1.Analysis of Potential Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Baoxin Granules Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure
Yu CHEN ; Maolin WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Jing XU ; Hongwei WU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Youming LI ; Jixiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):202-209
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments, the active ingredients, possible targets and molecular mechanisms of Baoxin granules(BXG) regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of heart failure(HF) were explored. MethodsBXG intestinal absorption fluid was prepared by everted gut sac and the chemical composition contained therein were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. According to the obtained components, the potential targets of BXG were predicted, and the HF-related targets and related genes of ferroptosis were retrieved at the same time, and the intersecting targets were obtained by Venn diagram. In addition, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and the component-target network were constructed, and the core components and core targets were obtained by topological analysis. Then Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the core targets, and molecular docking validation of the key targets and main components was carried out by AutoDockTools 1.5.7. H9c2 cells were used to establish a oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the protective effect of BXG on cells was investigated by detecting cell viability, cell survival rate and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation(p)-STAT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) were detected by Western blot to clarify the regulatory effect of BXG on ferroptosis. ResultsA total of 61 chemical components in BXG intestinal absorption fluid were identified, and network pharmacology obtained 27 potential targets of BXG for the treatment of HF, as well as 139 signaling pathways. BXG may act on core targets such as STAT3, tumor protein p53(TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), JUN and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) through core components such as glabrolide and limonin, which in turn intervene in lipid and atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), endocrine resistance and other signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects on HF. Molecular docking showed that the docking results of multiple groups of targets and compounds were good. In vitro cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the cell viability and survival rate of the model group were significantly decreased, the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability and survival rate of the BXG group were significantly increased, the ROS level was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 protein levels were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBXG may inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of STAT3 and GPX4, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on HF, and flavonoids may be the key components of this role.
2.Analysis of Potential Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Baoxin Granules Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure
Yu CHEN ; Maolin WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Jing XU ; Hongwei WU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Youming LI ; Jixiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):202-209
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments, the active ingredients, possible targets and molecular mechanisms of Baoxin granules(BXG) regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of heart failure(HF) were explored. MethodsBXG intestinal absorption fluid was prepared by everted gut sac and the chemical composition contained therein were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. According to the obtained components, the potential targets of BXG were predicted, and the HF-related targets and related genes of ferroptosis were retrieved at the same time, and the intersecting targets were obtained by Venn diagram. In addition, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and the component-target network were constructed, and the core components and core targets were obtained by topological analysis. Then Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the core targets, and molecular docking validation of the key targets and main components was carried out by AutoDockTools 1.5.7. H9c2 cells were used to establish a oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the protective effect of BXG on cells was investigated by detecting cell viability, cell survival rate and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation(p)-STAT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) were detected by Western blot to clarify the regulatory effect of BXG on ferroptosis. ResultsA total of 61 chemical components in BXG intestinal absorption fluid were identified, and network pharmacology obtained 27 potential targets of BXG for the treatment of HF, as well as 139 signaling pathways. BXG may act on core targets such as STAT3, tumor protein p53(TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), JUN and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) through core components such as glabrolide and limonin, which in turn intervene in lipid and atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), endocrine resistance and other signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects on HF. Molecular docking showed that the docking results of multiple groups of targets and compounds were good. In vitro cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the cell viability and survival rate of the model group were significantly decreased, the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability and survival rate of the BXG group were significantly increased, the ROS level was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 protein levels were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBXG may inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of STAT3 and GPX4, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on HF, and flavonoids may be the key components of this role.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Picrorhizae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Kaizhi WU ; Cheng FENG ; Wenyue LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):228-239
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books, prescription books, and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history, Huhuanglian has been used as its official name, and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze, Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions, and also produced in China, mainly in Xizang. In ancient times, it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar, while in modern times, it is mostly harvested from July to September, with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities, and bitter taste. Throughout history, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected, washed, sliced, and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine, it has a bitter and cold taste, mainly used to treat bone steaming, hot flashes, infantile chancre fever, and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results, it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa, can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb, which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements, the dried raw products are used as medicine.
4.Characteristics of gut microbiota dysbiosis in patients with infectious diarrhea
Wen-Peng GU ; Di LYU ; Xiao-Fang ZHOU ; Sen-Quan JIA ; Xiao-Nan ZHAO ; Yong ZHANG ; Yong-Ming ZHOU ; Jian-Wen YIN ; Li HUANG ; Xiao-Qing FU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(5):408-414
This study investigated the characteristics of gut microbiota imbalance in patients with infectious diarrhea caused by various pathogenic infections,and the role of Bacteroides in maintaining homeostasis in the intestinal environment.The gut microbiota in patients with diarrhea caused by pathogenic infections,such as viral and bacterial infections,was determined through full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.Patients with diarrhea were grouped and analyzed according to the presence of single bacterial infection,single viral infection,mixed infection,or Clostridioides difficile infection.Bacteroides had the highest absolute number and relative abundance in the gut microbiota in healthy people,whereas patients with infectious diar-rhea showed lower relative abundance of Bacteroides at each phylum/order/family/genus taxonomic level.Alpha diversity anal-ysis indicated no significant differences among groups.NMDS and PCoA indicated formation of distinct clusters in the control group compared with the different infectious diarrhea groups.The diversity of the gut microbiota was higher in the control group than the infectious diarrhea groups.Patients with infec-tious diarrhea caused by different pathogens showed differing predominant gut microbiota.Bifidobacterium predominated in the single viral infection group,Streptococcus predominated in the single bacterial infection group,and Lachnoclostridium predominated in the mixed infection group.Escherichia and Klebsiella were the major gut microbiota in the C.difficile infection group.Meanwhile,the dominant gut microbiota in the healthy population was Bacteroides.COG function prediction revealed that the healthy control group formed a distinct cluster from the different infection groups.The functions of defense mechanisms,cell wall synthesis,protein modification,cellular differentiation,and replication and recombination were signifi-cantly diminished in all infectious diarrhea groups.In general,patients with infectious diarrhea caused by different pathogens showed dysbiosis,with diminished gut microbiota diversity and the emergence of related biomarkers.Our findings indicated that Bacteroides has a key role in maintaining the homeostasis of the human intestinal environment,thus providing new ideas for the subsequent treatment of infectious diarrhea and research in other fields.
5.Clinical trial of semaglutide in adults based on the FAERS database
Yi-Ru ZHAO ; Zhen-Wei FANG ; Lin ZHANG ; Xiu-Jin SHI ; Meng-Di ZHANG ; Yang LIN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(2):264-268
Objective We aim to analyse semaglutide related adverse events in real-world,overall and by gender and age subgroups and compare the differences of different gender and age patients in adverse events,in order to supply references for security usage in the clinic.Methods OpenVigil 2.1 was used to search FDA Adverse Event Reporting System for semaglutide related adverse events from the establishment of the databases to April 2023.According to age and gender,patients were divided into 18-64 years old group and≥65 years old group,male group and female group.We selected ten adverse events which we interested(nausea,diarrhoea,vomiting,pancreatitis,cholecystitis,cholelithiasis,hypoglycaemia,diabetic retinopathy,acute kidney injury and thyroid cancer/medullary thyroid cancer)and analyzed overall and each group of semaglutide adverse events.Results A total of 5 330 cases and 15 558 adverse events were collected.2 935 patients aged 18-64 old group years with 8 553 adverse events;2 395 patients aged≥65 years old group with 7 005 adverse events.2 231 male group patients with 6 195 adverse events;3 059 female group patients with 9 277 adverse events.The sex of 40 patients was unknown.Nausea(1 089 cases/7.00%),vomiting(775 cases/4.98%)and diarrhoea(545 cases/3.50%)remained the most common adverse events.The constituent ratio of pancreatitis was significantly higher in patients aged 18-64 years old group than in patients aged 65 years old group(P<0.05);the constituent ratio of diarrhoeaand cholelithiasis was significantly lower in patients aged 18-64 years old group than patients aged≥65 years old group(P<0.05).The constituent ratio of diarrhoea,vomiting,pancreatitis,cholecystitis,cholelithiasis,diabetic retinopathy,and acute kidney injurywas significantly higher in male group patients than in female group(P<0.05).Conclusion Nausea,diarrhoea and vomiting remined the most common adverse events of semaglutide.Male should be more concerned about gastrointestinal,pancreatitis,gallbladder events,retinopathy and acute kidney injury.Elderly patients should be more alert diarrhoea and cholelithiasis.
6.Efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors combined with nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Qi FANG ; Pengfei XU ; Fei CAO ; Zheng ZHAO ; Xinrui ZHANG ; Di WU ; Chunyan CHEN ; Zhiming LI ; Fei HAN ; Xuekui LIU
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;59(7):750-757
Objective:To assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment with PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) inhibitors combined with paclitaxel (albumin-conjugated) and cisplatin (TP regimen) for locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and laryngeal organ function preservation.Methods:Data of 53 patients, including 51 males and 2 females, aged 38-70 years old, who were diagnosed with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma confirmed by histology and enhanced CT at the Cancer Prevention and Control Center of Sun Yat-sen University during the initial treatment from January 1, 2019 to January 15, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel (260 mg/m 2) and cisplatin (60 mg/m 2) for 3 to 4 cycles. The main outcome measures were larynx dysfunction-free survival (LDFS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox multifactorial analysis was further performed if Cox univariate analysis was statistically significant. Results:The overall efficiency was 90.6% (48/53). The 1-year and 2-year LDFS rates were 83.8% (95% CI: 74.0% to 94.8%) and 50.3% (95% CI: 22.1% to 91.6%), the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 95.2% (95% CI: 88.9% to 100.0%) and 58.2% (95% CI: 25.6% to 81.8%), and the 1-year and 2-year PFS rates were 83.9% (95% CI: 74.2% to 94.9%) and 53.5% (95% CI: 32.1% to 89.1%). Adverse events associated with the neoadjuvant therapy were mainly myelosuppression (45.3%), gastrointestinal reactions (37.7%) and hypothyroidism (20.8%). Conclusion:The neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using PD-1 inhibitors combined with paclitaxel and cisplatin can provide with a higher survival rate with a improved laryngeal organ function preservation rate.
7.Comparative proteomic analysis of Virology PK-15 cells infected with wild-type strain and its EP0 gene-deleted mutant strain of pseudorabies virus
Di WANG ; Dongjie CHEN ; Shengkui XU ; Fang WEI ; Hongyuan ZHAO
Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;25(4):e54-
Objective:
This study examined the function of EP0 to provide a direction for its in-depth analysis.
Methods:
In this study, the EP0-deleted PRV mutant was obtained, and Tandem Mass Tagbased proteomic analysis was used to screen the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) quantitatively in EP0-deleted PRV- or wild-type PRV-infected porcine kidney 15 cells.
Results:
This study identified 7,391 DEPs, including 120 and 21 up-regulated and downregulated DEPs, respectively. Western blot analysis confirmed the changes in the expression of the selected proteins, such as speckled protein 100. Comprehensive analysis revealed 141 DEPs involved in various biological processes and molecular functions, such as transcription regulator activity, biological regulation, and localization.
Conclusions
and Relevance: These results holistically outlined the functions of EP0 during a PRV infection and might provide a direction for more detailed function studies of EP0 and the stimulation of lytic PRV infections.
8.Effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on enamel formation of offspring mice.
Qing Lu TIAN ; Di Fang ZHAO ; Shu Yuan GUAN ; Yuan ZHOU ; Xi ZHOU ; Li Wei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2023;58(1):40-49
Objective: To investigate the effects of nicotine on the morphology, structure of offspring's dental germ, enamel organ and other dental tissues and the further potential epigenetic mechanisms by establishing prenatal nicotine exposure mouse model. Methods: Ten C57BL/6 pregnant mice were randomly divided into control group (physiological saline subcutaneous injection) and prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) group (nicotine subcutaneous injection) by using a random number table. Postnatal day 0 (P0), postnatal day 14 (P14) and postnatal day 25 (P25) offspring mice were collected for subsequent experiments. The offspring mice were divided into offspring control group and offspring PNE group according to the maternal group respectively. Weights of P0 and P25 offspring mice were recorded. Micro-CT, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Vickers hardness test were performed to analyze the related parameters of hard tissues including alveolar bones and mandibular incisors. Total RNAs were extracted from mandible tissues and the third generation of dental epithelial stem cells (DESC) in P25 mice. The relative expression levels of osteogenic and ameloblastic differentiation related genes were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Immunohistochemical stainings of paraffin sections were then performed to observe the distribution and expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna), amelogenin (Amelx), histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to detect the cell viabilities of DESCs after administrations of different concentrations of nicotine (0.01, 0.1, 1 mmol/L) and GSK126 (an inhibitor of histone methyltransferase Ezh2). Results: Compared with the control group, pregnant mice in PNE group were more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as significantly lower offspring body weight [P0: offspring control (1.20±0.04) g, offspring PNE (0.99±0.02) g, P<0.001; P25: offspring control (15.26±1.70) g, offspring PNE (9.65±1.32) g, P<0.001] and increased stillbirths rate [offspring control (0), offspring PNE (46.40±9.30) %, P<0.001]. At P14 and P25, the distance parameters between the enamel mineralized deposits of mandibular incisors and the mesial surface of the first molar in offspring PNE group [P14: (-1 349±45) μm; P25: (-1 192±147) μm] was significantly decreased compared with the control group [P14: (-506±380) μm, P25: (504±198) μm] (P<0.05, P<0.001). The enamel column and enamel column stroma of incisors in offspring PNE group were blurred, arranged loosely and disorderly than those in the control group, while the microhardness of incisor enamel in offspring PNE group [(245.7±18.4) MPa] was significantly lower compared to the control group [(371.9±28.7) MPa] (P<0.001). HE staining showed disordered pre-ameloblast (Pre-Am) arrangement and delayed mineralization deposition point in offspring PNE group compared with the control group, while the length of transit-amplifying cell (TA) and Pre-Am region were prolonged as well. Immunohistochemical staining results displayed that the overall Pcna (P<0.05), H3K27me3 (P<0.01), Ezh2 (P<0.01) expression of labial cervical loop (LaCL) in PNE group were increased, while the positive signal of Amelx in ameloblast cytoplasm was impaired. In vitro, the addition of 1 mmol/L nicotine could significantly upregulate the expression level of Pcna (P<0.01) and downregulate the expression levels of B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 (P<0.05), leucine rich repeats and immunoglobulin like domains 1 (P<0.05), Amelx (P<0.01). In addition, 1 mmol/L nicotine could also significantly enhance the proliferation activity of DESCs (P<0.001). Addition of 10 μmol/L GSK126, could rescue the proliferation activation effect of 1 mmol/L nicotine on DESCs. Conclusions: PNE may delay the process of enamel formation and lineage differentiation, leading to the abnormal proliferation of DESCs and changes of epigenetic modification state in H3K27me3, which affect the development of enamel in offspring mice,suggesting PNE might be one of risk environmental factor for tooth development.
Pregnancy
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Female
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Mice
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Animals
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Nicotine/toxicity*
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Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
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Histones
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Dental Enamel
9.Chinese expert consensus on clinical treatment of adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury complicated by corona virus disease 2019 (version 2023)
Zeli ZHANG ; Shoujia SUN ; Yijun BAO ; Li BIE ; Yunxing CAO ; Yangong CHAO ; Juxiang CHEN ; Wenhua FANG ; Guang FENG ; Lei FENG ; Junfeng FENG ; Liang GAO ; Bingsha HAN ; Ping HAN ; Chenggong HU ; Jin HU ; Rong HU ; Wei HE ; Lijun HOU ; Xianjian HUANG ; Jiyao JIANG ; Rongcai JIANG ; Lihong LI ; Xiaopeng LI ; Jinfang LIU ; Jie LIU ; Shengqing LYU ; Binghui QIU ; Xizhou SUN ; Xiaochuan SUN ; Hengli TIAN ; Ye TIAN ; Ke WANG ; Ning WANG ; Xinjun WANG ; Donghai WANG ; Yuhai WANG ; Jianjun WANG ; Xingong WANG ; Junji WEI ; Feng XU ; Min XU ; Can YAN ; Wei YAN ; Xiaofeng YANG ; Chaohua YANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yongming ZHANG ; Di ZHAO ; Jianxin ZHU ; Guoyi GAO ; Qibing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2023;39(3):193-203
The condition of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) complicated by corona virus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is complex. sTBI can significantly increase the probability of COVID-19 developing into severe or critical stage, while COVID-19 can also increase the surgical risk of sTBI and the severity of postoperative lung lesions. There are many contradictions in the treatment process, which brings difficulties to the clinical treatment of such patients. Up to now, there are few clinical studies and therapeutic norms relevant to sTBI complicated by COVID-19. In order to standardize the clinical treatment of such patients, Critical Care Medicine Branch of China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Healthcare and Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized relevant experts to formulate the Chinese expert consensus on clinical treatment of adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury complicated by corona virus infection 2019 ( version 2023) based on the joint prevention and control mechanism scheme of the State Council and domestic and foreign literatures on sTBI and COVID-19 in the past 3 years of the international epidemic. Fifteen recommendations focused on emergency treatment, emergency surgery and comprehensive management were put forward to provide a guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of sTBI complicated by COVID-19.
10.Quick guideline for diagnosis and treatment of novel coronavirus Omicron variant infection
Guang CHEN ; Tao CHEN ; Sainan SHU ; Xiaojing WANG ; Ke MA ; Di WU ; Hongwu WANG ; Yan LIU ; Wei GUO ; Meifang HAN ; Jianxin SONG ; Tonglin LIU ; Shusheng LI ; Jianping ZHAO ; Yuancheng HUANG ; Yong XIONG ; Zuojiong GONG ; Qiaoxia TONG ; Jiazhi LIAO ; Feng FANG ; Xiaoping LUO ; Qin NING
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2023;16(1):26-32
Novel coronavirus Omicron variant infection can cause severe illness and even death in certain populations. Omicron variant infection may lead to systemic inflammatory response, coagulation disorder, multi-organ dysfunction and other pathophysiological changes, which are different from other Novel coronavirus variants to a certain extent, so therapeutic strategies should not be the same. The National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events invited experts in fields of infectious diseases, respiratory medicine, intensive care, pediatrics and fever clinic to develop this quick guideline based on the current best evidence and extensive clinical practices. This quick guideline aims to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of novel coronavirus Omicron infection, and to improve the disease management abilities of clinicians.

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