1.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
2.Artificial intelligence in prostate cancer.
Wei LI ; Ruoyu HU ; Quan ZHANG ; Zhangsheng YU ; Longxin DENG ; Xinhao ZHU ; Yujia XIA ; Zijian SONG ; Alessia CIMADAMORE ; Fei CHEN ; Antonio LOPEZ-BELTRAN ; Rodolfo MONTIRONI ; Liang CHENG ; Rui CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1769-1782
Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second most prevalent malignancy among men worldwide. Early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prognosis prediction of PCa play a crucial role in improving patients' survival rates. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the utilization of deep learning (DL) algorithms, has brought about substantial progress in assisting the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction of PCa. The introduction of the foundation model has revolutionized the application of AI in medical treatment and facilitated its integration into clinical practice. This review emphasizes the clinical application of AI in PCa by discussing recent advancements from both pathological and imaging perspectives. Furthermore, it explores the current challenges faced by AI in clinical applications while also considering future developments, aiming to provide a valuable point of reference for the integration of AI and clinical applications.
Humans
;
Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Male
;
Artificial Intelligence
;
Deep Learning
;
Prognosis
3.Liang-Ge-San Decoction Ameliorates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via Suppressing p38MAPK-NF-κ B Signaling Pathway.
Quan LI ; Juan CHEN ; Meng-Meng WANG ; Li-Ping CAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhi-Zhou YANG ; Yi REN ; Jing FENG ; Xiao-Qin HAN ; Shi-Nan NIE ; Zhao-Rui SUN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):613-623
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the potential effects and mechanisms of Liang-Ge-San (LGS) for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through network pharmacology analysis and to verify LGS activity through biological experiments.
METHODS:
The key ingredients of LGS and related targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. ARDS-related targets were selected from GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape Database. Molecular docking analysis was used to confirm the binding affinity of the core compounds with key therapeutic targets. Finally, the effects of LGS on key signaling pathways and biological processes were determined by in vitro and in vivo experiments.
RESULTS:
A total of LGS-related targets and 496 ARDS-related targets were obtained from the databases. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that LGS could treat ARDS based on the following information: LGS ingredients luteolin, wogonin, and baicalein may be potential candidate agents. Mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), recombinant V-Rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) may be potential therapeutic targets. Reactive oxygen species metabolic process and the apoptotic signaling pathway were the main biological processes. The p38MAPK/NF-κ B signaling pathway might be the key signaling pathway activated by LGS against ARDS. Moreover, molecular docking demonstrated that luteolin, wogonin, and baicalein had a good binding affinity with MAPK14, RELA, and TNF α. In vitro experiments, LGS inhibited the expression and entry of p38 and p65 into the nucleation in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) cells induced by LPS, inhibited the inflammatory response and oxidative stress response, and inhibited HBE cell apoptosis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In vivo experiments, LGS improved lung injury caused by ligation and puncture, reduced inflammatory responses, and inhibited the activation of p38MAPK and p65 (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
LGS could reduce reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting p38MAPK/NF-κ B signaling pathway, thus reducing apoptosis and attenuating ARDS.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Respiratory Distress Syndrome/enzymology*
;
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice
4.Quercetin Confers Protection against Sepsis-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Suppressing ROS/p38 MAPK Pathway.
Wei-Chao DING ; Juan CHEN ; Quan LI ; Yi REN ; Meng-Meng WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Xiao-Hang JI ; Xin-Yao WU ; Shi-Nan NIE ; Chang-Bao HUANG ; Zhao-Rui SUN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(11):1011-1020
OBJECTIVE:
To identify the underlying mechanism by which quercetin (Que) alleviates sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
METHODS:
In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were assigned to sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP+Que (50 mg/kg) groups (n=15 per group) by using a random number table. The sepsisrelated ARDS mouse model was established using the CLP method. In vitro, the murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S) cells were classified into control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+Que (10 μmol/L), and LPS+Que+acetylcysteine (NAC, 5 mmol/L) groups. The effect of Que on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in mice lungs and MH-S cells was determined, and the mechanism with reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was also explored both in vivo and in vitro.
RESULTS:
Que alleviated lung injury in mice, as reflected by a reversal of pulmonary histopathologic changes as well as a reduction in lung wet/dry weight ratio and neutrophil infiltration (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, Que improved the survival rate and relieved gas exchange impairment in mice (P<0.01). Que treatment also remarkedly reduced malondialdehyde formation, superoxide dismutase and catalase depletion, and cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, Que treatment diminished the release of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 both in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Mechanistic investigation clarifified that Que administration led to a decline in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in addition to the suppression of ROS expression (P<0.01). Furthermore, in LPS-induced MH-S cells, ROS inhibitor NAC further inhibited ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis on the basis of Que treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Que was found to exert anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects by suppressing the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, thereby conferring protection for mice against sepsis-related ARDS.
Animals
;
Sepsis/drug therapy*
;
Quercetin/therapeutic use*
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Respiratory Distress Syndrome/enzymology*
;
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Male
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
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Lung/drug effects*
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Mice
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Macrophages, Alveolar/pathology*
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Inflammation/pathology*
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Protective Agents/therapeutic use*
5.Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Rui SHENG ; Zhen FAN ; Fang WANG ; Ping DI ; Junyu SHI ; Duohong ZOU ; Dehua LI ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhuofan CHEN ; Guoli YANG ; Wei GENG ; Lin WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuanding HUANG ; Baohong ZHAO ; Chunbo TANG ; Dong WU ; Shulan XU ; Cheng YANG ; Yongbin MOU ; Jiacai HE ; Xingmei YANG ; Zhen TAN ; Xiaoxiao CAI ; Jiang CHEN ; Hongchang LAI ; Zuolin WANG ; Quan YUAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):51-51
Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans
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Consensus
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Dental Implants
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Mouth Mucosa/surgery*
;
Keratins
6.Effect of salidroside combined with rosavin on ischemic brain injury in rats
Wen-Fang LAI ; Yu-Ting JIANG ; Hui-Ling WU ; Qing-Qing WU ; Jing-Quan CHEN ; Xue-Rui ZHENG ; Gui-Zhu HONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(12):2303-2311
Aim To study the effect of salidroside combined with rosavin on ischemic stroke in rats.Methods The model of MCAO was established by u-sing thread-embolic method.The rats were divided into the sham group,MCAO group,salidroside combined with rosavin group,positive control group,and the drug was given continuously for seven days.The infarct volume was measured by MRI and neurological deficit score was evaluated by Zea-Longa.The levels of Ne-uN,BDNF,TGF-β1,p-Smad were observed by West-ern blot and immunofluorescence staining.The expres-sions of IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6 were performed by RT-qPCR/ELISA.The primary cortical neurons were isolated,OGD/R inducted,divided into the normal group,OGD/R group,salidroside combined with rosa-vin group,and TGF-β1 inhibitor+salidroside com-bined with rosavin group,the drug was given for 24 hours,and the expressions of NeuN,BDNF,IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6 were measured.Results Salidroside combined with rosavin could decrease the infarct vol-ume,improve the neurological function,promote the levels of Neun,BDNF,TGF-β1,p-Smad,and inhibit the expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6.Salidroside combined with rosavin could promote NeuN,BDNF,inhibit IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6 in primary nerve cells in-duced by OGD/R,and these effects were blocked by TGF-β1 inhibitor.Conclusions Salidroside combined with rosavin has neuroprotective effects on MCAO rats,and primary neurons are induced by OGD/R,and these effects are closely related to the TGF-β pathway.
7.Clinical Characteristics of Adverse Events and Influencing Factors of Osteoking
Pengxuan DONG ; Rui QUAN ; Jun ZHOU ; Na LIN ; Baohong MI ; Weiheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(18):132-138
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of adverse events of Osteoking and provide a basis for its rational use in clinical practice. MethodA prospective and multicenter Cohort study with large samples was conducted to observe the effects of Osteoking in the treatment of 922 patients with knee osteoarthritis from 20 hospitals from May 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Patients who were treated with Osteoking were set as the exposed cohort, and those who were not treated with Osteoking were set as the non-exposed cohort. The gender, age, body mass index (BMI), occupation, allergy history, past medical history, hospital information, medication, and the occurrence of adverse events of the patients were recorded, and the incidence of adverse events was analyzed, as well as its characteristics and factors. ResultA total of 922 patients with knee osteoarthritis were involved, including 274 males (29.72%) and 648 females (70.28%), from which 617 cases were in the exposed cohort, and 305 cases were in the non-exposed cohort. A total of 25 adverse events occurred in both cases, accounting for 2.71% of the total number of cases, with 17 cases in the exposed cohort (2.76%) and eight cases in the non-exposed cohort (2.62%). There was no difference in the incidence rate between the two groups (P=0.907). The age group with the highest incidence of adverse events was between 50 and 59 years old in the exposed cohort (4.61%). The incidence rate in women was 3.49%, slightly higher than 1.07% in men, but there was no difference (P=0.156). According to the systematic classification of adverse events, five cases were respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal diseases, with an incidence rate of 0.81%. There were two cases of infection and infection diseases, two cases of skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases, two cases of heart-related diseases, two cases of symptoms and signs (not otherwise classified), and two cases of eye organ diseases, and the incidence rate was 0.32%. There was one case of systemic disease, one case of neuropathy, one case of heart organ disease, and one case of vascular hypotension disease, and the incidence rate was 0.16%. During the trial, a total of seven adverse reactions occurred. Among them, there were two cases of dry pharynx, two cases of dizziness, one case of drowsiness, one case of hypotension, and one case of eye discharge, with an incidence rate of 1.13%. Through binary Logistic regression analysis, it was found that among the factors that may affect the occurrence of adverse events in the exposed group, traditional Chinese medicine hospitals were the protective factors for the occurrence of adverse events (OR=0.200, P=0.002), while gender, age, BMI, occupation, allergy history, past medical history, and hospital level cannot be considered to have an impact on the occurrence of adverse events. ConclusionOsteoking can be used to treat knee osteoarthritis of patients of all ages and genders by doctors from hospitals of different levels with higher safety, with occasional and mild adverse events, and seeing a doctor in a traditional Chinese medicine hospital can reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.
8.A deep learning method for generating pseudo-CT by cone beam CT in radiotherapy
Yuxiang LIU ; Bining YANG ; Ran WEI ; Yueping LIU ; Xinyuan CHEN ; Rui XIONG ; Kuo MEN ; Hong QUAN ; Jianrong DAI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2023;32(1):42-47
Objective:To investigate the pseudo-CT generation from cone beam CT (CBCT) by a deep learning method for the clinical need of adaptive radiotherapy.Methods:CBCT data from 74 prostate cancer patients collected by Varian On-Board Imager and their simulated positioning CT images were used for this study. The deformable registration was implemented by MIM software. And the data were randomly divided into the training set ( n=59) and test set ( n=15). U-net, Pix2PixGAN and CycleGAN were employed to learn the mapping from CBCT to simulated positioning CT. The evaluation indexes included mean absolute error (MAE), structural similarity index (SSIM) and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), with the deformed CT chosen as the reference. In addition, the quality of image was analyzed separately, including soft tissue resolution, image noise and artifacts, etc. Results:The MAE of images generated by U-net, Pix2PixGAN and CycleGAN were (29.4±16.1) HU, (37.1±14.4) HU and (34.3±17.3) HU, respectively. In terms of image quality, the images generated by U-net and Pix2PixGAN had excessive blur, resulting in image distortion; while the images generated by CycleGAN retained the CBCT image structure and improved the image quality.Conclusion:CycleGAN is able to effectively improve the quality of CBCT images, and has potential to be used in adaptive radiotherapy.
9.Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton immunotherapy for cervical high-risk HPV persistent infection.
Fei CHEN ; Wen DI ; Yuan Jing HU ; Chang Zhong LI ; Fei WANG ; Hua DUAN ; Jun LIU ; Shu Zhong YAO ; You Zhong ZHANG ; Rui Xia GUO ; Jian Dong WANG ; Jian Liu WANG ; Yu Quan ZHANG ; Min WANG ; Zhong Qiu LIN ; Jing He LANG
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;58(7):536-545
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) in the treatment of persistent cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Methods: A randomized, double blind, multi-center trial was conducted. A total of 688 patients with clinically and pathologically confirmed HR-HPV infection of the cervix diagnosed in 13 hispital nationwide were recruited and divided into: (1) patients with simple HR-HPV infection lasting for 12 months or more; (2) patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅰ and HR-HPV infection lasting for 12 months or more; (3) patients with the same HR-HPV subtype with no CINⅡ and more lesions after treatment with CINⅡ or CIN Ⅲ (CINⅡ/CIN Ⅲ). All participants were randomly divided into the test group and the control group at a ratio of 2∶1. The test group was locally treated with Nr-CWS freeze-dried powder and the control group was treated with freeze-dried powder without Nr-CWS. The efficacy and negative conversion rate of various subtypes of HR-HPV were evaluated at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after treatment. The safety indicators of initial diagnosis and treatment were observed. Results: (1) This study included 555 patients with HR-HPV infection in the cervix (included 368 in the test group and 187 in the control group), with an age of (44.1±10.0) years. The baseline characteristics of the two groups of subjects, including age, proportion of Han people, weight, composition of HR-HPV subtypes, and proportion of each subgroup, were compared with no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). (2) After 12 months of treatment, the effective rates of the test group and the control group were 91.0% (335/368) and 44.9% (84/187), respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=142.520, P<0.001). After 12 months of treatment, the negative conversion rates of HPV 16, 18, 52, and 58 infection in the test group were 79.2% (84/106), 73.3% (22/30), 83.1% (54/65), and 77.4% (48/62), respectively. The control group were 21.6% (11/51), 1/9, 35.1% (13/37), and 20.0% (8/40), respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.001). (3) There were no statistically significant differences in vital signs (body weight, body temperature, respiration, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, etc.) and laboratory routine indicators (blood cell analysis, urine routine examination) between the test group and the control group before treatment and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after treatment (all P>0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions related to the investigational drug between the two groups of subjects [8.7% (32/368) vs 8.0% (15/187), respectively; χ2=0.073, P=0.787]. Conclusion: External use of Nr-CWS has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of high-risk HPV persistent infection in the cervix.
Female
;
Humans
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Cervix Uteri/pathology*
;
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Papillomavirus Infections/diagnosis*
;
Cell Wall Skeleton
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Persistent Infection
;
Powders
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Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/pathology*
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Immunotherapy
;
Papillomaviridae
10.Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population.
Meng Fan LIU ; Rui Xia MA ; Xian Bao CAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Shui Hong ZHOU ; Wei Hong JIANG ; Yan JIANG ; Jing Wu SUN ; Qin Tai YANG ; Xue Zhong LI ; Ya Nan SUN ; Li SHI ; Min WANG ; Xi Cheng SONG ; Fu Quan CHEN ; Xiao Shu ZHANG ; Hong Quan WEI ; Shao Qing YU ; Dong Dong ZHU ; Luo BA ; Zhi Wei CAO ; Xu Ping XIAO ; Xin WEI ; Zhi Hong LIN ; Feng Hong CHEN ; Chun Guang SHAN ; Guang Ke WANG ; Jing YE ; Shen Hong QU ; Chang Qing ZHAO ; Zhen Lin WANG ; Hua Bin LI ; Feng LIU ; Xiao Bo CUI ; Sheng Nan YE ; Zheng LIU ; Yu XU ; Xiao CAI ; Wei HANG ; Ru Xin ZHANG ; Yu Lin ZHAO ; Guo Dong YU ; Guang Gang SHI ; Mei Ping LU ; Yang SHEN ; Yu Tong ZHAO ; Jia Hong PEI ; Shao Bing XIE ; Long Gang YU ; Ye Hai LIU ; Shao wei GU ; Yu Cheng YANG ; Lei CHENG ; Jian Feng LIU
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2023;58(6):579-588
Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female
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Humans
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Adolescent
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
Smell
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COVID-19/complications*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
COVID-19 Vaccines
;
Incidence
;
Olfaction Disorders/etiology*
;
Taste Disorders/etiology*
;
Prognosis

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