1.Dynamics of eosinophil infiltration and microglia activation in brain tissues of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Fanna WEI ; Renjie ZHANG ; Yahong HU ; Xiaoyu QIN ; Yunhai GUO ; Xiaojin MO ; Yan LU ; Jiahui SUN ; Yan ZHOU ; Jiatian GUO ; Peng SONG ; Yanhong CHU ; Bin XU ; Ting ZHANG ; Yuchun CAI ; Muxin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):163-175
Objective To investigate the changes in eosinophil counts and the activation of microglial cells in the brain tissues of mice at different stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, and to examine the role of microglia in regulating the progression of angiostrongyliasis and unravel the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-day and 25-d infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. All mice in infection groups were infected with 30 stage III A. cantonensis larvae by gavage, and animals in the control group was given an equal amount of physiological saline. Five mice were collected from each of infection groups on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. The general and focal functional impairment was scored using the Clark scoring method to assess the degree of mouse neurological impairment. Five mice from each of infection groups were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice from the control group were sacrificed on the day of oral gavage. Mouse brain tissues were sampled, and the pathological changes of brain tissues were dynamically observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence staining with eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) was used to assess the degree of eosinophil infiltration and the counts of microglial cells in mouse brain tissues in each group, and the morphological parameters of microglial cells (skeleton analysis and fractal analysis) were quantified by using Image J software to determine the morphological changes of microglial cells. In addition, the expression of M1 microglia markers Fcγ receptor III (Fcgr3), Fcγ receptor IIb (Fcgr2b) and CD86 antigen (Cd86), M2 microglia markers Arginase 1 (Arg1), macrophage mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1), chitinase-like 3 (Chil3), and phagocytosis genes myeloid cell triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2), CD68 antigen (Cd68), and apolipoprotein E (Apoe) was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay in the mouse cerebral cortex of mice post-infection. Results A large number of A. cantonensis larvae were seen on the mouse meninges surface post-infection, and many neuronal nuclei were crumpled and deeply stained, with a large number of bleeding points in the meninges. The median Clark scores of mouse general functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 0 (interquartile range, 0.5), 6 (interquartile range, 1.0), 14 (interquartile range, 8.5) points and 20 (interquartile range, 9.0) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.45, P < 0.01), and the median Clark scores of mouse focal functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 2 (interquartile range, 2.5), 7 (interquartile range, 3.0), 18 (interquartile range, 5.0) points and 25 (interquartile range, 6.5) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.72, P < 0.01). The mean scores of mice general and focal functional impairment were all higher in the infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant difference in the eosinophil counts in mouse brain tissues among the five groups (F = 40.05, P < 0.000 1), and the eosinophil counts were significantly higher in mouse brain tissues in the 14-d (3.08 ± 0.78) and 21-d infection groups (5.97 ± 1.37) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.28) (both P values < 0.05). Semi-quantitative analysis of microglia immunofluorescence showed a significant difference in the counts of microglial cells among the five groups (F = 17.66, P < 0.000 1), and higher Iba1 levels were detected in mouse brain tissues in 14-d (5.75 ± 1.28), 21-d (6.23 ± 1.89) and 25-d infection groups (3.70 ± 1.30) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.30) (all P values < 0.05). Skeleton and fractal analyses showed that the branch length [(162.04 ± 34.10) μm vs. (395.37 ± 64.11) μm; t = 5.566, P < 0.05] and fractal dimension of microglial cells (1.30 ± 0.01 vs. 1.41 ± 0.03; t = 5.266, P < 0.05) were reduced in mouse brain tissues in the 21-d infection group relative to the control group. In addition, there were significant differences among the 5 groups in terms of M1 and M2 microglia markers Fcgr3 (F = 48.34, P < 0.05), Fcgr2b (F = 55.46, P < 0.05), Cd86 (F = 24.44, P < 0.05), Arg1 (F = 31.18, P < 0.05), Mrc1 (F = 15.42, P < 0.05) and Chil3 (F = 24.41, P < 0.05), as well as phagocytosis markers Trem2 (F = 21.19, P < 0.05), Cd68 (F = 43.95, P < 0.05) and Apoe (F = 7.12, P < 0.05) in mice brain tissues. Conclusions A. cantonensis infections may induce severe pathological injuries in mouse brain tissues that are characterized by massive eosinophil infiltration and persistent activation of microglia cells, thereby resulting in progressive deterioration of neurological functions.
2.Clinical Observation on 60 Cases of Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion
Lu TIAN ; Hongwu XIE ; Meihua LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Shaozhong XU ; Changjun LI ; Zhixiong KOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):492-500
ObjectiveTo explore the central neuroregulation mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis on pain relief. MethodsThirty patients who did not have experience of Deqi (得气) during heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment were assigned to the "non-Deqi group", while another 30 patients who had experience of Deqi were assigned to the "Deqi group". Both groups received moxibustion at the left Heding (EX-LE2) acupoint. In the Deqi group, after the patients experienced sensation of Deqi at the acupoint, moxibustion was applied at approximately 3 cm from the skin for 10 minutes; in the non-Deqi group, moxibustion was also applied at approximately 3 cm from the skin for 10 minutes. Both groups received treatment once daily for 10 consecutive days. Knee joint pain was assessed before and after treatment using the visual analog scale (VAS). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were performed on all participants before the first treatment session and after the final session on the 10th day. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) maps before and after treatment were processed using the SPM12 module by MATLAB. ResultsAfter treatment, VAS scores in both groups were significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01), with the Deqi group showing significantly lower VAS scores than the non-Deqi group (P<0.01). Compared to before treatment, the Deqi group exhibited significant activation in the prefrontal cortex (t = 6.28), white matter (t = 6.36), and left temporal lobe (t = 9.33), while significant inhibition was observed in the occipital lobe (t = -9.86) and right cerebrum (t = -4.54, P<0.01); in the non-Deqi group, significant changes after treatment were observed in the left occipital lobe (t = -6.42), left medial frontal gyrus (t = -4.35), left middle frontal gyrus (t = -4.74), right superior frontal gyrus (t = -4.82), right superior temporal gyrus (t = -6.61), and right cerebellar posterior lobe (t = -8.64), all of which were in inhibited states (P<0.01). Compared to the non-Deqi group, the Deqi group exhibited significant activation after treatment in the external nucleus (t = 5.77), white matter (t = 3.58), right cerebrum (t = 5.84), left cerebellum (t = 5.35), and left cerebrum (t = 4.32), while significant inhibition was observed in the prefrontal cortex (t = -4.16), occipital lobe (t = -4.87), and precentral gyrus (t = -4.46, P<0.01). ConclusionsHeat-sensitive moxibustion provides better analgesic effects for knee osteoarthritis under state of Deqi. Its central neuroregulation mechanism may be related to the involvement of the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, external nucleus, white matter, right cerebrum, left cerebellum, left cerebrum, and precentral gyrus in modulating pain signals.
3.Working practices in eliminating the public health crisis caused by viral hepatitis in Hainan Province of China
Weihua LI ; Changfu XIONG ; Taifan CHEN ; Bin HE ; Dapeng YIN ; Xuexia ZENG ; Feng LIN ; Biyu CHEN ; Xiaomei ZENG ; Biao WU ; Juan JIANG ; Lu ZHONG ; Yuhui ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):228-233
In 2022, Hainan provincial government launched the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis with the goals of a hepatitis B screening rate of 90%, a diagnostic rate of 90%, and a treatment rate of 80% among people aged 18 years and above by the year 2025, and the main intervention measures include population-based prevention, case screening, antiviral therapy, and health management. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 6.875 million individuals in the general population had been screened for hepatitis B, with a screening rate of 95.6%. A total of 184 710 individuals with positive HBsAg were identified, among whom 156 772 were diagnosed through serological reexamination, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 84.9%. A total of 50 742 patients with chronic hepatitis B were identified, among whom 42 921 had hepatitis B-specific health records established for health management, with a file establishment rate of 84.6%. A total of 31 553 individuals received antiviral therapy, with a treatment rate of 62.2%. A total of 2.503 million individuals at a high risk of hepatitis C were screened, among whom 4 870 tested positive for HCV antibody and 3 858 underwent HCV RNA testing, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 79.2%, and 1 824 individuals with positive HCV RNA were identified, among whom 1 194 received antiviral therapy, with a treatment rate of 65.5%. In addition, 159 301 individuals with negative HBsAg and anti-HBs and an age of 20 — 40 years were inoculated with hepatitis B vaccine free of charge. Through the implementation of the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, a large number of hepatitis patients have been identified, treated, and managed in the province within a short period of time, which significantly accelerates the efforts to eliminate the crisis of viral hepatitis.
4.Impact of “double low” scanning technology combined with individualized injection protocol on the image quality and safety of abdominal contrast-enhanced CT
Jinben WANG ; Liwei DONG ; Zhuangjun CHEN ; Wenrong HUANG ; Lu WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):119-125
Objective To assess the effects of “dual low” scanning technology in conjunction with an individualized injection protocol in enhancing the quality of abdominal contrast-enhanced CT images. Methods A total of 200 patients who underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT examinations at the Hainan Western Central Hospital between January 2022 and January 2024 were selected for the study. Using a random number table, participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 100, sub-hypertonic contrast agent + conventional tube voltage + individualized injection protocol) or an observation group (n = 100, isotonic contrast agent + tube voltage of 100 kV + individualized injection protocol). The study compared the impact of these two methodologies on the quality of abdominal contrast-enhanced CT images. Results During the arterial phase, the CT value of the abdominal aorta was significantly higher in the observation group than that in the control group (P < 0.05), suggesting that isotonic contrast agent and low tube voltage more effectively enhanced vascular signal. During the portal vein phase, the CT value was higher and the liver parenchymal noise was lower in the observation group those in the control group (P < 0.05), further validating the advantages of the “dual low” approach during the portal venous phase. The radiation dose was significantly lower in the observation group than that in the control group (P < 0.05), indicating that the “dual low” protocol effectively reduced radiation dose while enhancing patient safety. During the arterial phase, both the abdominal aorta noise and liver parenchymal noise were lower in the observation group than those in the control group (P < 0.05), demonstrating that the “dual low” strategy effectively reduced image noise and enhanced image clarity. The image quality scores were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05), indicating that high image quality could be achieved even at reduced radiation doses and contrast agent concentrations. Conclusion The “dual low” scanning technology, combined with an individualized injection protocol, not only effectively enhances the contrast of arteries and veins, reduces image noise, and improves the overall image quality, but also decreases radiation dose and enhances patient safety. Therefore, this technology is worth being widely promoted.
5.Distribution Characteristics and Genetic Variation Analysis of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy in Children: a Multicenter Study in Hainan Province
Lin DENG ; Jun LU ; Xiuling CHEN ; Yuanlong LI
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):308-315
To investigate and analyze the distribution characteristics and genetic variation of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (ME) in children in Hainan province. According to the principle of capture-recapture (C-R) method, a mathematical model was established to investigate suspected and confirmed cases of ME in children treated in Hainan Province from January 2012 to January 2023. The representative hospitals in Haikou and Sanya were selected as sample sources. The Morava mitochondrial disease criteria scale was used for the initial screening of children suspected of having ME. Subsequently, further follow-up and comprehensive gene sequencing were conducted to identify confirmed ME cases. Finally, the confirmed cases were aggregated and incorporated into the mathematical model to estimate the prevalence of ME among children in Hainan Province, and their genetic variation characteristics were also analyzed. A total of 238 children with suspected ME were screened using the Morava scale, and 64 children with ME were diagnosed through gene sequencing. The prevalence of ME in children in Hainan Province was estimated to be 5.58/100 000(95% CI: 3.12/100 000-8.04/100 000) by taking the confirmed cases from the survey into the C-R mathematical model. A total of 13 disease types were involved in the confirmed cases. There were 32 cases of mtDNA mutation, involving 10 pathogenic genes. Additionally, there were 32 cases of nDNA variation, involving 23 pathogenic genes. A total of 21 new mutation sites were found, and pathogenicity analysis was performed on 14 variants of uncertain significance among them. Apart from 3 mutations for which the evidence of pathogenicity was still insufficient, the remaining mutations were predicted by the computer to be harmful and associated with alterations in protein structure. Conclusions This study estimated the prevalence of a regional rare disease (ME in children in Hainan Province) based on the principle of the C-R method, providing references for further large-scale rare disease investigations in China. The comprehensive use of the Morava scale, genetic sequencing, and pathogenicity analysis tools is helpful for clarifying the characteristics of genetic variations in children with ME and achieving early diagnosis and treatment.
6.Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of adult critically ill patients with autoimmune encephalitis
Kexin CHEN ; Hainan ZHANG ; Yiwen ZHOU ; Bohan LUO ; Wei WANG ; Wei LU ; Lixia QIN
Journal of Chinese Physician 2024;26(7):974-979
Objective:To explore the predictive factors for adverse clinical outcomes in critically ill adult patients with autoimmune encephalitis by analyzing their clinical characteristics and prognosis.Methods:Clinical data of patients diagnosed with " confirmed" or " possible" autoimmune encephalitis who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Department of Neurology at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2015 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. The neurological function of patients at 3, 6, and 12 months of onset was followed up, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 12 months was used as an evaluation index for clinical prognosis; Further analysis was conducted on the relationship between clinical features, auxiliary examinations, and prognosis.Results:The 12-month survival rate of critically ill adult patients with autoimmune encephalitis in our center was 90.7%(117/129), and the 6-month poor prognosis rate was 28.7%(37/129). Univariate logistic regression analysis found that age of onset ( P<0.01), presence of tumors ( P<0.01), mechanical ventilation ( P<0.01), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at ICU admission ( P<0.01), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score ( P<0.01), cerebrospinal fluid glucose ( P<0.01), cerebrospinal fluid protein level ( P=0.02), epileptic waves in electroencephalography (EEG) ( P=0.03), use of glucocorticoids ( P=0.04), and time interval between initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and onset ( P=0.04) were associated with prognosis. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that mechanical ventilation [ P=0.01, area under the curve (AUC)=0.72)], APACHE Ⅱ score ( P=0.04, AUC=0.68), cerebrospinal fluid protein content ( P=0.04, AUC=0.65), and the time interval between initiation of IVIG and onset ( P=0.02, AUC=0.64) were independent predictive factors for the prognosis of adult critical autoimmune encephalitis. The prognostic prediction model for adult critical autoimmune encephalitis established by combining these four indicators has a higher AUC (0.85). Conclusions:Mechanical ventilation, APACHE Ⅱ score, cerebrospinal fluid protein level, and the time interval between initiation of IVIG and onset are predictive factors for poor clinical outcomes in critically ill autoimmune encephalitis in adults; The prognostic prediction model for adult critical autoimmune encephalitis established by combining these four indicators can identify patients with poor prognosis early, which is beneficial for early comprehensive management and intervention treatment to improve patient prognosis.
7.Dynamic observation on capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells induced by Echinococcus multilocularis infection
Renjie ZHANG ; Jun XIE ; Fanna WEI ; Xiaojin MO ; Peng SONG ; Yuchun CAI ; Yan LU ; Jiahui SUN ; Yan ZHOU ; Lin LIN ; Ting ZHANG ; Muxin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(1):34-43
Objective To investigate the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and its association with hepatic fibrosis during the development of alveolar echinococcosis, so as to provide the basis for unraveling the mechanisms underlying the role of LSEC in the development and prognosis of hepatic injuries and hepatic fibrosis caused by alveolar echinococcosis. Methods Forty C57BL/6 mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into a control group and 1-, 2- and 4-week infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection groups was intraperitoneally injected with 2 000 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces, while each mouse in the control group was given an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline using the same method. All mice were sacrificed 1, 2 and 4 weeks post-infection and mouse livers were collected. The pathological changes of livers were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and hepatic fibrosis was evaluated through semi-quantitative analysis of Masson’s trichrome staining-positive areas. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition were examined using immunohistochemical staining of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and the fenestrations on the surface of LSECs were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Primary LSECs were isolated from mouse livers, and the mRNA expression of LSEC marker genes Stabilin-1, Stabilin-2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf was quantified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. Results Destruction of local liver lobular structure was observed in mice 2 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis protoscoleces, and hydatid cysts, which were surrounded by granulomatous tissues, were found in mouse livers 4 weeks post-infection. Semi-quantitative analysis of Masson’s trichrome staining showed a significant difference in the proportion of collagen fiber contents in mouse livers among the four groups (F = 26.060, P < 0.001), and a higher proportion of collagen fiber contents was detected in mouse livers in the 4-week infection group [(11.29 ± 2.58)%] than in the control group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining revealed activation of a few HSCs and ECM deposition in mouse livers 1 and 2 weeks post-infection, and abundant brown-yellow stained α-SMA and COL1A1 were deposited in the lesion areas in mouse livers 4 weeks post-infection, which spread to surrounding tissues. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in α-SMA (F = 7.667, P < 0.05) and COL1A1 expression (F = 6.530, P < 0.05) in mouse levers among the four groups, with higher α-SMA [(7.13 ± 3.68)%] and COL1A1 expression [(13.18 ± 7.20)%] quantified in mouse livers in the 4-week infection group than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant differences in the fenestration frequency (F = 37.730, P < 0.001) and porosity (F = 16.010, P < 0.001) on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups, and reduced fenestration frequency and porosity were observed in the 1-[(1.22 ± 0.48)/μm2 and [(3.05 ± 0.91)%] and 2-week infection groups [(3.47 ± 0.10)/μm2 and (7.57 ± 0.23)%] groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the average fenestration diameter on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups (F = 15.330, P < 0.001), and larger average fenestration diameters were measured in the 1-[(180.80 ± 16.42) nm] and 2-week infection groups [(161.70 ± 3.85) nm] than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences among the four groups in terms of Stabilin-1 (F = 153.100, P < 0.001), Stabilin-2 (F = 57.010, P < 0.001), Ehd3 (F = 31.700, P < 0.001), CD209b (F = 177.400, P < 0.001), GATA4 (F = 17.740, P < 0.001), and Maf mRNA expression (F = 72.710, P < 0.001), and reduced mRNA expression of Stabilin-1, Stabilin-2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf genes was quantified in three infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). Conclusions E. multilocularis infections may induce capillarization of LSECs in mice, and result in a reduction in the expression of functional and phenotypic marker genes of LSECs, and capillarization of LSECs occurs earlier than activation of HSC and development of hepatic fibrosis.
8.The Effect of Modified Shugan Dingji Decoction (疏肝定悸汤) on the Occurrence of Endpoint Events in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation of Liver Constraint and Qi Stagnation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Hainan LU ; Siyu QIAO ; Shuai ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Lin SHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):66-71
ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the effect of modified Shugan Dingji Decoction (疏肝定悸汤) on the occurrence of endpoint events in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of liver constraint and qi stagnation. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using the electronic medical record database of Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to screen and include patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of liver constraint and qi stagnation from January 1st, 2018, to December 31th, 2021. The included patients were divided into an exposure group and a non-exposure group, each consisting of 100 cases, based on whether they received modified Shugan Dingji Decoction. General information of the patients including age, gender, body mass index, duration of illness and comorbidities, medication history, cardiac structure and function indicators such as left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, stroke volume and ejection fraction, and the occurrence of endpoint events assessed through 24-hour dynamic electrocardiography or electrocardiogram to determine the recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were collected. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves and Log-Rank tests were used to conduct survival analysis on the occurrence of endpoint events in the two groups of patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the impact of various factors on entry into endpoint events. Additionally, a safety assessment was performed by comparing liver and kidney function indicators before and after treatment. ResultsIn the non-exposure group, a total of 49 cases (49.0%) experienced endpoint events, while in the exposure group, there were 26 cases (26.0%). The Log-rank test indicated significant difference between the two groups (χ2=11.211, P=0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, duration of illness, hypertension, diabetes, chronic heart failure, left atrial diameter, stroke volume, and the use of modified Shugan Dingji Decoction may be the influencing factors for the occurrence of endpoint events in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of liver constraint and qi stagnation (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of endpoint events in the exposure group was significantly lower than that in the non-exposure group (P<0.01). Patients with a duration of illness >12 months had a significantly higher risk of endpoint events compared to those with a duration of illness ≤12 months (P<0.01). Patients without concomitant hypertension had a lower risk of endpoint events compared to those with hypertension (P<0.05). Patients with left atrial diameter >40 mm had significantly higher risk of endpoint events than those with left atrial diameter ≤40 mm (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in liver and kidney function indicators between the two groups before and after treatment (P>0.05). ConclusionThe use of modified Shugan Dingji Decoction is a protective factor for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of liver constraint and qi stagnation, which can help to reduce the recurrence and progression of atrial fibrillation. Long duration of illness, concomitant hypertension, and enlarged left atrial diameter are risk factors for patients to experience endpoint events.
9.Effect of low-concentration benzene, toluene, and xylene exposure on blood pressure of workers in a petroleum refining enterprise
Bingxian ZHOU ; Qisheng WU ; Shiheng FAN ; Zhuna SU ; Jianye PENG ; Chunyun LU ; Nengde ZHANG ; Lei JIN ; De´e YU ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(9):1012-1019
Background Workers engaged in benzene-exposed or benzene-containing solvent-exposed operations in China are predominantly subjected to a low concentration of benzene series compounds, and prolonged exposure to low concentrations of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) may have implications for blood pressure. Objective To investigate the influence of low-concentration BTX exposure on the blood pressure of workers, aiming to provide a basis for enterprises to devise associated health management strategies to mitigate the occurrence of hypertension among workers exposed to low concentrations of BTX. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 884 workers from a petroleum refining enterprise in Hainan who participated in an occupational health examination in 2022 were selected as the study population, and were divided into an exposure group of 649 workers and a control group of 235 workers based on their reporting of BTX exposure or not. Data on workplace BTX concentrations and health examinations of the study subjects were collected and questionnaires were administered. In addition, S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), hippuric acid (HA), and methyl hippuric acid (MHA, including the three isomers 2-MHA, 3-MHA, and 4-MHA) were measured in the urine of the workers using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to assess internal BTX burden. The effects of low-concentration BTX exposure on blood pressure were analyzed. Results In 2022, the concentrations of benzene, toluene, and xylene of all monitoring points did not exceeded the national limits by either time-weighted average (TWA) or short-term exposure limit (STEL), indicating low-concentration BTX exposure. Regarding the internal burden of BTX, the concentrations of benzene metabolite S-PMA, toluene metabolite HA, and xylene metabolites 3-MHA and 4-MHA in the urine samples in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between urinary S-PMA concentration and diastolic blood pressure in the workers (r=0.265, P < 0.05). Differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure distributions were statistically significant among workers grouped by sex, age, work years, educational levels, monthly income, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, dietary oil, and types of residential address (P < 0.05). Significant differences in systolic blood pressure distribution were observed among workers by smoking status and levels of labor intensity (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the workers in the exposure group exhibited a significant increase in diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05). The results of multiple linear regression showed that age, sex, and BMI had statistically significant effects on systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05), while age, work years, and BMI had statistically significant effects on diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05). The systolic blood pressure of age > 35 years, male, overweight and obese workers was significantly higher than that of age ≤ 35 years, female, and underweight workers, and the diastolic blood pressure of age > 35 years, work years > 5 years, and obese workers was higher than age ≤35 years, ≤5 years of service, and underweight workers. Low-concentration BTX exposure was one of the main influencing factors for elevated diastolic blood pressure, and the exposed workers showed a 1.337 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Low-concentration BTX exposure, work years > 5 years, and obesity may elevate blood pressure among petroleum refininig workers. Regular blood pressure monitoring and enhanced health interventions for this occupational group are warranted.
10.Analyzing the current status and influencing factors of elevated blood pressure among employees in a petroleum refining enterprise
Zhuna SU ; Yongmao NIU ; Qisheng WU ; Bingxian ZHOU ; Shiheng FAN ; Chunyun LU ; Jianye PENG ; Nengde ZHANG ; Dee YU ; Jing ZHANG
China Occupational Medicine 2024;51(4):405-409
Objective To analyze the current status and influencing factors of elevated blood pressure among employees in a large petroleum refining enterprise in Hainan Province. Methods A total of 940 workers from a petroleum refining enterprise in Hainan Province was selected as the study subjects using the convenience sampling method. The results of their health status survey, occupational medical examination, and occupational stress measurement were collected. Results The detection rate of elevated blood pressure in the study subjects was 23.9% (225/940), with the detection rate of normal blood pressure and hypertension of 17.7% (166/940) and 6.3% (59/940), respectively. The detection rate of occupational stress was 28.8% (271/940). The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that workers aged 30 -<40, 40 -<50, and ≥50 years had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure than those aged <30 years after controlling for confounding factors such as gender, residential address, length of service, education level, personal monthly income, smoking status, physical exercise, salt intake, oil intake, occupational stress, and high temperature exposure (all P<0.05). Workers in the body mass index (BMI) overweight group and obese group had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure than those in the normal group (all P<0.05). The risk of elevated blood pressure was higher in workers who drinks than those who did not (P<0.05). Workers exposed to noise levels of 85-90 dB(A) had a lower risk of elevated blood pressure compared to those exposed to noise levels >90 dB(A) (P<0.05). Conclusion Age, BMI, drinking status, and noise exposure levels are independent influencing factors for elevated blood pressure among workers in this petroleum refining enterprise. Blood pressure management should be strengthened for workers aged ≥30 years, overweight, obesity, alcohol consumption and with noise exposure intensity > 90 dB(A).

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail