ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity and potential mechanism of Kangfuxin liquid （KFX liquid）， providing experimental evidence for the anti-psoriasis effect of KFX liquid. MethodsFirstly， the uninduced human immortalized keratinocyte cells （HaCaT cells） were divided into seven groups， namely the control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses （5， 10， 20， 40， 80， 160 g·L^-1）. After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid， the effect of KFX liquid on the normal cell proliferation was detected by using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） method. Secondly， the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups， namely the control group and recombinant human interleukin-7A （rh-IL-7A） groups with different doses （5， 10， 50， 100， 120 g·L^-1）. After being treated with different concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-17A （rh IL-17A） liquid， the effect of rh IL-17A on cell proliferation was detected. The optimal induction concentration was screened. Then， normal HaCaT cells were divided into a control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses （5， 10， 20， 40， 80， 160 g·L^-1）. Except for the control group， the other groups established psoriasis cell models with the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A. After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid， the effects of KFX liquid on the psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation were investigated. Finally， the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups， namely the control group， rh IL-17A group， methotrexate （MTX） group， and KFX liquid groups with different doses （20， 40， 80 g·L^-1）. Except for the control group， the other groups used the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A to establish psoriasis cell models. After being treated with different drugs， the cell migration levels were detected through scratch assays， and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki-67 antigen （Ki67）， S100 calcium-binding protein A7 （S100A7）， S100 calcium-binding protein A8 （S100A8）， and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 （S100A9）， thereby comprehensively evaluating the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity of KFX liquid. By detecting the relative mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and chemokine-20 （CXCL-20） inflammatory-related factors in psoriasis-like HaCaT cells and the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 3 （JAK3）， phosphorylated Janus kinase 3 （p-JAK3）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （p-STAT3）， the mechanism was explored. ResultsCompared with that of control group， when treated with 80 g·L^-1 KFX liquid for 72 h （P<0.05） and at different times with 160 g·L^-1 KFX liquid， the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly affected （P<0.01）， while the other concentrations of KFX liquid had no significant differences in cell morphology and cell proliferation activity at different times， indicating that the KFX liquid is relatively safe for HaCaT cells and has no obvious toxic side effects. Compared with that of control group， when treated with different concentrations of rh IL-17A for 24 h， the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly enhanced， and the cell activity was the strongest when the concentration was 100 μg·L^-1 （P<0.05）， with a density close to 100% and intact cell morphology， indicating that 100 μg·L^-1 is the optimal concentration for inducing HaCaT cell proliferation. The results of the KFX liquid treatment on rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells show that the KFX liquid not only effectively inhibits the rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation activity （P<0.01）， but also significantly reduces the migration ability of rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cells （P<0.01）， and the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki67， S100A7， S100A8， and S100A9 （P<0.01）. Moreover， the KFX liquid can significantly reduce the relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and CXCL-20 in rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells （P<0.01）， and significantly inhibit the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe KFX liquid has no obvious toxicity to uninduced HaCaT cells. It can inhibit rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation， reduce the cell migration ability， and has good in vitro anti-psoriasis activity. Its action mechanism may be related to downregulating the expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines in the JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibiting the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins.

ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity and potential mechanism of Kangfuxin liquid （KFX liquid）， providing experimental evidence for the anti-psoriasis effect of KFX liquid. MethodsFirstly， the uninduced human immortalized keratinocyte cells （HaCaT cells） were divided into seven groups， namely the control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses （5， 10， 20， 40， 80， 160 g·L^-1）. After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid， the effect of KFX liquid on the normal cell proliferation was detected by using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） method. Secondly， the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups， namely the control group and recombinant human interleukin-7A （rh-IL-7A） groups with different doses （5， 10， 50， 100， 120 g·L^-1）. After being treated with different concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-17A （rh IL-17A） liquid， the effect of rh IL-17A on cell proliferation was detected. The optimal induction concentration was screened. Then， normal HaCaT cells were divided into a control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses （5， 10， 20， 40， 80， 160 g·L^-1）. Except for the control group， the other groups established psoriasis cell models with the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A. After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid， the effects of KFX liquid on the psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation were investigated. Finally， the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups， namely the control group， rh IL-17A group， methotrexate （MTX） group， and KFX liquid groups with different doses （20， 40， 80 g·L^-1）. Except for the control group， the other groups used the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A to establish psoriasis cell models. After being treated with different drugs， the cell migration levels were detected through scratch assays， and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki-67 antigen （Ki67）， S100 calcium-binding protein A7 （S100A7）， S100 calcium-binding protein A8 （S100A8）， and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 （S100A9）， thereby comprehensively evaluating the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity of KFX liquid. By detecting the relative mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and chemokine-20 （CXCL-20） inflammatory-related factors in psoriasis-like HaCaT cells and the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 3 （JAK3）， phosphorylated Janus kinase 3 （p-JAK3）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （p-STAT3）， the mechanism was explored. ResultsCompared with that of control group， when treated with 80 g·L^-1 KFX liquid for 72 h （P<0.05） and at different times with 160 g·L^-1 KFX liquid， the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly affected （P<0.01）， while the other concentrations of KFX liquid had no significant differences in cell morphology and cell proliferation activity at different times， indicating that the KFX liquid is relatively safe for HaCaT cells and has no obvious toxic side effects. Compared with that of control group， when treated with different concentrations of rh IL-17A for 24 h， the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly enhanced， and the cell activity was the strongest when the concentration was 100 μg·L^-1 （P<0.05）， with a density close to 100% and intact cell morphology， indicating that 100 μg·L^-1 is the optimal concentration for inducing HaCaT cell proliferation. The results of the KFX liquid treatment on rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells show that the KFX liquid not only effectively inhibits the rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation activity （P<0.01）， but also significantly reduces the migration ability of rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cells （P<0.01）， and the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki67， S100A7， S100A8， and S100A9 （P<0.01）. Moreover， the KFX liquid can significantly reduce the relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and CXCL-20 in rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells （P<0.01）， and significantly inhibit the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe KFX liquid has no obvious toxicity to uninduced HaCaT cells. It can inhibit rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation， reduce the cell migration ability， and has good in vitro anti-psoriasis activity. Its action mechanism may be related to downregulating the expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines in the JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibiting the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins.

BACKGROUND:In China,the patient population with osteonecrosis is large,and there is an urgent need to find new preventive targets to develop more effective treatment strategies.Metabolomics studies have shown that there is an association between human metabolites and osteonecrosis,but the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis through two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:The public data of 486 blood metabolites(exposure factors)and osteonecrosis(outcome factors)were collected.Data of 486 blood metabolites were derived from a genome-wide association estimate for blood metabolites published in Nature Genetics in 2014,which covered 7 824 European adults.The single nucleotide polymorphism data for osteonecrosis were obtained from the FinnGen public database R11 dataset,containing information on a total of 431 614 samples and 21 306 430 single nucleotide polymorphism loci,with 1 788 cases of osteonecrosis and 429 826 controls,with all participants being of European descent.Mendelian randomization analysis(inverse variance weighting method,MR-Egger method,and weighted median method)was performed by Rstudio software,and then the heterogeneity test,horizontal pleiotropy test and Steiger directionality test were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sixteen blood metabolites were identified as having a significant causal relationship with osteonecrosis(Pinverse variance weighting＜Pfalse discovery rate＜0.05).(2)Eight blood metabolites increased the risk of osteonecrosis(including four known metabolites and four unknown metabolites),specifically pantothenate,beta-hydroxyisovalerate,hippurate,salicyluric glucuronide,X-08766,X-11452,X-12776 and X-14662.(3)Eight blood metabolites could reduce the risk of osteonecrosis(six known metabolites and two unknown metabolites),including cortisol,1-palmitoylglycerol(1-monopalmitin),pyroglutamyl glycine,2-stearoylglycerophosphocholine,p-cresol sulfate,ergothioneine,X-06307,X-12092.(4)The above results suggest that there is a causal relationship between 16 blood metabolites and osteonecrosis,which is expected to be a potential target for intervention in the occurrence and treatment of osteonecrosis in the future.(5)Despite the lack of relevant data from large-scale Asian populations at present,this study provides important reference value for the field of osteonecrosis in China based on European population data.In the future,domestic medical workers may be able to achieve precise intervention for osteonecrosis by regulating metabolite levels.In addition,based on the results of this study,relevant researchers can further explore the mechanism of action of metabolites in the treatment of osteonecrosis with traditional Chinese medicine,which not only helps to deepen the understanding of traditional Chinese medical therapies but also promotes the progress of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine research,driving the development of personalized treatment plans that are more suitable for the characteristics of the Chinese population.

BACKGROUND:In China,the patient population with osteonecrosis is large,and there is an urgent need to find new preventive targets to develop more effective treatment strategies.Metabolomics studies have shown that there is an association between human metabolites and osteonecrosis,but the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis through two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:The public data of 486 blood metabolites(exposure factors)and osteonecrosis(outcome factors)were collected.Data of 486 blood metabolites were derived from a genome-wide association estimate for blood metabolites published in Nature Genetics in 2014,which covered 7 824 European adults.The single nucleotide polymorphism data for osteonecrosis were obtained from the FinnGen public database R11 dataset,containing information on a total of 431 614 samples and 21 306 430 single nucleotide polymorphism loci,with 1 788 cases of osteonecrosis and 429 826 controls,with all participants being of European descent.Mendelian randomization analysis(inverse variance weighting method,MR-Egger method,and weighted median method)was performed by Rstudio software,and then the heterogeneity test,horizontal pleiotropy test and Steiger directionality test were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sixteen blood metabolites were identified as having a significant causal relationship with osteonecrosis(Pinverse variance weighting＜Pfalse discovery rate＜0.05).(2)Eight blood metabolites increased the risk of osteonecrosis(including four known metabolites and four unknown metabolites),specifically pantothenate,beta-hydroxyisovalerate,hippurate,salicyluric glucuronide,X-08766,X-11452,X-12776 and X-14662.(3)Eight blood metabolites could reduce the risk of osteonecrosis(six known metabolites and two unknown metabolites),including cortisol,1-palmitoylglycerol(1-monopalmitin),pyroglutamyl glycine,2-stearoylglycerophosphocholine,p-cresol sulfate,ergothioneine,X-06307,X-12092.(4)The above results suggest that there is a causal relationship between 16 blood metabolites and osteonecrosis,which is expected to be a potential target for intervention in the occurrence and treatment of osteonecrosis in the future.(5)Despite the lack of relevant data from large-scale Asian populations at present,this study provides important reference value for the field of osteonecrosis in China based on European population data.In the future,domestic medical workers may be able to achieve precise intervention for osteonecrosis by regulating metabolite levels.In addition,based on the results of this study,relevant researchers can further explore the mechanism of action of metabolites in the treatment of osteonecrosis with traditional Chinese medicine,which not only helps to deepen the understanding of traditional Chinese medical therapies but also promotes the progress of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine research,driving the development of personalized treatment plans that are more suitable for the characteristics of the Chinese population.

Aim To study the difference in hepatotox-icity of psoralen on normal rats and Yin-deficiency rats from the perspective of lipid metabolism,so as to help explain the mechanism of psoralen cautiously used in patients with Yin deficiency recorded in ancient books.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into the nor-mal control group(carboxymethyl cellulose-Na,CMC-Na),normal administration group(CMC-Na+psor-alen),Yin-deficiency control group(CMC-Na+thy-roxine)and Yin-deficiency administration group(CMC-Na+thyroxine+psoralen).The model of Yin-deficiency was established by thyroxine(1 mg·kg-1)for ten days,and then psoralen(200 mg·kg-1)was given for three days.The serum indexes related to liver injury were detected by automatic biochemical analy-zer,the morphological changes of liver tissue were ob-served using HE and oil red O staining,and the relative transcription levels of lipid metabolism related enzymes and mRNA of transporter and endoplasmic reticulum stress related factors were detected using Real-time PCR.Results After intragastric administration of psoralen for three days,compared with the normal group,the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),total bile acid(TBA)and triglyeride(TG)in Yin deficiency group increased more significantly,while TC,ALB and TP de-creased more significantly,and liver HE and oil red O staining showed more obvious lipid degeneration.TG synthesis factors adrenocortical carcinoma(ACC),fatty acid synthase(FASN)and sterolregulatory element binding protein-1(SREBP-1)were down-regulated more significantly,TG transport factors mili-total pro-tein(MTP)and lipoprotein pipase(LPL)were down-regulated more evidently,fatty acid β-oxidation related factors carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A),carnitine/organic cation transporter 2(OCTN2)and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-alpha(PPARα)were down-regulated more apparently,TC transporter adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter G8(ABCG8)and bile acid receptor farne-soid X receptor(FXR)were down-regulated more ob-viously,and endoplasmic reticulum stress factor activa-ting transcription factor 4(ATF4)was up-regulated more significantly.Conclusions Psoralen can cause more severe hepatotoxicity in Yin deficiency rats than that in normal administration group,and its mechanism may be related to the disorder of hepatic lipid metabo-lism,aggravation of hepatic cholestasis and steatosis,and activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress re-sponse.

Aim To study the difference in hepatotox-icity of psoralen on normal rats and Yin-deficiency rats from the perspective of lipid metabolism,so as to help explain the mechanism of psoralen cautiously used in patients with Yin deficiency recorded in ancient books.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into the nor-mal control group(carboxymethyl cellulose-Na,CMC-Na),normal administration group(CMC-Na+psor-alen),Yin-deficiency control group(CMC-Na+thy-roxine)and Yin-deficiency administration group(CMC-Na+thyroxine+psoralen).The model of Yin-deficiency was established by thyroxine(1 mg·kg-1)for ten days,and then psoralen(200 mg·kg-1)was given for three days.The serum indexes related to liver injury were detected by automatic biochemical analy-zer,the morphological changes of liver tissue were ob-served using HE and oil red O staining,and the relative transcription levels of lipid metabolism related enzymes and mRNA of transporter and endoplasmic reticulum stress related factors were detected using Real-time PCR.Results After intragastric administration of psoralen for three days,compared with the normal group,the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),total bile acid(TBA)and triglyeride(TG)in Yin deficiency group increased more significantly,while TC,ALB and TP de-creased more significantly,and liver HE and oil red O staining showed more obvious lipid degeneration.TG synthesis factors adrenocortical carcinoma(ACC),fatty acid synthase(FASN)and sterolregulatory element binding protein-1(SREBP-1)were down-regulated more significantly,TG transport factors mili-total pro-tein(MTP)and lipoprotein pipase(LPL)were down-regulated more evidently,fatty acid β-oxidation related factors carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A),carnitine/organic cation transporter 2(OCTN2)and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-alpha(PPARα)were down-regulated more apparently,TC transporter adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter G8(ABCG8)and bile acid receptor farne-soid X receptor(FXR)were down-regulated more ob-viously,and endoplasmic reticulum stress factor activa-ting transcription factor 4(ATF4)was up-regulated more significantly.Conclusions Psoralen can cause more severe hepatotoxicity in Yin deficiency rats than that in normal administration group,and its mechanism may be related to the disorder of hepatic lipid metabo-lism,aggravation of hepatic cholestasis and steatosis,and activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress re-sponse.

Objective To introduce a modified technique of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction using a handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve crafted from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and to summarize the early single-center experience. Methods Patients with complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) who underwent RVOT reconstruction with a handmade ePTFE bicuspid pulmonary valve due to pulmonary regurgitation at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from April 2021 to February 2022 were selected. Postoperative artificial valve function and right heart function indicators were evaluated. Results A total of 17 patients were included, comprising 10 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (18.18±12.14) years and a mean body weight of (40.94±19.45) kg. Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction with a handmade valved conduit, with conduit sizes ranging from 18 to 24 mm. No patients required mechanical circulatory support, and no in-hospital deaths occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 12.89 months, only one patient developed valve dysfunction, and no related complications or adverse events were observed. The degree of pulmonary regurgitation was significantly improved post-RVOT reconstruction and during follow-up compared to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Postoperative right atrial diameter, right ventricular diameter, and tricuspid regurgitation area were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Conclusion The use of a 0.1 mm ePTFE handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve for RVOT reconstruction in complex CHD is a feasible, effective, and safe technique.

BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying therapies have been approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The present study aims to examine the safety of teriflunomide in Chinese patients with RMS. METHODS: This non-randomized, multi-center, 24-week, prospective study enrolled RMS patients with variant (c.421C>A) or wild type ABCG2 who received once-daily oral teriflunomide 14 mg. The primary endpoint was the relationship between ABCG2 polymorphisms and teriflunomide exposure over 24 weeks. Safety was assessed over the 24-week treatment with teriflunomide. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were assigned to variant ( n  = 42) and wild type groups ( n  = 40), respectively. Geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (SD) of pre-dose concentration (variant, 54.9 [38.0] μg/mL; wild type, 49.1 [32.0] μg/mL) and area under plasma concentration-time curve over a dosing interval (AUC tau ) (variant, 1731.3 [769.0] μg∙h/mL; wild type, 1564.5 [1053.0] μg∙h/mL) values at steady state were approximately similar between the two groups. Safety profile was similar and well tolerated across variant and wild type groups in terms of rates of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE), treatment-related TEAE, grade ≥3 TEAE, and serious adverse events (AEs). No new specific safety concerns or deaths were reported in the study. CONCLUSION: ABCG2 polymorphisms did not affect the steady-state exposure of teriflunomide, suggesting a similar efficacy and safety profile between variant and wild type RMS patients. REGISTRATION NCT04410965, https://clinicaltrials.gov .
Humans ; Crotonates/adverse effects* ; Toluidines/adverse effects* ; Nitriles ; Hydroxybutyrates ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/genetics* ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult ; Neoplasm Proteins/genetics* ; East Asian People

Objective:To evaluate the impact of roxadustat on thyroid function and to identify the associated factors in patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD).Methods:This study was a single-center retrospective study. PD patients who received roxadustat or recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between January 2020 and June 2024 were included. The general and clinical information as well as laboratory indexes were collected. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were compared before and after treatment initiation. Hemoglobin (Hb) responses were also observed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with thyroid function changes.Results:A total of 120 patients were enrolled, with an age of (55.17±16.42) years, including 66 males (55.0%). There were 81 patients received roxadustat (roxadustat group) and 39 patiens received rHuEPO (rHuEPO group). Compared to the rHuEPO group, the roxadustat group had a higher proportion of patients with diabetes ( χ 2= 4.172, P=0.041), a shorter PD vintage ( Z=-3.406, P=0.002), a lower serum level of total cholesterol ( Z=-2.082, P=0.037) and a lower level of fasting blood glucose ( Z=-2.589, P=0.010). Following treatment with roxadustat, the levels of FT4 ( Z=-5.349, P<0.01) and TSH ( Z=-3.720, P<0.01) decreased significantly. In contrast, no significant changes in FT4 or TSH levels were observed in the rHuEPO group (both P>0.05). For both roxadustat and rHuEPO groups, there were no significant changes in FT3 levels after treatment (both P>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified that higher baseline TSH (TSH≥2.27 μIU/ml, OR=1.581, 95% CI 1.196-2.089, P=0.001) and roxadustat exposure ( OR=3.432, 95% CI 1.410-8.355, P=0.007) as independent associated factors of subsequent TSH decline, and identified that higher baseline FT4 (FT4≥14.9 pmol/L, OR=1.390, 95% CI 1.162-1.662, P=0.001) and roxadustat exposure ( OR=5.798, 95% CI 2.225-15.113, P=0.001) as independent associated factors of subsequent FT4 decline. The degrees of hemoglobin changes after roxadustat or rHuEPO treatment did not differ significantly between roxadustat group and rHuEPO group ( t=-1.062, P=0.290). Of the 31 patients who underwent a second thyroid function test during roxadustat treatment, 24 continued with the original regimen, while 7 discontinued roxadustat. Among 24 patients who maintained roxadustat treatment, TSH ( Z=-0.400, P=0.689) and FT4 ( t=0.143, P=0.888) remained stable between the second and third tests. All 7 patients who discontinued roxadustat treatment showed TSH rebound and the changes of TSH levels were more significant than that in continuers ( Z=-2.505, P=0.012). FT4 recovery occurred in only 3 of them, with no significant difference in FT4 change between discontinuers and continuers ( Z=-0.685, P=0.493). Conclusions:Roxadustat commonly suppresses TSH and FT4, but not FT3, in PD patients. Baseline levels of TSH and FT4 are key associated factors of the inhibitory effect of roxadustat on thyroid function. This suppression does not intensify with prolonged exposure and is reversible after discontinuation, with TSH levels normalizing more quickly than FT4. Roxadustat-induced thyroid suppression does not compromise its efficacy in treating renal anemia.

Objective:To determine the incidence of acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) in children with febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) and to identify associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective cohort study included 181 children hospitalized with febrile UTI at Fujian Children′s Hospital from April 2021 to September 2023. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into AFBN group and non-AFBN group based on AFBN diagnosis. The incidence of AFBN within this febrile UTI cohort was determined. The diagnostic value for pre-antibiotic blood white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, along with post-treatment fever duration and pyuria duration for AFBN was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC).Results:The cohort comprised 181 children with febrile UTI (100 boys and 81 girls), age of 0.6 (0.3, 1.0) years. Eleven patients (6.1%) were diagnosed with AFBN. For predicting AFBN, the AUC was 0.71 (95% CI 0.55-0.85, P=0.026) for pre-antibiotic WBC count and 0.80 (95% CI 0.71-0.90, P=0.001) for pre-antibiotic CRP level, with optimal cutoff values of 16.0×10 9/L and 80.1 mg/L, respectively. For post-treatment parameters, the AUC was 0.79 (95% CI 0.69-0.92, P=0.001) for fever duration and 0.84 (95% CI 0.72-0.97, P<0.001) for pyuria duration, with optimal cutoff values of 1.9 d and 5.5 d, respectively. The combination of pre-antibiotic WBC count >16.0×10 9/L and CRP>80.1 mg/L yielded a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.86 for AFBN prediction. Similarly, the combination of post-treatment fever duration ≥2 d and pyuria duration >5 d demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.88. Conclusions:AFBN incidence was 6.1% in this cohort of children with febrile UTI. AFBN should be highly suspected in febrile UTI children presenting with either a pre-antibiotic WBC count >16.0×10 9/L and CRP >80.1 mg/L, or a post-treatment fever duration ≥2 d and pyuria duration >5 d.