1.The impact of fluoride exposure through drinking water on the risk of hypertension among residents in Jishan County, Shanxi Province
Ying LIU ; Wenbo LYU ; Chao ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Yuting JIANG ; Lihua WANG ; Yanmei YANG ; Haiyan JIA ; Peng LUO ; Yanhui GAO
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(8):603-608
Objective:To study the impact of fluoride exposure through drinking water on the risk of hypertension among residents in Jishan County, Shanxi Province.Methods:From March to April 2023, a cluster sampling method was used to select permanent residents aged ≥18 years and residing for ≥10 years in 12 villages in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Jishan County, Shanxi Province as the survey subjects. A questionnaire survey, physical examination, and morning urinary fluoride level testing were conducted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression were used to analyze the key influencing factors of hypertension. Restricted cubic spline was used to evaluate the linear relationship between urinary fluoride and hypertension. Logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of urinary fluoride on hypertension.Results:Finally, 2 453 survey subjects were included, aged (62 ± 10) years, including 1 565 patients (63.80%) with hypertension. There were significant differences in the distribution of age, gender, education level, annual household income, body mass index (BMI), and the level and distribution of urinary fluoride between hypertension group and normal blood pressure group ( P < 0.05). The Lasso regression results showed that age, education level, BMI, and urinary fluoride were the key influencing factors of hypertension, with coefficients of 1.04, - 0.12, 0.24 and 0.01, respectively. The results of the restricted cubic spline showed that there was a linear relationship between urinary fluoride and hypertension after adjusting for age, education level, and BMI ( Poverall = 0.018, Pnonlinear = 0.482). The logistic regression results showed that after adjusting for age, education level, and BMI, urinary fluoride > 4.68 mg/L was a risk factor for hypertension ( OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.84, P = 0.007). Conclusion:High urinary fluoride is a risk factor for hypertension in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Jishan County, Shanxi Province.
2.A randomized controlled trial of electronic balance assistant combined with pharmacotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation in patients with acute peripheral vestibular injury
Shanshan LI ; Chao WEN ; Qiaomei DENG ; Qiang LIU ; Xueqing ZHANG ; Wei WANG ; Kaixu XU ; Taisheng CHEN ; Peng LIN
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(10):1308-1315
Objective:To evaluate the effect of an electronic balance aid in balance rehabilitation training for patients with acute peripheral vestibular injury by comparing the outcomes of medication-only treatment and medication combined with vestibular rehabilitation using an electronic balance aid.Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial. The study subjects included 98 patients (40 males and 58 females, aged 25-69 years) diagnosed with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) with vertigo or vestibular neuritis, who were treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Tianjin First Central Hospital from November 2022 to November 2023. All patients were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group at a 1∶1 ratio using the sealed envelope method. Control group (conventional drug treatment): Patients received medication treatment for 2 weeks, including betahistine mesilate tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, methylcobalamin tablets, ginkgo biloba tablets, diphenhydramine hydrochloride injection (within 3 days of onset), metoclopramide hydrochloride injection, and glucocorticoids. Experimental group (conventional drug treatment+device training): On the basis of the same medication treatment as the control group, patients received vestibular rehabilitation training using an electronic balance aid (20 minutes per session, once a day,≥5 days per week, for a total of 2 weeks). SPSS software was used to compare the total scores of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the total scores of the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), and sensory analysis indicators between the two groups before and after treatment.Results:After treatment, vertigo symptoms significantly improved in both groups. DHI: The total DHI score in the control group decreased from 77.9±1.8 before treatment to 20.2±2.3 after treatment ( P<0.001). In the experimental group, the total DHI score decreased from 73.5±2.1 before treatment to 8.6±0.9 after treatment ( P<0.001). The difference in total DHI scores between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant, with the experimental group showing a lower score ( t=-4.616, P<0.001). The improvement in DHI scores was also more pronounced in the experimental group compared to the control group ( t=2.004, P=0.048). SOT: The total SOT score in the control group increased from 52.90±0.95 before treatment to 73.3±1.1 after treatment ( P<0.001). In the experimental group, the total SOT score increased from 54.9±0.8 before treatment to 83.5±0.9 after treatment ( P<0.001). The difference in total SOT scores between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant, with the experimental group showing a higher score ( t=7.104, P<0.001). The improvement in SOT scores was also more pronounced in the experimental group compared to the control group ( t=6.532, P<0.001). Sensory Analysis Indicators Proprioception (SOM): In the experimental group, the proprioception score significantly increased after treatment compared with before treatment ( t=-2.338, P=0.029), while, there was no statistically significant difference in the proprioception score of the control group before and after treatment ( P=0.537). Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in visual, vestibular, or visual dependence scores between the two groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the visual, vestibular, and visual dependence scores of both groups significantly increased compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05); moreover, the post-treatment visual, vestibular, and visual dependence scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with medication-only treatment, the combination of an electronic balance aid and medication for the treatment and rehabilitation training of patients with acute peripheral vestibular injury can significantly improve the therapeutic effect in the short term.
3.Comparison of efficacy of recombinant human interleukin-11 and herombopag olamine tablets on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in breast cancer
Chao WANG ; Junmei ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Li LIU ; Xiaochun WANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(4):365-369
Objective To compare the efficacy of recombinant human interleukin-11(rhIL-11)and herombopag olamine tablets on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia(CIT)in breast cancer.Methods Eighty-six prospectively selected breast cancer patients with CIT were randomly divided into the control group(administered rhIL-11)and the study group(administered herombopag olamine tablets),with 43 cases in each group.Before treatment and 14 days after treatment,platelet parameters[platelet count(PLT),plateletcrit(PCT),platelet distribution width(PDW)and mean platelet volume(MPV)]and flow cytometry were measured by automated hematology analyzer.Cellular immune indicators(CD3+,CD4+,CD8+and CD4+/CD8+)were detected by flow cytometer.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of thrombopoietin(TPO)and interleukin-11(IL-11).The above parameters were compared between the two groups,and the incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups was recorded.Results After treatment,PLT,PCT,CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+,TPO and IL-11 in both groups were higher than before treatment,and which was higher in the study group than the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,PDW,MPV and CD8+of both groups were lower than before treatment,and the study group was lower than the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Both rhIL-11 and herombopag olamine tablets are effective in treating breast cancer with CIT.Compared with rhIL-11,herombopag olamine tablets have more advantages in improving platelet parameters,cellular immune indicators,TPO and IL-11,and do not increase the adverse reactions.
4.Causal relationship between 39 plasma coagulation factors and chronic kidney disease based on samples from the GWAS Catalog database
Zehong PENG ; Xi ZHU ; Jianglong WEN ; Wenzhuo ZHU ; Chao LIU ; Jianwei TANG ; Ziyue CAO ; Lili ZHU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(24):5272-5280
BACKGROUND:Plasma coagulation factors have been shown to be strongly associated with chronic kidney disease in many observational studies.Nevertheless,the causal relationship between plasma coagulation factors and chronic kidney disease has not been fully revealed.OBJECTIVE:To assess and explore the association between plasma coagulation factors and chronic kidney disease risk using a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach.METHODS:Genome-wide association study data of 39 plasma coagulation factors with different ID numbers were obtained from the GWAS Catalog database and chronic kidney disease genome-wide association analysis data(ebi-a-GCST003374)were obtained from the Open Genome-Wide Association Study database(IEU Open GWAS),where the sample size of the chronic kidney disease dataset was 117 165 cases and the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms was 2 179 497.Inverse variance weighting,MR-Egger regression,weighted median,weighted mode,and simple mode were used to explore causality.Meanwhile,Cochran Q test was used to assess the variability of single nucleotide polymorphism loci.Horizontal pleiotropy of single nucleotide polymorphisms was verified by MR-Egger intercept test.Sensitivity analyses were performed using the"leave-one-out"method to determine whether the Mendelian randomization results would be confounded by a single single nucleotide polymorphism site.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of four plasma coagulation factors were associated with chronic kidney disease by Mendelian randomization analysis of 39 plasma coagulation factors and chronic kidney disease.Plasma coagulation factor V(FV)level(odds ratio[OR]=0.922,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.875-0.971,P=0.002),plasma FVII level(OR=0.719,95%CI:0.521-0.991,P=0.044),plasma FXa level(OR=1.113,95%CI:1.009-1.227,P=0.032),plasma antithrombin-level(OR=0.849,95%CI:0.739-0.975,P=0.020)were significantly associated with chronic kidney disease(all P<0.05).Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity were not detected.(2)Based on the two-sample Mendelian randomization in the genetic epidemiologic method,plasma FVII level,plasma antithrombin-level,and plasma FV level of coagulation factors were protective factors for the risk of chronic kidney disease,and plasma FXa level was a risk factor of chronic kidney disease.(3)The above results confirm that there is a significant potential causal relationship between plasma coagulation factors and chronic kidney disease.Although we analyzed the data of European populations from international databases,these data analyses have a reference value for the study of chronic kidney disease and coagulation factors in China,and they also provide innovative insights into the study of the genetic epidemiology of chronic kidney disease,and they also provide a certain reference value for the in-depth study of the related databases in China,including the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study database.Future studies can focus on the assessment of hypocoagulability or hypercoagulability of related coagulation factors in patients with chronic kidney disease.
5.Comparison of efficacy of recombinant human interleukin-11 and herombopag olamine tablets on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in breast cancer
Chao WANG ; Junmei ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Li LIU ; Xiaochun WANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(4):365-369
Objective To compare the efficacy of recombinant human interleukin-11(rhIL-11)and herombopag olamine tablets on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia(CIT)in breast cancer.Methods Eighty-six prospectively selected breast cancer patients with CIT were randomly divided into the control group(administered rhIL-11)and the study group(administered herombopag olamine tablets),with 43 cases in each group.Before treatment and 14 days after treatment,platelet parameters[platelet count(PLT),plateletcrit(PCT),platelet distribution width(PDW)and mean platelet volume(MPV)]and flow cytometry were measured by automated hematology analyzer.Cellular immune indicators(CD3+,CD4+,CD8+and CD4+/CD8+)were detected by flow cytometer.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of thrombopoietin(TPO)and interleukin-11(IL-11).The above parameters were compared between the two groups,and the incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups was recorded.Results After treatment,PLT,PCT,CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+,TPO and IL-11 in both groups were higher than before treatment,and which was higher in the study group than the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,PDW,MPV and CD8+of both groups were lower than before treatment,and the study group was lower than the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Both rhIL-11 and herombopag olamine tablets are effective in treating breast cancer with CIT.Compared with rhIL-11,herombopag olamine tablets have more advantages in improving platelet parameters,cellular immune indicators,TPO and IL-11,and do not increase the adverse reactions.
6.Feasibility analysis of laparoscopic total hysterectomy in patients with obliterated rectouterine pouch
Erniao LIU ; Fei MIAO ; Yingfang ZHOU ; Yan HUANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Chao PENG
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(5):355-362
Objective:To analysis the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic total hysterectomy in patients with obliterated rectouterine pouch.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 197 patients who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy at Peking University First Hospital, from July 2022 to July 2024. According to intraoperative observations, 197 patients were categorized into two groups: 58 cases with completely obliterated rectouterine pouch (obliterated group) and 139 cases with non-obliterated pouch (control group). General clinical characteristics, perioperative outcomes and 3-month follow-up after surgery were compared between two groups.Results:(1) Baseline characteristics: the age of the obliterated group was (45.7±3.7) years, and the control group was (48.0±3.8) years ( P<0.001). Primary complaint: dysmenorrhea prevalence was 53.4% (31/58) in the obliterated group, and was 35.3% (49/139; P<0.05) in the control group. Surgical indications: the proportion of adenomyosis and ovarian endometrioma was 77.6% (45/58) in the obliterated group, and was 51.1% (71/139; P<0.001) in the control group. No significant differences in body mass index, pelvic surgical history, or preoperative medication between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) Intraoperative outcomes: the obliterated group demonstrated significantly higher rates of surgical interventions compared to the control group. Superficial endometriosis resection was performed in 91.4% (53/58) of the obliterated group versus 33.8% (47/139) in the control group ( P<0.001). Deep infiltrating endometriosis excision was required in 82.8% (48/58) of the obliterated group, contrasting sharply with 10.1% (14/139) in the control group ( P<0.001). Ureterolysis procedures were similarly elevated in the obliterated group (77.6%, 45/58) compared to the control group (7.9%, 11/139; P<0.001). Operative metrics revealed substantial intergroup disparities: the obliterated group exhibited a median surgical duration of 149.0 minutes (interquartile range: 114.0, 180.0 minutes), significantly prolonged relative to the control group′s 91.0 minutes (77.0, 107.0 minutes; P<0.001). Estimated blood loss followed a parallel pattern, with median volumes of 50.0 ml (20.0, 100.0 ml) in the obliterated group versus 20.0 ml (10.0, 20.0 ml) in the control group ( P<0.001). (3) Postoperative outcomes: the uterine weight of the obliterated group was 200.0 g (132.5, 260.0 g), and the control group was 240.0 g (180.0, 336.0 g; P<0.05). Hospital stay was prolonged in the obliterated group compared with the control group [7.0 days (6.0, 8.3 days) vs 6.0 days (5.0, 7.0 days); P<0.001]. The incidences of postoperative fever in the obliterated group and the control group were 20.7% (12/58) vs 12.2% (17/139; P>0.05). The incidences of minor complications in the obliterated group and the control group were 3.4% (2/58) vs 0 (0/139; P>0.05). No major complications (intraoperative hemorrhage, transfusion, visceral injury, conversion to laparotomy, or thromboembolism) occurred. (4) Follow up at 3 months after surgery: three months postoperatively, all patients underwent outpatient follow-up visits, during which symptoms such as pain were alleviated. Gynecological ultrasound and pelvic examinations were performed, and the vaginal stump exhibited good healing. Conclusion:Laparoscopic total hysterectomy performed by experienced minimally invasive gynecological specialists is safe and feasible for patients with obliterated rectouterine pouch.
7.Investigation of the prevalence of progestogen drug contraindications in patients with endometriosis and adenomyosis
Fei MIAO ; Erniao LIU ; Yingfang ZHOU ; Yan HUANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Chao PENG
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(7):534-540
Objective:To discuss the prevalence of contraindications to progestogens in patients with endometriosis and adenomyosis.Methods:Women of childbearing age aged 15-49 years, except for menopausal and malignant tumors, were enrolled in Peking University First Hospital from April to August 2024 for laparoscopic or open surgery, regardless of whether they had used or would be using progestogen drugs. The patients were divided into two groups: the case group was patients with pathologically confirmed endometriosis and adenomyosis, and the control group was patients with other benign gynecological diseases. The patient′s medical history and clinical data were collected.Results:A total of 745 patients were enrolled, including 362 cases (48.6%, 362/745) in the case group, 383 cases (51.4%, 383/745) in the control group; 61 patients with contraindications to progestogens, including 32 cases (8.8%, 32/362) in the case group, and 29 cases (7.6%, 29/383) in the control group ( χ2=0.398, P>0.05). Among them, there were 33 cases of liver disease, all of which were liver tumor (hepatic hemangioma only), including 18 cases (5.0%, 18/362) in the case group and 15 cases (3.9%, 15/383) in the control group. There were 11 cases of sex hormone-dependent or related tumors (breast cancer only), including 4 cases (1.1%, 4/362) in the case group and 7 cases (1.8%, 7/383) in the control group. There were 10 cases of vascular disease, including 4 cases of diabetic vascular disease, including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 2 cases (0.5%, 2/383) in the control group. There were 3 cases of venous thrombosis, including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 1 case (0.3%, 1/383) in the control group. There were 3 cases of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including 1 case in the case group (0.3%, 1/362) and 2 cases (0.5%, 2/383) in the control group. There were 7 cases of renal insufficiency, including 3 cases of chronic nephritis complicated with renal insufficiency [including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 1 case (0.3%, 1/383) in the control group]; two cases of membranous nephropathy complicated with renal insufficiency were in the case group (0.6%, 2/362); one case of diabetic nephropathy complicated with renal insufficiency was in the control group (0.3%, 1/383); one case of uremia was in the case group (0.3%, 1/362). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:There is no difference in the contraindications of progestogens in patients with endometriosis and adenomyosis compared with patients with other gynecological benign diseases. Liver tumors are more common in both two groups.
8.Study of application of Common Data Model of Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership in China
Meng ZHANG ; Peng SHEN ; Zhike LIU ; Van Zandt MUI ; Jing LI ; Chao LI ; Yexiang SUN ; Junqing XIE ; Hripcsak GEORGE ; Yong CHEN ; Hongbo LIN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):907-913
Objective:To comprehensively evaluate the application of Common Data Model (CDM) of Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) in China, and provide reference for the implementation of data standardization and evidence sharing in China.Methods:PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WanFang and SinoMed databases were used for literature retrieval to collect the research papers of OMOP CDM application for data standardization in China until March 15, 2023. The information about institutions, types and numbers of patients were extracted.Results:A total of 14 research papers, including 9 in English and 5 in Chinese, were selected. The research papers published since 2018 were collected, which focused on patients with hypertension, diabetes, and depression. A total of 12 institutions or platforms transformed data into OMOP CDM. Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital was the first one to apply the CDM and demonstrated its feasibility in China. Additionally, the regional information system in Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, standardized the multi-dimensional data of patients with diabetes and hypertension. Based on this platform, a series of prediction models for complications in patients with diabetes were constructed. Another major database in Beijing Anding Hospital applied OMOP CDM to analyze the characteristics of patients with late-life depression and dementia.Conclusions:This study analyzed the application of OMOP CDM in China. Through in-depth analysis of specific cases, the study provided guidance for the future cross-regional evidence sharing and collaboration.
9.Huanglian Jiedu decoction combined with Xijiao Dihuang decoction for the treatment of psoriasis via influencing fibroblast activation-mediated keratinocyte proliferation: a mechanistic study
Youhua PENG ; Guiyun GAO ; Chao LIU ; Jinglin LI ; Mengyao ZHANG ; Jing DAI ; Yao CHEN ; Junqi LIU ; Xudong WANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(11):1064-1074
Objective:To explore the mechanisms of action of Huanglian Jiedu decoction combined with Xijiao Dihuang decoction (HLJDT-XJDH) in regulating fibroblasts in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods:A mouse model of psoriasis was established by topical application of imiquimod 5% cream on the shaved back; HLJDT-XJDH at different doses of 7.7 and 30.6 g/kg was administered via gavage for intervention, and methotrexate (2 mg/kg) served as a positive control; after 7 days, the severity of skin lesions was assessed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), while histopathological changes of skin tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Baker scoring. For in vitro experiments, fibroblasts were divided into a control group, a model group, a low-dose (5% drug-containing serum) intervention group, and a high-dose (20% drug-containing serum) intervention group; cells in the control group were cultured with 20% normal rat serum for 24 hours; in the model group, cells cultured with 20% normal rat serum were stimulated with 5 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and 50 ng/ml interleukin (IL) -17A for 24 hours to mimic fibroblasts during the occurrence of psoriasis; cells in the low- and high-dose intervention groups received the same stimulation as the model group, and were cultured for 24 hours with 5% and 20% HLJDT-XJDH-containing serum, respectively, but not with the 20% normal rat serum. After the above treatment, these cells were co-cultured with keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) using a Transwell system. In addition, on the basis of the control group, fibroblasts were divided into the model group, 20% drug-containing serum intervention group, and 20% drug-containing serum intervention + OE-SFRP2 group; TNF-α and IL-17A were used to stimulate the cells to simulate the psoriatic state; the treatment in the 20% drug-containing serum intervention group was carried out as previously described; in the 20% drug-containing serum intervention + OE-SFRP2 group, cells were transfected with the vector for 48 hours to establish an overexpression model, followed by culture with 20% drug-containing serum for 24 hours, without co-culture with HaCaT cells.. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to assess cell viability, flow cytometry to measure apoptosis rates, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) as well as chemokine ligand (CXCL) 1 and CXCL12 in mouse serum or cell culture supernatant, qPCR to determine the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, cell cycle- and proliferation-related factors, as well as SFRP2 in mouse skin tissues or cells, and Western blot analysis to determine the protein expression of SFRP2, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in fibroblasts. One-way analysis of variance was employed for intergroup comparisons, and post-hoc analysis was conducted using Tukey's test. Results:In vivo mouse experiments showed that compared with the normal control group, the model group exhibited typical psoriatic characteristics in skin morphology, including significant inflammatory infiltration in skin tissues and marked epidermal thickening; compared with the normal control group, the serum levels of TNF-α (531.16 ± 28.27 pg/ml vs. 239.58 ± 10.39 pg/ml), IL-1β (111.40 ± 5.16 pg/ml vs. 80.35 ± 3.87 pg/ml), and IL-6 (109.17 ± 4.84 pg/ml vs. 71.73 ± 2.04 pg/ml) significantly increased in the model group, along with their mRNA expression levels in mouse skin tissues (all P < 0.001) ; compared with the model group, the treatment group showed alleviated psoriatic manifestations, and significant reductions in the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α (low-dose, high-dose, and positive control groups: 420.80 ± 29.30 pg/ml, 322.33 ± 9.40 pg/ml, 322.97 ± 12.16 pg/ml, respectively), IL-1β (98.69 ± 4.49 pg/ml, 89.02 ± 1.56 pg/ml, 88.88 ± 2.08 pg/ml, respectively), and IL-6 (94.07 ± 3.76 pg/ml, 80.54 ± 3.30 pg/ml, 83.21 ± 3.18 pg/ml, respectively), as well as in their mRNA expression levels (all P < 0.001). In in vitro fibroblast experiments, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited a significant elevation in the supernatant levels of IL-1β (126.42 ± 3.56 pg/ml vs. 34.81 ± 0.44 pg/ml), IL-6 (459.44 ± 9.35 pg/ml vs. 115.51 ± 7.26 pg/ml), CXCL1 (2 434.88 ± 127.63 pg/ml vs. 762.85 ± 30.60 pg/ml) and CXCL12 (3 542.14 ± 35.86 pg/ml vs. 2 095.86 ± 45.12 pg/ml), the expression levels of their mRNAs (all P < 0.001), as well as the protein expression levels of SFRP2, Wnt3a, and β-catenin; after intervention with HLJDT-XJDH-containing serum, all the above indices significantly decreased (all P < 0.001). However, when 20% drug-containing serum intervention was administered simultaneously, the expression of inflammatory factors and chemokines in fibroblasts was significantly higher in the SFRP2 overexpression group than in the non-overexpression group (all P < 0.01). When fibroblasts were co-cultured with HaCaT cells, the model group showed significantly increased cell viability but a decreased apoptosis rate of HaCaT cells compared with the control group, while the low- and high-dose intervention groups showed significantly decreased cell viability but increased apoptosis rates of HaCaT cells compared with the model group (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:HLJDT-XJDH may exert therapeutic effects in psoriasis by downregulating the SFRP2/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting fibroblast activation and inflammatory process, which subsequently suppresses the proliferation of keratinocytes and the activation of inflammatory cells.
10.Development of Electrospinning Setup for Vascular Tissue-Engineering Application with Thick-Hierarchical Fiber Alignment
Shen CHEN ; Chao XIE ; Xiaoxi LONG ; Xianwei WANG ; Xudong LI ; Peng LIU ; Jiabin LIU ; Zuyong WANG
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2025;22(2):195-210
BACKGROUND:
Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge.
METHODS:
A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility.
RESULTS:
The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.

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