1.Gandou Fumu Decoction improves liver steatosis by inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis in mice with Wilson's disease through the GPX4/ACSL4/ALOX15 signaling pathway
Mengying ZHANG ; Chenling ZHAO ; Liwei TIAN ; Guofang YU ; Wenming YANG ; Ting DONG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1471-1478
Objective To explore the mechanism of Gandou Fumu Decoction(GDFMD)for improving Wilson's disease(WD)in tx-J mice.Methods With 6 syngeneic wild-type mice as the control group,30 tx-J mice were randomized into WD model group,low-,medium-and high-dose GDFMD treatment groups,and Fer-1 treatment group.Saline(in control and model groups)and GDFMD(3.48,6.96 or 13.92 g/kg)were administered by gavage,and Fer-1 was injected intraperitoneally once daily for 14 days.Oil red and HE staining were used to observe lipid deposition and pathological conditions in the liver tissue;ALT,AST,albumin,AKP levels were determined to assess liver function of the mice.Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect hepatic protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4,ACSL4,ALOX15,FTH1,FLT,TFR1,FAS,SCD1,and ACOX1,and Fe2+,MDA,ROS,SOD,GSH and 4-HNE levels were analyzed to assess oxidative stress.Results The mouse models of WD showed obvious fatty degeneration in the liver tissue significantly increased serum levels of ALT,AST and AKP,decreased albumin level,increased Fe2+,MDA,ROS,4-HNE levels,decreased SOD and GSH levels(P<0.05),lowered protein expressions of ACOX1,GPX4,FTH1,FLT,FAS,and SCD1,and increased protein contents of TFR1,ACSL4 and ALOX15 in the liver.Treatment with GDFMD and Fer-1 improved liver histopathology and liver function of the mouse models,decreased the levels of Fe2+,MDA and ROS,increased SOD and GSH levels,and reversed the changes in hepatic protein expressions.Conclusion GDFMD improves liver steatosis in mouse models of WD possibly by inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4/ALOX15 signaling pathway.
2.Effects of Gandou Fumu Decoction on hepatic fibrosis,iron metabolism,and ferroptosis in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration
Chenling ZHAO ; Guofang YU ; Liwei TIAN ; Mengying ZHANG ; Lulu TANG ; Wenming YANG ; Ting DONG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):625-635
Objective To investigate the effects of Gandou Fumu Decoction on liver fibrosis,iron metabolism,and ferroptosis in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration(Wilson disease,WD).Methods Seventy-eight hospitalized patients with WD characterized by kidney and liver deficiency,with phlegm and blood stasis,from the Department of Neurology,the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine,were randomly assigned to two groups using a random number table method.The control group(n=39)received sodium dimercaptosulfonate in combination with a low-copper and high-protein diet.The observation group(n=39)received the same treatment as the control group,with the addition of Gandou Fumu Decoction(one dose per day,taken twice daily,in the morning and evening).Both groups underwent six treatment cycles,each lasting eight days.Ultrasonographic parameters,including portal vein main trunk diameter(PVMD),portal vein velocity(PVV),shear wave velocity(SWV),liver stiffness measurement(LSM),serum liver fibrosis markers(hyaluronic acid[HA],laminin[LN],procollagen typeⅢN-terminal peptide[PⅢNP],collagen type Ⅳ[CⅣ],aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index[APRI],fibrosis-4 index[FIB-4]),and iron metabolism indicators(serum iron[SI],ferritin[FT])were compared before and after treatment.The relationship between baseline iron metabolism markers and ultrasonographic parameters,as well as serum liver fibrosis markers,was analyzed.Clinical efficacy,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,and adverse reactions were also compared between the groups.Additionally,bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify potential targets of Gandou Fumu Decoction for WD treatment.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from a normal group of 20 healthy individuals,as well as from both the control and observation groups before and after treatment.Real time fluorogenic quantitative PCR was performed to validate the expression changes of these targets across the groups.Results Compared with pre-treatment values,no significant changes were observed in PVMD levels in either group after treatment.No significant change in PVV was observed in the control group,whereas a significant decrease was noted in the observation group(P<0.01).SWV,LSM,HA,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,FIB-4,and FT levels were significantly reduced compared to pre-treatment levels(P<0.05,P<0.01),whereas SI remained unchanged.Compared with the control group,the observation group had no significant difference in PVMD but had significantly lower PVV,SWV,LSM,HA,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,FIB-4,and FT levels(P<0.05,P<0.01),whereas SI remained unchanged.The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Both groups showed a significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores after treatment(P<0.01),with a significantly greater reduction observed in the observation group(P<0.01).No significant adverse reactions were reported during treatment.Before treatment,there was no significant correlation between the SI of both groups and PVMD,PVV,SWV,LSM,HA,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,and FIB-4.In the observation group,FT showed a positive correlation with SWV,LSM,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,and FIB-4(P<0.05,P<0.01),while in the control group,FT showed a positive correlation with HA,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,and FIB-4(P<0.01).After treatment,in the control group,SI showed a positive correlation with APRI and FIB-4(P<0.05,P<0.01),but there was no significant correlation between SI in the observation group and FT in both groups with the above-mentioned indicators.Bioinformatics analysis identified four potential targets of Gandou Fumu Decoction for treating WD,namely heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα),small heat shock protein B1(HSPB1),and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3).Compared to the normal group,both the control and observation groups had significantly lower PPARαand HSPB1 expression and significantly higher HMOX1 and MAPK3 expression before treatment(P<0.01).Compared to before treatment within the same group,both groups showed significantly increased PPARα and HSPB1 expression and significantly decreased HMOX1 and MAPK3 expression after treatment(P<0.05,P<0.01).After treatment,the observation group had significantly higher PPARα and HSPB1 expression and lower HMOX1 and MAPK3 expression than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Gandou Fumu Decoction demonstrates remarkable advantages in improving clinical efficacy,Chinese medicine syndrome scores,iron metabolism,liver fibrosis progression,ultrasound imaging parameters,and ferroptosis-related biomarkers expression in patients with WD,with a favorable safety profile.
3.Efficacy of Xingnaojing injection combined with Angong Niuhuang pill in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage and their effects on neuronal injury
Jie ZHOU ; Chunting ZHANG ; Guofang YANG ; Lingjia XU
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(9):1326-1330
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Xingnaojing injection combined with Angong Niuhuang pill in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage and their effects on neuronal injury. Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 117 patients with cerebral hemorrhage admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Shaoxing Second Hospital, from January 2023 to August 2024. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group using a random number table method. The control group ( n = 59) was treated with Xingnaojing injection, while the observation group ( n = 58) was treated with Angong Niuhuang pill and Xingnaojing injection for 1 month. Clinical efficacy, neuronal cytokines (S-100B protein, neuron-specific enolase, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor), oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase), inflammatory factor levels (interleukin-1β, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6), and adverse reactions (itching, chest tightness, gastrointestinal discomfort, rash, and increased heart rate) were compared between the two groups. Results:The total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [94.83% (55/58) vs. 81.36% (48/59), Z = 2.27, P = 0.023]. After treatment, the levels of S-100B and neuron-specific enolase in the observation group were (0.43 ± 0.16) μg/L and (6.79 ± 1.28) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(0.62 ± 0.15) μg/L, (8.37 ± 1.15) μg/L, t = -6.62, -7.02, both P < 0.001]. Additionally, the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(63.58 ± 4.05) ng/L vs. (57.13 ± 4.39) ng/L, t = 8.26, P < 0.001]. After treatment, the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t = 6.39, 6.94, both P < 0.001). The level of malondialdehyde in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( t = -5.95, P < 0.001). The levels of interleukin-1β, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group group ( t = -6.64, -8.29, -7.06, all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions between the observation and control groups [13.79% (8/58) vs. 22.03% (13/59), χ2 = 1.35, P > 0.05]. Conclusions:The combination of Xingnaojing injection and Angong Niuhuang pill shows good efficacy in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage, as it can reduce neuronal damage, oxidative stress reactions, and inflammatory responses. This combined treatment is worthy of clinical application.
4.Parabacteroides distasonis promotes liver regeneration by increasing β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) production and BHB-driven STAT3 signals.
Manlan GUO ; Xiaowen JIANG ; Hui OUYANG ; Xianglong ZHANG ; Shuaishuai ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Guofang BI ; Ting WU ; Wenhong ZHOU ; Fengting LIANG ; Xiao YANG ; Shicheng FAN ; Jian-Hong FANG ; Peng CHEN ; Huichang BI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1430-1446
The liver regenerative capacity is crucial for patients with end-stage liver disease following partial hepatectomy (PHx). The specific bacteria and mechanisms regulating liver regeneration post-PHx remain unclear. This study demonstrated dynamic changes in the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis (P. distasonis) post-PHx, correlating with hepatocyte proliferation. Treatment with live P. distasonis significantly promoted hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration after PHx. Targeted metabolomics revealed a significant positive correlation between P. distasonis and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), as well as hyodeoxycholic acid and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in the gut after PHx. Notably, treatment with BHB, but not hyodeoxycholic acid or 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, significantly promoted hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration in mice after PHx. Moreover, STAT3 inhibitor Stattic attenuated the promotive effects of BHB on cell proliferation and liver regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, P. distasonis upregulated the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins, and increased BHB levels in the liver, and then BHB activated the STAT3 signaling pathway to promote liver regeneration. This study, for the first time, identifies the involvement of P. distasonis and its associated metabolite BHB in promoting liver regeneration after PHx, providing new insights for considering P. distasonis and BHB as potential strategies for promoting hepatic regeneration.
5.Gandou Fumu Decoction improves liver steatosis by inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis in mice with Wilson's disease through the GPX4/ACSL4/ALOX15 signaling pathway.
Mengying ZHANG ; Chenling ZHAO ; Liwei TIAN ; Guofang YU ; Wenming YANG ; Ting DONG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1471-1478
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism of Gandou Fumu Decoction (GDFMD) for improving Wilson's disease (WD) in tx-J mice.
METHODS:
With 6 syngeneic wild-type mice as the control group, 30 tx-J mice were randomized into WD model group, low-, medium- and high-dose GDFMD treatment groups, and Fer-1 treatment group. Saline (in control and model groups) and GDFMD (3.48, 6.96 or 13.92 g/kg) were administered by gavage, and Fer-1 was injected intraperitoneally once daily for 14 days. Oil red and HE staining were used to observe lipid deposition and pathological conditions in the liver tissue; ALT, AST, albumin, AKP levels were determined to assess liver function of the mice. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect hepatic protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4, ACSL4, ALOX15, FTH1, FLT, TFR1, FAS, SCD1, and ACOX1, and Fe2+, MDA, ROS, SOD, GSH and 4-HNE levels were analyzed to assess oxidative stress.
RESULTS:
The mouse models of WD showed obvious fatty degeneration in the liver tissue significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST and AKP, decreased albumin level, increased Fe2+, MDA, ROS, 4-HNE levels, decreased SOD and GSH levels (P<0.05), lowered protein expressions of ACOX1, GPX4, FTH1, FLT, FAS, and SCD1, and increased protein contents of TFR1, ACSL4 and ALOX15 in the liver. Treatment with GDFMD and Fer-1 improved liver histopathology and liver function of the mouse models, decreased the levels of Fe2+, MDA and ROS, increased SOD and GSH levels, and reversed the changes in hepatic protein expressions.
CONCLUSIONS
GDFMD improves liver steatosis in mouse models of WD possibly by inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4/ALOX15 signaling pathway.
Animals
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Ferroptosis/drug effects*
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Mice
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Hepatolenticular Degeneration/drug therapy*
;
Hepatocytes/metabolism*
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Fatty Liver/metabolism*
;
Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase/metabolism*
;
Coenzyme A Ligases/metabolism*
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Male
6.Effects of Gandou Fumu Decoction on hepatic fibrosis,iron metabolism,and ferroptosis in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration
Chenling ZHAO ; Guofang YU ; Liwei TIAN ; Mengying ZHANG ; Lulu TANG ; Wenming YANG ; Ting DONG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):625-635
Objective To investigate the effects of Gandou Fumu Decoction on liver fibrosis,iron metabolism,and ferroptosis in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration(Wilson disease,WD).Methods Seventy-eight hospitalized patients with WD characterized by kidney and liver deficiency,with phlegm and blood stasis,from the Department of Neurology,the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine,were randomly assigned to two groups using a random number table method.The control group(n=39)received sodium dimercaptosulfonate in combination with a low-copper and high-protein diet.The observation group(n=39)received the same treatment as the control group,with the addition of Gandou Fumu Decoction(one dose per day,taken twice daily,in the morning and evening).Both groups underwent six treatment cycles,each lasting eight days.Ultrasonographic parameters,including portal vein main trunk diameter(PVMD),portal vein velocity(PVV),shear wave velocity(SWV),liver stiffness measurement(LSM),serum liver fibrosis markers(hyaluronic acid[HA],laminin[LN],procollagen typeⅢN-terminal peptide[PⅢNP],collagen type Ⅳ[CⅣ],aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index[APRI],fibrosis-4 index[FIB-4]),and iron metabolism indicators(serum iron[SI],ferritin[FT])were compared before and after treatment.The relationship between baseline iron metabolism markers and ultrasonographic parameters,as well as serum liver fibrosis markers,was analyzed.Clinical efficacy,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,and adverse reactions were also compared between the groups.Additionally,bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify potential targets of Gandou Fumu Decoction for WD treatment.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from a normal group of 20 healthy individuals,as well as from both the control and observation groups before and after treatment.Real time fluorogenic quantitative PCR was performed to validate the expression changes of these targets across the groups.Results Compared with pre-treatment values,no significant changes were observed in PVMD levels in either group after treatment.No significant change in PVV was observed in the control group,whereas a significant decrease was noted in the observation group(P<0.01).SWV,LSM,HA,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,FIB-4,and FT levels were significantly reduced compared to pre-treatment levels(P<0.05,P<0.01),whereas SI remained unchanged.Compared with the control group,the observation group had no significant difference in PVMD but had significantly lower PVV,SWV,LSM,HA,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,FIB-4,and FT levels(P<0.05,P<0.01),whereas SI remained unchanged.The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Both groups showed a significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores after treatment(P<0.01),with a significantly greater reduction observed in the observation group(P<0.01).No significant adverse reactions were reported during treatment.Before treatment,there was no significant correlation between the SI of both groups and PVMD,PVV,SWV,LSM,HA,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,and FIB-4.In the observation group,FT showed a positive correlation with SWV,LSM,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,and FIB-4(P<0.05,P<0.01),while in the control group,FT showed a positive correlation with HA,LN,PⅢNP,CⅣ,APRI,and FIB-4(P<0.01).After treatment,in the control group,SI showed a positive correlation with APRI and FIB-4(P<0.05,P<0.01),but there was no significant correlation between SI in the observation group and FT in both groups with the above-mentioned indicators.Bioinformatics analysis identified four potential targets of Gandou Fumu Decoction for treating WD,namely heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα),small heat shock protein B1(HSPB1),and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3).Compared to the normal group,both the control and observation groups had significantly lower PPARαand HSPB1 expression and significantly higher HMOX1 and MAPK3 expression before treatment(P<0.01).Compared to before treatment within the same group,both groups showed significantly increased PPARα and HSPB1 expression and significantly decreased HMOX1 and MAPK3 expression after treatment(P<0.05,P<0.01).After treatment,the observation group had significantly higher PPARα and HSPB1 expression and lower HMOX1 and MAPK3 expression than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Gandou Fumu Decoction demonstrates remarkable advantages in improving clinical efficacy,Chinese medicine syndrome scores,iron metabolism,liver fibrosis progression,ultrasound imaging parameters,and ferroptosis-related biomarkers expression in patients with WD,with a favorable safety profile.
7.Efficacy of Xingnaojing injection combined with Angong Niuhuang pill in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage and their effects on neuronal injury
Jie ZHOU ; Chunting ZHANG ; Guofang YANG ; Lingjia XU
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(9):1326-1330
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Xingnaojing injection combined with Angong Niuhuang pill in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage and their effects on neuronal injury. Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 117 patients with cerebral hemorrhage admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Shaoxing Second Hospital, from January 2023 to August 2024. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group using a random number table method. The control group ( n = 59) was treated with Xingnaojing injection, while the observation group ( n = 58) was treated with Angong Niuhuang pill and Xingnaojing injection for 1 month. Clinical efficacy, neuronal cytokines (S-100B protein, neuron-specific enolase, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor), oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase), inflammatory factor levels (interleukin-1β, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6), and adverse reactions (itching, chest tightness, gastrointestinal discomfort, rash, and increased heart rate) were compared between the two groups. Results:The total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [94.83% (55/58) vs. 81.36% (48/59), Z = 2.27, P = 0.023]. After treatment, the levels of S-100B and neuron-specific enolase in the observation group were (0.43 ± 0.16) μg/L and (6.79 ± 1.28) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(0.62 ± 0.15) μg/L, (8.37 ± 1.15) μg/L, t = -6.62, -7.02, both P < 0.001]. Additionally, the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(63.58 ± 4.05) ng/L vs. (57.13 ± 4.39) ng/L, t = 8.26, P < 0.001]. After treatment, the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t = 6.39, 6.94, both P < 0.001). The level of malondialdehyde in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( t = -5.95, P < 0.001). The levels of interleukin-1β, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group group ( t = -6.64, -8.29, -7.06, all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions between the observation and control groups [13.79% (8/58) vs. 22.03% (13/59), χ2 = 1.35, P > 0.05]. Conclusions:The combination of Xingnaojing injection and Angong Niuhuang pill shows good efficacy in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage, as it can reduce neuronal damage, oxidative stress reactions, and inflammatory responses. This combined treatment is worthy of clinical application.
8.Impact of iodine nutritional status changes on thyroid function in the elderly in high iodine areas of Jiangsu province: A serial cross-sectional surveys
Mengjie ZHANG ; Lina ZHANG ; Weinuo MI ; Yu SUN ; Tonggao SHEN ; Guofang CHEN ; Chao LIU ; Shuhang XU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(1):37-43
Objective:To investigate the alteration in iodine nutritional status and influence on thyroid function in the elderly aged≥65 years following water source modification in high iodine areas.Methods:Data from Yaoji Town, Xuzhou, Jiangsu(an area with high iodine due to water sources) of the national epidemiological survey on thyroid diseases, iodine nutrition, and diabetes(TIDE study) in 31 provinces and cities in China from 2015 to 2017 were utilized. Additionally, data from the screening, monitoring, and intervention on thyroid diseases(TOPS study) in the elderly(≥65 years) in Shunhe Town, Suqian, Jiangsu(an area with iodine levels exceeding the recommended amount), and Yaoji Town, Xuzhou from May to August 2021, are included. Each subject completed a questionnaire, physical examination, laboratory tests and thyroid ultrasound examinations. A total of 2 717 subjects aged≥65 years were included, including group 1, 258 subjects in TIDE study; Group 2, 1 313 subjects in TOPS Xuzhou area; Group 3, 1 146 subjects in TOPS Suqian area.Results:The urinary iodine concentration(UIC) in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 [(235.16±67.09)μg/L vs (491.58±384.93)μg/L, P<0.001], but no significant difference compared with group 3 [(235.16±67.09) μg/L vs(231.62±66.11) μg/L, P>0.05]. The serum TSH level in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 [(2.92±5.14)μIU/mL vs (4.15±9.19)μIU/mL, P<0.001]. Compared with group 2 and 3, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in the elderly in group 1 was the highest(22.48% vs 10.13% and 8.12%, P<0.001). TSH levels were linearly correlated with age in both excessive iodine and more than adequate iodine nutrition areas. TSH level was gradually increased with age. Conclusion:The alteration in TSH levels among the elderly is notably linked to both aging and iodine status. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the elderly can be significantly reduced when the iodine nutrition status of the elderly returns to normal.
9.Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for solid or predominantly solid benign thyroid nodules: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Ya ZHANG ; Xue HAN ; Yujie REN ; Hongping SUN ; Shaofeng XIE ; Xiaoqiu CHU ; Guofang CHEN ; Chao LIU ; Shuhang XU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2024;63(1):74-80
Objective:To compare the short-term efficacy and the safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).Methods:This prospective randomized controlled trial, performed from December 2019 to September 2021, included 36 patients with solid or predominantly solid BTNs who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent at the Nanjing sub-center (Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). Patients were assigned to either the MWA group or the RFA group (18 patients in each group) at a ratio of 1∶1 using a block randomization design and allocation concealment using sealed envelope randomization. The independent-sample t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the volume reduction rates (VRRs), effective rates (VRRs≥50%), cosmetic scores, and complication rates at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment between the two groups. Results:The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were comparable. After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced in both groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months, there was no significant difference in the volume between the two groups (all P>0.05). At 3 months, the RFA group had a larger VRRs than that in the MWA group (62.08%±12.46% vs. 46.90%±23.16%, t=-2.45, P=0.021). However, at 1 and 6 months, no statistical significance was observed (both P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the effective rates at the last follow-up (14/18 vs. 18/18, P=0.104). However, the RFA group had a lower cosmetic score than that in the MWA group (1.78±0.43 vs. 2.17±0.51, t=-2.47, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Both MWA and RFA were effective and safe treatments for BTNs, with no significant differences in short-term efficacy and safety. In addition, the RFA group showed slightly more favorable outcomes than the MWA group in terms of cosmetic improvement.
10.Effect of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor combined with rosuvastatin on lipid levels and short-term prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Xiaoya ZHOU ; Guofang CHEN ; Wenli ZHANG ; Hui NI ; Weiwei LIU ; Hui XU ; Chen WANG ; Yinsheng CHEN ; Jue WANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(6):625-633
Objective:To observe the effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor combined with rosuvastatin on lipid levels and short-term prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and to explore the optimal therapeutic regimen in terms of efficacy and safety, so as to provide a basis for clinical practice.Methods:Consecutive patients with acute cerebral infarction within 72 hours of onset and lipids≥2.6 mmol/L admitted to Xuzhou Central Hospital from April 2022 to March 2023 were included in the study, and the randomized numeric table method was used to divide them into 3 groups of different treatment regimens, group A (rosuvastatin 20 mg, once a day), group B (rosuvastatin 10 mg, once a day+alirocumab 75 mg, once 2 weeks) and group C (rosuvastatin 20 mg, once a day+alirocumab 75 mg, once 2 weeks). General baseline data, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin Scale score on day 90 and the occurrence of adverse events and serious adverse events were collected from the 3 groups. The primary efficacy outcome was the degree of reduction in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline on day 90. The secondary efficacy outcomes were recurrence rate and time to recurrence in stroke patients within 90 days,etc. The primary safety outcome was hepatic insufficiency (transaminase elevation≥3 times normal) within 90 days. The secondary safety outcomes were death due to stroke within 90 days and fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction.Results:A total of 501 patients were included, 166 patients in group A, 167 patients in group B, and 168 patients in group C. The differences in the baseline data of the 3 groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). LDL-C was reduced from baseline on day 90 in groups A, B, and C, with the differences of -1.5 (-1.7, -1.4) mmol/L, -2.2 (-2.5, -2.1) mmol/L and -2.2 (-2.6, -2.1) mmol/L, respectively, with statistically significant differences among the 3 groups ( H=1.497, P<0.001); the differences between the group A and group B, and between the group A and group C, were statistically significant ( Z=-11.125, P=0.006; Z=-9.475, P=0.012), while the difference between the group B and group C was not statistically significant ( Z=1.650, P=0.946). The numbers of 90-day stroke recurrence cases (recurrence rate) in patients in the groups A, B, and C were 12 (7.2%), 4 (2.4%), and 5 (3.0%), respectively, without statistically significant difference among the 3 groups ( χ 2=5.773, P>0.05); the recurrence time of patients in the groups A, B and C was (43.0±7.4) d, (66.0±8.3) d and (62.2±5.6) d, respectively, and the differences among the 3 groups were statistically significant ( F=14.096, P=0.001). Compared with the group A, patients in the groups B and C had a prolonged time to stroke recurrence within 90 days ( Z=-3.108, P=0.002; Z=-2.871, P=0.004), whereas the difference in the time to stroke recurrence within 90 days between patients in the groups B and C was not statistically significant ( Z=0.397, P=0.692). The time to stroke recurrence within 90 days was positively correlated with the level of LDL-C on day 90 ( β=0.850, P=0.031). Ten patients (6.0%) in the group A developed hepatic insufficiency, 1 patient (0.6%) in the group B, and 9 patients (5.4%) in the group C. The differences among the 3 groups were statistically significant (χ 2=7.622, P=0.022); and the difference between the group B and group C was statistically significant ( P=0.011). The differences of secondary safety endpoints, death due to stroke within 90 days [1 case (0.6%) in the group A, 0 case (0) in the group B, and 1 case (0.6%) in the group C], fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction within 90 days [3 cases (1.8%) in the group A, 1 case (0.6%) in the group B, and 1 case (0.6%) in the group C], were not statistically significant among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:In patients with acute ischemic stroke, PCSK9 inhibitor combined with rosuvastatin (both medium and high doses) significantly reduced LDL-C levels compared with baseline, and at the same time prolonged the time to stroke recurrence, reduced adverse effects such as hepatic insufficiency, and had a high degree of safety. PCSK9 inhibitor combined with medium-dose rosuvastatin had a better effect.

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