-recurrence group(n=28)based on the follow-up results.Univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to screen the risk factors of recurrence,and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the recurrence-free survival(RFS)among different groups.Results Univariate analysis showed that the Ki-67 index in the recurrence group was significantly higher than that in the non-recurrence group(median 38.5%vs 10.0%,P<0.001),and the proportion of WHO grade 3 was higher than that in the non-recurrence group(66.67%vs 7.14%,P<0.001).MRI features were significantly associated with recurrence,including the maximum diameter of the tumor[(6.63±1.10)cm vs(4.16±1.64)cm,P<0.001],peritumoral edema(91.67%vs 28.57%,P<0.001),and midline structure shift(83.33%vs 17.86%,P<0.001).Multivariate analysis suggested that the risk of recurrence increased by 122%for each 1 cm increase in the maximum diameter of the tumor[hazard ratio(HR)=2.22,95%confidence interval(CI)1.33-3.72],and by 27%for each 1%increase in the Ki-67 index(HR=1.27,95%CI 1.02-1.61),respectively.Conclusion MRI features such as maximum diameter of the tumor,significant peritumoral edema,and midline structure shift should be alert to high recurrence risk,and with pathological grading and Ki-67 index,it can provide significant basis for prognosis evaluation.
6.Effect of a novel cryoprotectant in tissues and cells
Qingfang WANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Guangping CHANG ; Zihan LI ; Lan XING ; Hao PENG ; Xiuping ZENG ; Guiqiang ZHONG ; Hui CHEN ; Bo LIU ; Zhenyu LIU ; Xiao LIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(36):7816-7826
BACKGROUND:The cryopreservation technology enables tissues/cells to be stored for a long time in a low-temperature environment while maintaining the integrity of their activity and function,which is of great significance for the construction of cell therapy,tissue engineering and biological sample banks.Cryoprotective agents often contain dimethyl sulfoxide and serum.To avoid the toxic side effects of dimethyl sulfoxide,the complexity of serum components and immune responses,although some finished cryoprotective agents have been marketed,they are faced with many difficulties such as high cost and limited application.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop a cryoprotective agent with clear components and the ability to solve the above problems.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of a novel cryoprotectant on cryopreservation efficiency of different tissue and cell sources.METHODS:By applying the novel cryoprotectant as an experimental group with the commercially available and widely used cryoprotectant(control group)to umbilical cord Wharton's jelly tissue,umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,umbilical cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,NK and CIK cells,comparative analyses were conducted in terms of cell morphology,number,viability,surface markers,differentiation potential,and cell-killing toxicity assay before cryopreservation and after resuscitation thawing.We confirmed the cryopreservation effect of the new cryoprotectant and its potential application value.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The novel cryoprotectant facilitated the normal growth of cryopreserved Wharton's jelly tissue upon recovery,exhibiting mesenchymal stem cell morphology.No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of cell recovery rate,surface markers,and differentiation potential.(2)There was no significant difference in the number and viability of cells between the experimental group and the control group after cryopreservation of cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,and the cryo-resuscitated cell numbers and viability of derived NK cells/CIK cells did not show significant difference between the experimental and control groups.(3)For NK cells derived and differentiated from cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,there was no significant difference in the proportion of CD56+CD16+cell subpopulations between the experimental group and the control group.For CIK cells derived and differentiated from cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,there was no significant difference in the proportions of CD3+CD8+and CD3+CD56+cell subpopulations between the experimental group and the control group.(4)In terms of cytotoxicity testing,when the effective-target ratio of immune cells and melanoma cell line Mel624 was 20:1,whether it was NK cells/CIK cells derived from cord blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cells,there was no significant difference in the tumoricidal activity of cells between the experimental group and the control group.These findings suggest that the novel cryoprotectant can replace existing commercially available and widely used cryoprotectants,and is applicable to Wharton's jelly tissue,umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,umbilical cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,as well as NK and CIK cells,providing a solid technical foundation for the scaling,standardization,and commercialization of universal cryoprotectants.
7.Screening for Myocardial Infarction Biomarkers Using Plasma Proteomics:a Mendelian Randomization Study With Validation in Animal Models and Human Populations
Xing ZHANG ; Chang LIU ; Qian XIE ; Binbin FANG ; Chongyang ZHANG ; Long ZHAO ; Yining YANG ; Xiaomei LI ; Xianpei WANG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(11):1066-1075
Objectives:This study aims to evaluate the causal relationship between plasma proteins and myocardial infarction(MI)using two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis,identify key biomarkers,and validate their expression.Methods:The study utilized publicly available genome-wide association study(GWAS)data of 4 907 plasma proteins as the exposure factor,with single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)as instrumental variables,and four MI datasets as outcomes.Two-sample MR analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method,complemented by simple model,weighted model,weighted median estimator(WME),and MR-Egger regression methods to assess the causal relationship between exposure factors and outcomes.Venn diagrams and word clouds were used to screen proteins associated with MI as candidate biomarkers.Reverse MR analysis was conducted to evaluate reverse causality.Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the results.Immunohistochemistry(IHC)was used to validate the expression of proteasome activator subunit 1(PSME1)and vacuolar protein sorting 29(VPS29)in the aorta of mice,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to verify the expression of PSME1 and VPS29 in plasma from patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Results:The two-sample MR analysis indicated that PSME1 was significantly negatively associated with myocardial infarction in all four datasets,with OR(95%CI)of 0.684(0.557-0.839),0.990(0.987-0.993),0.579(0.448-0.748),and 0.993(0.990-0.996),respectively,with all P<0.001.Similarly,VPS29 also showed a significant negative association with MI in all four datasets,with OR(95%CI)of 0.902(0.862-0.945),0.998(0.997-0.999),0.866(0.808-0.929),and 0.998(0.997-0.999),respectively,with all P<0.001.Reverse MR analysis did not detect reverse causality,and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results.IHC results showed significantly reduced expression of PSME1 and VPS29 in the aortas of AMI mice with an atherosclerotic background compared to control mice(both P<0.05).ELISA results indicated significantly lower plasma levels of PSME1 and VPS29 in AMI patients compared to healthy controls(both P<0.05).Conclusions:Higher levels of PSME1 and VPS29 are negatively associated with the risk of MI,suggesting that PSME1 and VPS29 may serve as protective biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases.
8.Effect of a novel cryoprotectant in tissues and cells
Qingfang WANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Guangping CHANG ; Zihan LI ; Lan XING ; Hao PENG ; Xiuping ZENG ; Guiqiang ZHONG ; Hui CHEN ; Bo LIU ; Zhenyu LIU ; Xiao LIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(36):7816-7826
BACKGROUND:The cryopreservation technology enables tissues/cells to be stored for a long time in a low-temperature environment while maintaining the integrity of their activity and function,which is of great significance for the construction of cell therapy,tissue engineering and biological sample banks.Cryoprotective agents often contain dimethyl sulfoxide and serum.To avoid the toxic side effects of dimethyl sulfoxide,the complexity of serum components and immune responses,although some finished cryoprotective agents have been marketed,they are faced with many difficulties such as high cost and limited application.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop a cryoprotective agent with clear components and the ability to solve the above problems.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of a novel cryoprotectant on cryopreservation efficiency of different tissue and cell sources.METHODS:By applying the novel cryoprotectant as an experimental group with the commercially available and widely used cryoprotectant(control group)to umbilical cord Wharton's jelly tissue,umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,umbilical cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,NK and CIK cells,comparative analyses were conducted in terms of cell morphology,number,viability,surface markers,differentiation potential,and cell-killing toxicity assay before cryopreservation and after resuscitation thawing.We confirmed the cryopreservation effect of the new cryoprotectant and its potential application value.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The novel cryoprotectant facilitated the normal growth of cryopreserved Wharton's jelly tissue upon recovery,exhibiting mesenchymal stem cell morphology.No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of cell recovery rate,surface markers,and differentiation potential.(2)There was no significant difference in the number and viability of cells between the experimental group and the control group after cryopreservation of cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,and the cryo-resuscitated cell numbers and viability of derived NK cells/CIK cells did not show significant difference between the experimental and control groups.(3)For NK cells derived and differentiated from cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,there was no significant difference in the proportion of CD56+CD16+cell subpopulations between the experimental group and the control group.For CIK cells derived and differentiated from cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,there was no significant difference in the proportions of CD3+CD8+and CD3+CD56+cell subpopulations between the experimental group and the control group.(4)In terms of cytotoxicity testing,when the effective-target ratio of immune cells and melanoma cell line Mel624 was 20:1,whether it was NK cells/CIK cells derived from cord blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cells,there was no significant difference in the tumoricidal activity of cells between the experimental group and the control group.These findings suggest that the novel cryoprotectant can replace existing commercially available and widely used cryoprotectants,and is applicable to Wharton's jelly tissue,umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,umbilical cord blood/peripheral blood mononuclear cells,as well as NK and CIK cells,providing a solid technical foundation for the scaling,standardization,and commercialization of universal cryoprotectants.
9.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
10.Treatment of extensive wound of Degree IV burns in limbs with free anterolateral thigh perforator flap: a report of 9 cases
Pancheng SHI ; Shuping ZHOU ; Shimin LI ; Liwu ZHENG ; Junjie CHEN ; Xinfeng XING ; Sen LI ; Huanpeng WANG ; Chaonan CHANG ; Dong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(5):511-516
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) in treatment of extensive wound of Degree IV burns in limbs.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 9 patients who had extensive wound of Degree IV burns in limbs caused by stove burns admitted to Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, the 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese PLA between January 2017 and January 2024. Among the patients, there were 8 males and 1 female, aged between 36 and 63 years. Three patients had the wound from anterior leg to dorsal foot, 3 from leg down to ankle, 1 from forearm to hand and 2 from arm to forearm. Area of burns ranged from 20 cm × 15 cm to 30 cm × 25 cm, and all patients were treated by free ALTPF. According to whether the main artery at the recipient site was feasible for direct anastomosis with the vessels carried in flap, 4 patients were treated by bilateral parallel ALTPFs, and 5 were treated by unilateral ultra-long internally supercharged ALTPF. A total of 13 ALTPFs were harvested, with individual flap size at 20 cm × 8 cm to 46 cm × 12 cm. Donor sites were directly sutured. Time for flap harvesting, flap survival and wound healing time were records. Scheduled postoperative follow-up was conducted at outpatient clinic and via telephone interviews to evaluate functional recovery. Follow-up assessments included evaluation of flap condition, two-point discrimination (TPD), recovery of joint function at recipient sites, flap appearance and donor site recovery.Results:The time for flap harvest was 1.0 to 4.5 hours. All 13 ALTPFs successfully survived. The time from surgery to healing of recipient sites was 18 to 72 days, and all donor sites healed. Over the postoperative follow-up that lasted for 6 to 34 months, the recipient sites had found with good cosmetic outcomes, without osteomyelitis or deep tissue infection. Four ALTPFs in 2 patients were found swelling, which were revised at 6 months after surgery. Four ALTPFs in other 2 patients had pigment deposition at edges. One ALTPF was scalded, which healed after dressing changes but left with patchy scars. The remaining ALTPFs were soft, elastic, free from pain and well-perfused, with regained protective sensation at S 3. However, all of the ALTPFs failed to detect TPD. Six patients with lower limb injuries were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot scoring system: 2 patients were rated as excellent and 4 were rated as good. Three patients with upper limb injuries were evaluated using Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association: 1 patient was rated as excellent and 2 were rated as good. Only linear scars left at the 13 donor sites, with normal blood supply to the distal limbs, and without restrictions in range of motion of knee joints nor muscle strength of quadriceps. Conclusion:The ALTPF offers advantages such as anatomical consistency, reliable blood supply and flexible combination in treatment of extensive wound of Degree Ⅳ burns in limbs. It is an ideal surgical procedure for treatment of large soft tissue defects of extremities.

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