ObjectiveThis paper aims to conduct a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial on the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome （MDS） with deficiency of both the spleen and kidney and blockage of toxin and blood stasis with an arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound， by applying the mixed model for repeated measure （MMRM） and the method of stratified composite outcome with win ratio. The analysis includes the assessment of hematological efficacy and the composite outcome evaluation of adverse reactions， so as to more comprehensively assess the therapy of this regimen. MethodsThe MMRM and win ratio methods were used to evaluate the efficacy of a prospective，multi-center，double-blind，randomized controlled study. The blood routine （hemoglobin concentration，neutrophil count， and platelet count） and biochemical indexes （aspartate aminotransferase，alanine aminotransferase，serum creatinine，and serum ferritin） of the patients were detected at the time of enrollment and at the end of each course of treatment in the laboratory department of Xiyuan Hospital. The patients' syndromes at the time of enrollment and after treatment were recorded and scored according to the therapy standard of traditional Chinese medicine for diseases and syndromes. MMRM was used to analyze the blood routine indexes of the experimental group and the control group. This method has the advantages of high data reliability and dynamic efficacy under intervention and time. The win ratio method was used to evaluate the composite outcome of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores and biochemical indexes according to the priority and to verify the clinical safety of arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound. ResultsThe results of MMRM analysis showed that the hemoglobin concentration of patients in the group with arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound increased significantly compared with that before treatment in the group，while that in the placebo group decreased significantly （P<0.01）. When compared with that after treatment in the placebo group，the hemoglobin concentration of patients in the group with arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound increased significantly，and the mean difference of least squares （LS） was statistically significant （P<0.01）. When compared with those before treatment in the group，there were no statistically significant differences in the neutrophil count and platelet count in both groups. After treatment，there were no statistically significant differences in the neutrophil count， platelet count， and the mean difference of LS between the two groups. The analysis results of win ratio showed that the group with arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound had a significant advantage in the comparison of composite outcomes，with a win ratio （95% CI） of 2.01 （1.24-3.27） （P<0.01），and that the possibility of "winning" in terms of safety was 2.01 times that of the placebo group. The safety advantage of the group with arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound mainly came from the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores，renal function indexes， and iron reserve capacity indexes，and the number of winning times was less than that of losing times in the comparison of liver function outcomes. ConclusionThe MMRM analysis proves that the arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound can significantly improve the hemoglobin concentration of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome with refractory cytopenia and multilineage dysplasia （MDS-RCMD） of the type of deficiency of both the spleen and kidney and blockage of toxin and blood stasis. This conclusion is not interfered with by time trends and individual relationships and methodologically improves the credibility of the therapy of the arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound in treating MDS. Four outcomes are evaluated by the win ratio method，namely traditional Chinese medicine syndromes，liver function，renal function， and iron reserve capacity，proving that the arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound has the comprehensive advantages of improving the survival quality of the patients and reducing adverse reactions. The win ratio outcome provides clear comparative indexes for the evaluation of adverse reactions，making it easier for regulatory authorities，medical staff， and patients to understand the safety of the arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound in clinical application.

ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect of paeonol on acute alcohol-induced hepatic inflammation in mice via the regulation of the short-chain fatty acids （SCFAs）-specific receptor GPR43/mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway. MethodsC57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups： blank control group， model group， low-dose paeonol group （120 mg·kg^-1）， high-dose paeonol group （480 mg·kg^-1）， and silybin group （36.8 mg·kg^-1）. A mouse model of alcohol-induced liver disease （ALD） was established by ad libitum administration of a Lieber-DeCarli alcohol liquid diet. Serum lipid levels， liver function， inflammatory cytokines， and oxidative stress markers were measured. Liver hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Oil Red O staining were performed to validate successful modeling. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression levels of zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1）， Claudin-1， and proteins related to the GPR43/MAPK signaling pathway in the colonic tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the protein expression of GPR43， ZO-1， and Claudin-1 in the colon. Then 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to analyze differences in intestinal flora between the model group and the high-dose paeonol group. Additionally， fecal microbiota transplantation （FMT） experiments were conducted to validate the regulatory effect of paeonol on ALD via modulation of intestinal flora. ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the model group showed significantly elevated serum lipid levels， oxidative stress， and inflammatory cytokine expression （P<0.01）. Liver histology revealed increased inflammatory infiltration and lipid droplet accumulation. Colonic mucosal injury and impaired intestinal barrier function were observed. Levels of MAPK pathway-related proteins in the colonic tissue were upregulated （P<0.01）， while GPR43， ZO-1， and Claudin-1 protein expression levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The composition and abundance of the intestinal flora were markedly altered， with a reduced Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio and decreased relative abundances of Eubacterium， Parabacteroides， Erysipelothrix， and Adlercreutzia， alongside increased abundances of Clostridium butyricum， Enterococcus， and Helicobacter pylori in the model group. Compared with the model group， paeonol significantly reduced serum lipid levels， oxidative stress responses， and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in ALD mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. It also attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation， restored intestinal barrier function， and repaired the structural integrity of liver and colonic tissues. The protein expression levels of ZO-1， Claudin-1， and GPR43 in the colonic tissue were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while those of MAPK pathway-related proteins were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The intestinal flora dysbiosis was effectively alleviated， rendering its composition closer to that of normal mice. The efficacy of paeonol in modulating ALD was further confirmed by FMT experiments， supporting its mechanistic involvement in the SCFAs-GPR43/MAPK signaling pathway. ConclusionPaeonol exerts a protective effect against ALD in mice， which may be mediated through regulation of the SCFAs-GPR43/MAPK signaling pathway， thereby achieving anti-inflammatory effects and improving intestinal barrier function.

ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect of paeonol on acute alcohol-induced hepatic inflammation in mice via the regulation of the short-chain fatty acids （SCFAs）-specific receptor GPR43/mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway. MethodsC57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups： blank control group， model group， low-dose paeonol group （120 mg·kg^-1）， high-dose paeonol group （480 mg·kg^-1）， and silybin group （36.8 mg·kg^-1）. A mouse model of alcohol-induced liver disease （ALD） was established by ad libitum administration of a Lieber-DeCarli alcohol liquid diet. Serum lipid levels， liver function， inflammatory cytokines， and oxidative stress markers were measured. Liver hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Oil Red O staining were performed to validate successful modeling. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression levels of zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1）， Claudin-1， and proteins related to the GPR43/MAPK signaling pathway in the colonic tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the protein expression of GPR43， ZO-1， and Claudin-1 in the colon. Then 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to analyze differences in intestinal flora between the model group and the high-dose paeonol group. Additionally， fecal microbiota transplantation （FMT） experiments were conducted to validate the regulatory effect of paeonol on ALD via modulation of intestinal flora. ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the model group showed significantly elevated serum lipid levels， oxidative stress， and inflammatory cytokine expression （P<0.01）. Liver histology revealed increased inflammatory infiltration and lipid droplet accumulation. Colonic mucosal injury and impaired intestinal barrier function were observed. Levels of MAPK pathway-related proteins in the colonic tissue were upregulated （P<0.01）， while GPR43， ZO-1， and Claudin-1 protein expression levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The composition and abundance of the intestinal flora were markedly altered， with a reduced Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio and decreased relative abundances of Eubacterium， Parabacteroides， Erysipelothrix， and Adlercreutzia， alongside increased abundances of Clostridium butyricum， Enterococcus， and Helicobacter pylori in the model group. Compared with the model group， paeonol significantly reduced serum lipid levels， oxidative stress responses， and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in ALD mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. It also attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation， restored intestinal barrier function， and repaired the structural integrity of liver and colonic tissues. The protein expression levels of ZO-1， Claudin-1， and GPR43 in the colonic tissue were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while those of MAPK pathway-related proteins were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The intestinal flora dysbiosis was effectively alleviated， rendering its composition closer to that of normal mice. The efficacy of paeonol in modulating ALD was further confirmed by FMT experiments， supporting its mechanistic involvement in the SCFAs-GPR43/MAPK signaling pathway. ConclusionPaeonol exerts a protective effect against ALD in mice， which may be mediated through regulation of the SCFAs-GPR43/MAPK signaling pathway， thereby achieving anti-inflammatory effects and improving intestinal barrier function.

Loss-of-function variants of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) can lead to reduced bone formation, culminating in diminished bone mass. Our previous study reported transcription factor osterix (SP7)‍-binding sites on the LRP5 promoter and its pivotal role in upregulating LRP5 expression during implant osseointegration. However, the potential role of SP7 in ameliorating LRP5-dependent osteoporosis remained unknown. In this study, we used mice with a conditional knockout (cKO) of LRP5 in mature osteoblasts, which presented decreased osteogenesis. The in vitro experimental results showed that SP7 could promote LRP5 expression, thereby upregulating the osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and β‍-catenin (P<0.05). For the in vivo experiment, the SP7 overexpression virus was injected into a bone defect model of LRP5 cKO mice, resulting in increased bone mineral density (BMD) (P<0.001) and volumetric density (bone volume (BV)/total volume (TV)) (P<0.001), and decreased trabecular separation (Tb.‍Sp) (P<0.05). These data suggested that SP7 could ameliorate bone defect healing in LRP5 cKO mice. Our study provides new insights into potential therapeutic opportunities for ameliorating LRP5-dependent osteoporosis.
Animals ; Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-5/metabolism* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; Sp7 Transcription Factor/physiology* ; Osteogenesis ; Bone Density ; Osteoblasts/metabolism* ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; beta Catenin/metabolism*

Objective To compare the differences of baseline characteristics of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)who achieved platelet(PLT)response after arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment.Methods Totally 72 MDS patients were selected from 12 outpatient departments and wards,such as Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to October 2024.Among them,45 patients received arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment,27 patients received Western medicine treatment.The blood routine[white blood cell(WBC)count,hemoglobin,PLT,neutrophil count],TCM syndrome scores,safety indicators,and adverse events were observed before and after three courses of treatment.The efficacy of all patients was evaluated,and the baseline characteristics of patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group and the Western medicine treatment group were compared.Results Comparing the differences of baseline characteristics of the two groups,it was found that the patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group were compared with those in the Western medicine treatment group:Age<60 years old(P=0.038),longer disease duration(P=0.012),lower WBC(P=0.017),lower reticulocyte percentage(P=0.037),lower blood urea nitrogen(P=0.046),lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P=0.014),and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(P=0.034),abnormal electrocardiogram(P=0.013),high blasts(P=0.009),grade 0 reticular fiber staining(P<0.01),normal chromosome karyotype(P<0.01),gene mutation(P<0.01)and high TCM syndrome scores(P=0.013)were found.Conclusion Arsenic-containing TCM compounds consisting of Qinghuang Powder and Bushen Jianpi Decoction combined with Western medicine is used to treat MDS.Patients with age<60 years old,long disease duration,low WBC count,low reticulocyte percentage,low blood urea nitrogen,low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,abnormal electrocardiogram,high blasts,grade 0 reticular fiber staining,normal chromosome karyotype,gene mutation and high TCM syndrome score are more likely to obtain PLT response.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using a short-clip strategy for patients with moderate-to-severe or greater degenerative mitral regurgitation caused by commissural prolapse.Methods:This retrospective study included patients with severe mitral regurgitation secondary to commissural prolapse who underwent TEER at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine between September 2022 and July 2024. Preoperative clinical and imaging data, intraoperative details, procedural outcomes, and 1-month postoperative follow-up results were collected.Results:A total of 19 patients were enrolled, aged (74.1±6.1) years, including 12 males. Among them, 10 patients had external commissural prolapse, and 9 patients had internal commissural prolapse. Preoperatively, all patients exhibited severe mitral regurgitation (4+), with an effective regurgitant orifice area of (0.55±0.17) cm2, left atrial volume of (104.77±36.57) ml, left ventricular end-diastolic volume of (102.29±32.47) ml, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension of (5.34±0.59) mm, and prolapse width of (1.18±0.34) cm. All procedures utilized short clips (NTR or NTW clips) to target the prolapsed commissural region and were completed successfully without intraoperative complications. At 1-month follow-up, no mortality, stroke, single-leaflet device attachment, myocardial infarction, or unplanned mitral reintervention occurred. Mitral regurgitation severity improved to ≤2+ in all patients, with left atrial volume of (74.49±33.83) ml, left ventricular end-diastolic volume of (85.90±18.05) ml, and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension of (4.93±0.37) mm (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The short-clip strategy, focusing on precise clip placement at the commissural interface, is feasible and effective for TEER in patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to commissural prolapse.

The lung function of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis (hereinafter referred to as "pneumoconiosis") combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) declines rapidly. Inhaled pharmacotherapy is crucial in the treatment of patients with pneumoconiosis combined with COPD. At present, pressurized metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and soft mist inhalers are commonly used to deliver bronchodilators (including long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, or their fixed-dose combinations) in inhaled pharmacotherapy. Peak inspiratory flow (PIF) is a commonly used indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of inhalation therapy. Patients with good coordination of hand and mouth, and a high PIF (≥30 L/min) can be treated with pressurized metered-dose inhalers or dry powder inhalers, whereas patients with poor coordination or insufficient PIF (<30 L/min) should be treated with pressurized metered-dose inhalers combined with a spacer or with nebulizers. In addition, the effectiveness of inhalation therapy is affected by individual factors, such as treatment adherence and pulmonary function, as well as drug-related factors, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids and the selection of bronchodilators. Inhaled pharmacotherapy appears to have substantial potential in the treatment of pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD. Future efforts should focus on the development of more effective inhaled drugs with fewer adverse effects and more user-friendly inhalation devices, as well as on optimizing inhalation treatment regimens to enable precision therapy and improve therapeutic efficacy.

Objective To compare the differences of baseline characteristics of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)who achieved platelet(PLT)response after arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment.Methods Totally 72 MDS patients were selected from 12 outpatient departments and wards,such as Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to October 2024.Among them,45 patients received arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment,27 patients received Western medicine treatment.The blood routine[white blood cell(WBC)count,hemoglobin,PLT,neutrophil count],TCM syndrome scores,safety indicators,and adverse events were observed before and after three courses of treatment.The efficacy of all patients was evaluated,and the baseline characteristics of patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group and the Western medicine treatment group were compared.Results Comparing the differences of baseline characteristics of the two groups,it was found that the patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group were compared with those in the Western medicine treatment group:Age<60 years old(P=0.038),longer disease duration(P=0.012),lower WBC(P=0.017),lower reticulocyte percentage(P=0.037),lower blood urea nitrogen(P=0.046),lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P=0.014),and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(P=0.034),abnormal electrocardiogram(P=0.013),high blasts(P=0.009),grade 0 reticular fiber staining(P<0.01),normal chromosome karyotype(P<0.01),gene mutation(P<0.01)and high TCM syndrome scores(P=0.013)were found.Conclusion Arsenic-containing TCM compounds consisting of Qinghuang Powder and Bushen Jianpi Decoction combined with Western medicine is used to treat MDS.Patients with age<60 years old,long disease duration,low WBC count,low reticulocyte percentage,low blood urea nitrogen,low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,abnormal electrocardiogram,high blasts,grade 0 reticular fiber staining,normal chromosome karyotype,gene mutation and high TCM syndrome score are more likely to obtain PLT response.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using a short-clip strategy for patients with moderate-to-severe or greater degenerative mitral regurgitation caused by commissural prolapse.Methods:This retrospective study included patients with severe mitral regurgitation secondary to commissural prolapse who underwent TEER at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine between September 2022 and July 2024. Preoperative clinical and imaging data, intraoperative details, procedural outcomes, and 1-month postoperative follow-up results were collected.Results:A total of 19 patients were enrolled, aged (74.1±6.1) years, including 12 males. Among them, 10 patients had external commissural prolapse, and 9 patients had internal commissural prolapse. Preoperatively, all patients exhibited severe mitral regurgitation (4+), with an effective regurgitant orifice area of (0.55±0.17) cm2, left atrial volume of (104.77±36.57) ml, left ventricular end-diastolic volume of (102.29±32.47) ml, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension of (5.34±0.59) mm, and prolapse width of (1.18±0.34) cm. All procedures utilized short clips (NTR or NTW clips) to target the prolapsed commissural region and were completed successfully without intraoperative complications. At 1-month follow-up, no mortality, stroke, single-leaflet device attachment, myocardial infarction, or unplanned mitral reintervention occurred. Mitral regurgitation severity improved to ≤2+ in all patients, with left atrial volume of (74.49±33.83) ml, left ventricular end-diastolic volume of (85.90±18.05) ml, and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension of (4.93±0.37) mm (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The short-clip strategy, focusing on precise clip placement at the commissural interface, is feasible and effective for TEER in patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to commissural prolapse.

Radiotherapy is one of the main treatment methods for malignant tumors, which can cause the radiation damage to normal tissues. Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) is one of the main adverse reactions caused by radiotherapy. The main clinical manifestations of RISI are dermatitis, ulcer, erosion and necrosis, which seriously affect the quality of life and treatment effect of tumor radiotherapy patients, and even affect the overall survival of patients. The pathological mechanism of RISI is still unclear. Some studies have shown that inflammation and oxidative stress are the main causes of RISI. RISI can be divided into acute and chronic RISI according to the different onset time, and different treatment strategies can be formulated according to the severity of the injury. In this article, clinical manifestations, classification, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of RISI are comprehensively summarized.