Objective To explore the mechanism of Qingda Granules(QDG)for alleviating brain damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).Methods Twelve 5-week-old SHRs were randomized into SHR control group and SHR+QDG group treated with QDG by gavage at the daily dose of 0.9 g/kg for 12 weeks.The control rats,along with 6 age-matched WKY rats,were treated with saline only.Blood pressure changes of the rats were monitored,and pathologies and neuronal apoptosis in the cerebral cortex were examined with HE staining and TUNEL staining.Cerebral cortical expressions of miR-124 and STAT3 mRNA were detected using RT-qPCR,and the protein expressions of NeuN,STAT3,Bcl-2,Bax,and cleaved caspase-3 were detected with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.In a HT22 cell model of oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R),the effects of QDG on cell viability and apoptosis,expressions of miR-124 and STAT3 mRNA,and protein expressions of STAT3,Bcl-2,Bax,and cleaved caspase-3 were evaluated using CCK8 assay,Hoechst 33342 staining,RT-qPCR,and Western blotting.Results Compared with WKY rats,SHRs had significantly elevated systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure with significantly increased neuronal apoptosis in the cerebral cortex,reduced expressions of NeuN,miR-124 and Bcl-2,and enhanced expressions of STAT3,Bax and cleaved caspase-3(P＜0.05).All these changes in the SHRs were significantly ameliorated by treatment with QDG(P＜0.05).In the HT22 cell model,QDG treatment obviously reduced OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis,increased the expressions of miR-124 and Bcl-2,and suppressed the elevation of protein expressions of STAT3,Bax and cleaved caspase-3.Conclusion QDG inhibits cerebral cortical neuronal apoptosis and thereby attenuates brain damage in SHR rats by modulating the miR-124/STAT3 signaling axis.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism of Qingda Granules (QDG) for alleviating brain damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: Twelve 5-week-old SHRs were randomized into SHR control group and SHR+QDG group treated with QDG by gavage at the daily dose of 0.9 g/kg for 12 weeks. The control rats, along with 6 age-matched WKY rats, were treated with saline only. Blood pressure changes of the rats were monitored, and pathologies and neuronal apoptosis in the cerebral cortex were examined with HE staining and TUNEL staining. Cerebral cortical expressions of miR-124 and STAT3 mRNA were detected using RT-qPCR, and the protein expressions of NeuN, STAT3, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were detected with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. In a HT22 cell model of oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R), the effects of QDG on cell viability and apoptosis, expressions of miR-124 and STAT3 mRNA, and protein expressions of STAT3, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were evaluated using CCK8 assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with WKY rats, SHRs had significantly elevated systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure with significantly increased neuronal apoptosis in the cerebral cortex, reduced expressions of NeuN, miR-124 and Bcl-2, and enhanced expressions of STAT3, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05). All these changes in the SHRs were significantly ameliorated by treatment with QDG (P<0.05). In the HT22 cell model, QDG treatment obviously reduced OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, increased the expressions of miR-124 and Bcl-2, and suppressed the elevation of protein expressions of STAT3, Bax and cleaved caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS QDG inhibits cerebral cortical neuronal apoptosis and thereby attenuates brain damage in SHR rats by modulating the miR-124/STAT3 signaling axis.
Animals ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Rats ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Male ; Hypertension

ObjectiveTo investigate the optimal ratio of goat horn replacing antelope horn in Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills and the blood pressure-lowering mechanism of this medicine. MethodsThe blood pressure-lowering efficacy of Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills with varying proportions of goat horn replacing antelope horn was evaluated on spontaneous hypertensive rats （SHR）. In this experiment， 50 SHR rats were randomly grouped as follows： model （n=8）， captopril （0.01 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， low-dose blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.342 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， high-dose blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.684 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， low-dose antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.378 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， high-dose antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.756 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， low-dose goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.378 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， and high-dose goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.756 g·kg^-1） （n=6）. Additionally， 8 WKY rats were used as the normal group. Drugs were administered by gavage for 4 weeks while an equal volume of distilled water was administered for the normal and model groups. Blood pressure was measured before administration， 3 h post administration， and biweekly thereafter. In the experiment for Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills with goat horn replacing antelope horn in different proportions， 48 SHR rats were randomly grouped as follows： model， blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.684 g·kg^-1）， antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.756 g·kg^-1）， 2× goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.824 g·kg^-1）， 4× goat horn Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.969 g·kg^-1）， and 6× goat horn Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （1.112 g·kg^-1）. The normal group included 8 WKY rats， and the normal group and model group received an equal volume of distilled water. The treatment lasted for 2 weeks， and blood pressure was recorded at various time points （pre-administration， 3 h post administration， and on days 4， 7， 10， and 14 of administration）. Serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme （ACE）， angiotensin Ⅱ（Ang Ⅱ）， renin， and interleukin-6 （IL-6） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathological changes in the heart， kidney， and thoracic aorta were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein levels of ACE2， angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor （AT1R）， and angiotensinogen （AGT） in the kidney tissue were determined by Western blot， while the expression of nuclear factor （NF）-κB p65 and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in the thoracic aorta tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the model group， all treatment groups showed lowered blood pressure （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the 6× goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills group showed consistent blood pressure-lowering effect with the antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills group. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed elevated serum levels of ACE， Ang Ⅱ， renin， and IL-6， while the elevations were declined in the Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Pathological changes in the heart， kidney， and thoracic aorta were alleviated in all the treatment groups， with the 6× goat horn- and antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups exhibited the best effect. Western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that all the treatment groups exhibited down-regulated protein levels of AT1R， AGT， NF-κB p65， and TLR4 and up-regulated protein levels of ACE2 （P<0.05， P<0.01） compared with model group， with the 6×goat horn- and antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups showcasing the best effect. ConclusionReplacing antelope horn with 6×goat horn in Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills can achieve consistent blood pressure-lowering effect with the original prescription. The prescription may exert the effect by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system （RAAS） and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Objective A rat model of cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD)was established by unilateral injection of a single dose of sodium laurate into the internal carotid artery.The effectiveness of the model was assessed by behavior scoring and analysis of serum-related indicators,cerebral infarction volume,cerebral microvascular density,hemodynamics,brain histopathology and the expression of blood-brain barrier(BBB)-related proteins.Methods SPF-grade male SD rats were divided randomly into a control group and a model group(n=6 per group).The model group received a single injection of 100 μL of sodium laurate(2 g/L)via the internal carotid artery,while the control group underwent the same surgical procedure but received an equal volume of saline.Neurobehavioral assessments were conducted using the Longa score and postural reflex test.Serum homocysteine(HCY)levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Cerebral infarction volume was detected by magnetic resonance imaging and changes in cerebral vascular density were observed by cerebrovascular imaging.The resistance index(RI)and perfusion index(PI)were measured by ultrasonography.Histopathological changes in brain tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Expression of the cerebral microvascular marker CD31 and tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin in brain cortex tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Results The Longa score,postural reflex score(P＜0.05),and cerebral infarction volume were significantly increased(P＜0.05)while the cerebral vascular density was decreased in the model group compared with the control group.Serum HCY levels,carotid RI,and PI values were all significantly increased in the model group(P＜0.05).HE staining revealed solidified neuronal nuclei and enlarged perivascular spaces in the brain cortex in the model group.Immunohistochemical staining revealed that CD31,ZO-1,and Occludin expression were significantly reduced in the brain cortex in the model group compared with the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusions A rat model of CSVD can be established rapidly and effectively by a single unilateral injection of high-concentration sodium laurate via the internal carotid artery.This model is characterized by neurobehavioral abnormalities,cerebral infarction,insufficient cerebral blood supply,reduced vascular density,and disruption of the BBB,suggesting that it may serve as an effective rat model for the study of CSVD.

Objective A rat model of cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD)was established by unilateral injection of a single dose of sodium laurate into the internal carotid artery.The effectiveness of the model was assessed by behavior scoring and analysis of serum-related indicators,cerebral infarction volume,cerebral microvascular density,hemodynamics,brain histopathology and the expression of blood-brain barrier(BBB)-related proteins.Methods SPF-grade male SD rats were divided randomly into a control group and a model group(n=6 per group).The model group received a single injection of 100 μL of sodium laurate(2 g/L)via the internal carotid artery,while the control group underwent the same surgical procedure but received an equal volume of saline.Neurobehavioral assessments were conducted using the Longa score and postural reflex test.Serum homocysteine(HCY)levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Cerebral infarction volume was detected by magnetic resonance imaging and changes in cerebral vascular density were observed by cerebrovascular imaging.The resistance index(RI)and perfusion index(PI)were measured by ultrasonography.Histopathological changes in brain tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Expression of the cerebral microvascular marker CD31 and tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin in brain cortex tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Results The Longa score,postural reflex score(P＜0.05),and cerebral infarction volume were significantly increased(P＜0.05)while the cerebral vascular density was decreased in the model group compared with the control group.Serum HCY levels,carotid RI,and PI values were all significantly increased in the model group(P＜0.05).HE staining revealed solidified neuronal nuclei and enlarged perivascular spaces in the brain cortex in the model group.Immunohistochemical staining revealed that CD31,ZO-1,and Occludin expression were significantly reduced in the brain cortex in the model group compared with the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusions A rat model of CSVD can be established rapidly and effectively by a single unilateral injection of high-concentration sodium laurate via the internal carotid artery.This model is characterized by neurobehavioral abnormalities,cerebral infarction,insufficient cerebral blood supply,reduced vascular density,and disruption of the BBB,suggesting that it may serve as an effective rat model for the study of CSVD.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the dose-adjusted concentrations of Posaconazole oral suspension in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation （HSCT） and their influential factors. METHODS Data were collected from hospitalized HSCT patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University （Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital） from January 2021 to April whtwhm@yeah.net 2023 who took Posaconazole oral suspension for the prevention of invasive fungal disease （IFD） and received blood concentration of posaconazole. The rate of concentration attainment and clinical failure rate of posaconazole for the prevention of IFD were evaluated， and one-way and multiple linear regression analyses were performed for the influential factors of dose-adjusted concentrations （C0/D） of posaconazole. RESULTS A total of 44 patients were enrolled； the mean C0 of posaconazole in patients was （0.99±0.94） µg/mL， and 20 patients had a C0≥0.7 μg/mL， with a concentration attainment rate of 45.45% for the prevention of IFD； 13 cases were clinical failures， with a clinical failure rate of 29.55%. Of 24 patients who did not achieve C0/D of posaconazole for IFD prophylaxis， one patient was a clinical failure despite timely dose adjustment of posaconazole in seven patients； seven of the thirteen patients who did not undergo dose adjustment were clinical failures； and the remaining four patients were switched to other antifungal agents. The results of univariate analysis showed that gender， body mass index （BMI）， renal function， combined use of sodium phenytoin， omeprazole and metoclopramide had a significant effect on the C0/D of posaconazole （P＜0.05）； the results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that gender， BMI and combined use of sodium phenytoin were the independent factors affecting the C0/D of posaconazole （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Significant individual differences are reflected in the blood concentration of Posaconazole oral suspension； gender， BMI and combined use of sodium phenytoin are independent factors affecting the C0/D of posaconazole.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical phenotype and genetic basis for a male neonate featuring hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural hearing loss, and renal dysplasia (HDR) syndrome. METHODS: The child was subjected to genome-wide copy number variation (CNVs) analysis and whole exome sequencing (WES). Clinical data of the patient was analyzed. A literature review was also carried out. RESULTS: The patient, a male neonate, had presented with peculiar facial appearance, simian crease and sacrococcygeal mass. Blood test revealed hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism. Hearing test suggested bilateral sensorineural deafness. Doppler ultrasound showed absence of right kidney. Copy number variation sequencing revealed a 12.71 Mb deletion at 10p15.3-p13 (chr10: 105 001_12 815 001) region. WES confirmed haploinsufficiency of the GATA3 gene. With supplement of calcium and vitamin D, the condition of the child has improved. CONCLUSION The deletion of 10p15.3p13 probably underlay the HDR syndrome in this patient.
DNA Copy Number Variations ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/genetics* ; Humans ; Hypoparathyroidism/genetics* ; Infant, Newborn ; Kidney/abnormalities* ; Male ; Syndrome ; Urogenital Abnormalities/genetics*

Objective:To explore the incidence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of invasive pulmonary fungal infection(IPFI)in recipients of lung transplantation(LT)in southern China.Methods:From January 2003 to August 2019, retrospective analysis was performed for 300 recipients of lung transplantation at three hospitals in southern China. There were 254 males and 46 females with an average age of (54.98±14.2)years. Clinical data were collected from medical records, including symptoms and signs, imaging studies, bronchoscopy examination, pathogen separation and culture from deep sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), fungal-related laboratory tests and tissue pathology.Results:Among 300 cases, 93(31.0%)had at least one episode of IPFI. The most common pathogen was aspergillosis(60.2%), followed by candida(15 cases, 16.1%)and Pneumocystis jeroveci (13 cases, 14.0%). Kaplan Meier analysis indicated that all-cause mortality was significantly higher in IPFI group than that in non-IPFI(nIPFI)group with one-year mortality of 45.2% vs. 26.7% in IPFI and nIPFI groups respectively( P<0.05). Conclusions:IPFI is prevalent after LT in southern China. And aspergillosis is the most common pathogen and Candida comes the next. The median occurring time for aspergillosis is 6 months after LT. Candida infection occurs earlier at airway anastomosis. A higher incidence of invasive fungal disease(IFD)associated with a lower survival indicates that IPFI has a substantial mortality among recipients after LT. Prophylactic agents should be optimized based upon an epidemiologically likely pathogen.

Growth plate,the developmental center of endochondral osteogenesis,can be divided morphologically and functionally into a resting zone,a proliferative zone,a prehypertrophic zone and a hypertrophic zone.Injuries to growth plate often lead to bone growth defects including limb length discrepancy and angulation deformity in children.Currently,their orthopedic corrective surgeries are invasive and limitedly effective and no effective biotherapy has been available.Previous studies on animal models of growth plate damage have investigated the related cellular and molecular events in the repair of damaged growth plates in the 4 distinct inflammatory,fibrogenic,osteogenic and remodeling phases.Related molecules involved in the regulation of the above processes,such as inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha,mitogenic platelet-derived growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein,are found to participate in the regulation of growth plate injury.Exploration of the mechanisms may provide new targets for biotherapy.In addition,development of cartilage tissue engineering,especially application of mesenchymal stem cells,also provides potential interventions for growth plate injury.

Objective To explore the immune mechanism in the systemic lupus erythematosus MRL/lpr mice at different months of age, and to provide the basis for research of its pathogenesis. Methods 3-,4-,5- and 6-month old female MRL/lpr mice, and wild type C57 female mice were used in this study, 10 mice per each group. Their organ coefficients were determined. ELISA was performed to detect the serum levels of double stranded DNA(ds-DNA) antibody. The interleukins IL-2,IL-4,IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in spleen tissue were detected. Flow cytometry was used to assess the content of spleen lymphocyte CD3 cells and CD4/CD8 cell ratio. Results Compared with the 3-month old wild-type C57 mice,the spleen coefficient,the blood concentration of ds-DNA antibody,IL-2 and TNF-α in the 3- to 6-month old MRL/lpr mice were significantly increased(P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the concentrations of interleukin IL-4(P> 0.05). The blood concentration of IL-17 in the 5- and 6-month old MRL/lpr mice was significantly lower(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01)than that in the 3-month old MRL/lpr mice. The rest indexes of MRL/lpr mice showed no obvious changes or significant difference in the mice at different ages. Compared with the 3-month old C57 mice,the spleen CD3 lymphocyte concentration in the MRL/lpr mice was significantly decreased(P< 0.01). With the increasing age, the CD3 lymphocyte concentration and D4 +/CD8 +cell ratio in the MRL/lpr mice were decreased, however, showing a non-significant difference(P ﹥0.05). Conclusions The data obtained in this study indicate that 3-month old lupus MRL/lpr mice have already immune injury,increasing with the increase of age of the mice.