1.Chaihu and Longgu Mulitang Regulates ERK/CREB Signaling Pathway to Ameliorate Hippocampal Nerve Injury in Mouse Model of Depression
Shiyu JI ; Li WANG ; Zhuo ZHANG ; Yingzhe GAO ; Zefeng ZHANG ; Siyu CHEN ; Guangjing XIE ; Ping WANG ; Panpan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):1-9
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Chaihu and Longgu Mulitang (CLMT) on hippocampal neural damage in the mouse model of depression via the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)/cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into normal control, model, low/medium/high-dose (2.89, 5.78, and 11.56 g·kg-1, respectively) CLMT, and paroxetine (10 mg·kg-1) groups. A depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with social isolation. Behavioral tests were carried out to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were performed to assess hippocampal morphology and neuronal damage. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1). Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of ERK and CREB. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of ERK/CREB pathway proteins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software was used for molecular docking to evaluate the interactions between CLMT components and target proteins. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed decreased sucrose preference (P0.01), increased tail-suspension immobility time (P0.01), decreased activity in the central region of the open field test (P0.01), and decreased activity in the middle and open-arm region of the elevated plus maze test (P0.01). The hippocampal area in the model group showed wrinkled cells and a reduction in the number of cells, neurons with reduced sizes and Nissl bodies, enhanced fluorescence intensity of GFAP and Iba1 (P0.01), and down-regulated expression of phosphorylated (p)-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF (P0.05, P0.01) and mRNA levels of ERK and CREB (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the CLMT group showed increased body weight (P0.05, P0.01), restored cell morphology, with only a small number of ruptured cells, normal neuronal structure and morphology with obvious nuclei and abundant Nissl bodies, weakened fluorescence intensity of GFAP and Iba1 (P0.05, P0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of ERK and CREB (P0.05, P0.01) and protein levels of phosphorylated (p)-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF in the hippocampal tissue (P0.05, P0.01). The results of molecular docking indicated that nine active ingredients in CLMT had good binding affinity with ERK and CREB. ConclusionCLMT may ameliorate the hippocampal nerve injury in the mouse model of depression by regulating the ERK/CREB pathway.
2.Protective Effect of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on Abortion Rats with Kidney Deficiency-Corpus Luteum Inhibition Syndrome via ERα/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathwa
Changyue SONG ; Siyu LI ; Fengyu HUANG ; Mingzhu QI ; Daiyue DING ; Shuangfei DENG ; Heqiao LI ; Jinghong XIE ; Guohua WANG ; Chen ZANG ; Hong XU ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):107-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Bushen Zhuyun prescription (BSZY) on abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome. MethodsAn abortion rat model with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome was constructed. Pregnant mice aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divided into a control group (Control), a model group (Model), low-dose BSZY (BSZY-L), medium-dose BSZY (BSZY-M), and high-dose BSZY (BSZY-H) groups (2.57, 5.14, 10.28 g·kg-¹), and a Zishen Yutai Pill (ZSYT) group (1.575 g·kg-¹). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate histopathological changes in ovarian and decidual tissue of rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure levels of estrogen (E₂), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum. The candidate targets of BSZY were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP) and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0 databases, while disease targets for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) were retrieved from GeneCards, DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The intersection targets were identified by the Venny 2.1.0 platform. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted based on the Metascape database to predict the potential mechanisms of BSZY. Additionally. Western blot was used to verify the effects of BSZY on the expression of estrogen receptor (ERα), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) and explore its protective mechanism on RSA rats. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights (P<0.05, P<0.01), with an abortion rate of 57.18%. The ovarian tissue showed varying degrees of reduction in primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea, along with a large number of atretic follicles. The endometrium was thinner, and decidual tissue exhibited cellular edema and disorganized arrangement. In contrast, compared with the model group, the BSZY groups at all doses and the ZSYT group demonstrated increased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights, along with a reduced abortion rate. The number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea increased, while atretic follicles decreased. The endometrium thickened, and decidual tissue displayed normal cellular structure with tight arrangement. Additionally, the model group showed significantly decreased levels of E₂, P, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), along with a decreasing trend in LH level. In contrast, the BSZY groups at all doses exhibited significantly elevated levels of E₂, P, LH, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology predictions suggested that BSZY may exert protective effects against abortion in rats by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blot results confirmed that BSZY significantly upregulated the expression of ERα, PI3K, and p-Akt proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSZY has a protective effect on the abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome, possibly by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to reduce ovarian apoptosis and regulate endocrine function, thereby lowering the abortion rate.
3.Development and multicenter validation of machine learning models for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications after neurosurgery.
Ming XU ; Wenhao ZHU ; Siyu HOU ; Hongzhi XU ; Jingwen XIA ; Liyu LIN ; Hao FU ; Mingyu YOU ; Jiafeng WANG ; Zhi XIE ; Xiaohong WEN ; Yingwei WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(17):2170-2179
BACKGROUND:
Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are major adverse events in neurosurgical patients. This study aimed to develop and validate machine learning models predicting PPCs after neurosurgery.
METHODS:
PPCs were defined according to the European Perioperative Clinical Outcome standards as occurring within 7 postoperative days. Data of cases meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria were extracted from the anesthesia information management system to create three datasets: The development (data of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University from 2018 to 2020), temporal validation (data of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University in 2021) and external validation (data of other three hospitals in 2023) datasets. Machine learning models of six algorithms were trained using either 35 retrievable and plausible features or the 11 features selected by Lasso regression. Temporal validation was conducted for all models and the 11-feature models were also externally validated. Independent risk factors were identified and feature importance in top models was analyzed.
RESULTS:
PPCs occurred in 712 of 7533 (9.5%), 258 of 2824 (9.1%), and 207 of 2300 (9.0%) patients in the development, temporal validation and external validation datasets, respectively. During cross-validation training, all models except Bayes demonstrated good discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.840. In temporal validation of full-feature models, deep neural network (DNN) performed the best with an AUC of 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.805-0.858) and a Brier score of 0.069, followed by Logistic regression (LR), random forest and XGBoost. The 11-feature models performed comparable to full-feature models with very close but statistically significantly lower AUCs, with the top models of DNN and LR in temporal and external validations. An 11-feature nomogram was drawn based on the LR algorithm and it outperformed the minimally modified Assess respiratory RIsk in Surgical patients in CATalonia (ARISCAT) and Laparoscopic Surgery Video Educational Guidelines (LAS VEGAS) scores with a higher AUC (LR: 0.824, ARISCAT: 0.672, LAS: 0.663). Independent risk factors based on multivariate LR mostly overlapped with Lasso-selected features, but lacked consistency with the important features using the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) method of the LR model.
CONCLUSIONS:
The developed models, especially the DNN model and the nomogram, had good discrimination and calibration, and could be used for predicting PPCs in neurosurgical patients. The establishment of machine learning models and the ascertainment of risk factors might assist clinical decision support for improving surgical outcomes.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ChiCTR 2100047474; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=128279 .
Adult
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Humans
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Male
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Algorithms
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Lung Diseases/etiology*
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Machine Learning
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Neurosurgical Procedures/adverse effects*
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Postoperative Complications/diagnosis*
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Risk Factors
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ROC Curve
4.A novel dual-targeting strategy of nanobody-driven protein corona modulation for glioma therapy.
Yupei ZHANG ; Shugang QIN ; Tingting SONG ; Zhiying HUANG ; Zekai LV ; Yang ZHAO ; Xiangyu JIAO ; Min SUN ; Yinghan ZHANG ; Guang XIE ; Yuting CHEN ; Xuli RUAN ; Ruyue LIU ; Haixing SHI ; Chunli YANG ; Siyu ZHAO ; Zhongshan HE ; Hai HUANG ; Xiangrong SONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4917-4931
Glioma represents the most prevalent malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with chemotherapy serving as an essential adjunctive treatment. However, most chemotherapeutic agents exhibit limited ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study introduced a novel dual-targeting strategy for glioma therapy by modulating the formation of nanobody-driven protein coronas to enhance the brain and tumor-targeting efficiency of hydrophobic cisplatin prodrug-loaded lipid nanoparticles (C8Pt-Ls). Specifically, nanobodies (Nbs) with fibrinogen-binding capabilities were conjugated to the surface of C8Pt-Ls, resulting in the generation of Nb-C8Pt-Ls. Within the bloodstream, Nb-C8Pt-Ls could bound more fibrinogen, forming the protein corona that specifically interacted with LRP-1, a receptor highly expressed on the BBB. This interaction enabled a "Hitchhiking Effect" mechanism, facilitating efficient trans-BBB transport and promoting effective brain targeting. Additionally, the protein corona interacted with LRP-1, which is also overexpressed in glioma cells, achieving precise tumor targeting. Computational simulations and SPR detection clarified the molecular interaction mechanism of the Nb-fibrinogen-(LRP-1) complex, confirming its binding specificity and stability. Our results demonstrated that this strategy significantly enhanced C8Pt accumulation in brain tissues and tumors, induced apoptosis in glioma cells, and improved therapeutic efficacy. This study provides a novel framework for glioma therapy and underscores the potential of protein corona modulation-based dual-targeting strategies in advancing treatments for brain tumors.
5.Application of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in kidney transplantation: a continued story
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(3):398-405
Immunosuppressant is one of the main preventive measures for rejection after organ transplantation, whereas it may reduce the host response capability to pathogens and increase the risk of infection. In recent years, the application of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in the field of solid organ transplantation has attracted widespread attention. Preclinical studies have shown that MSC therapy may prolong the survival time of transplant kidney, induce immune tolerance, accelerate the repair of acute kidney injury and promote the recovery of renal function. Clinical trials have confirmed the safety, tolerance and effectiveness of MSC therapy. Consequently, general characteristics, immunomodulation and tissue repair function of MSC, and the application of MSC in clinical trials of kidney transplantation were reviewed, the unresolved issues were briefly discussed and the prospects for subsequent research were predicted, aiming to provide reference for promoting the application of MSC therapy in clinical kidney transplantation.
6.Characteristics of rabies-exposed population in Wenzhou City from 2014 to 2023
WANG Jian ; XIE Huasen ; CHI Haichao ; LI Xiaowei ; LE Siyu ; NI Chaorong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(8):710-713
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics of rabies-exposed population in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2014 to 2023, so as to provide insights into the prevention and control of rabies.
Methods:
Data of rabies-exposed population in Wenzhou City from 2014 to 2023 were collected through Wenzhou Rabies-Exposed Population Summary Sheet reported by dog injury clinics. The species of animals causing injuries, exposure time, exposure grade, exposure site, and post-exposure treatment were descriptively analyzed.
Results:
Totally 709 900 patients were admitted to dog injury clinics in Wenzhou City from 2014 to 2023, and the exposure rate showed an increasing trend (Z=7.238, P<0.001), with an average annual exposure rate of 750.75/105. The number of cases with exposure to rabies peaked in July (79 230 cases, 11.16%) and August (78 570 cases, 11.07%). Dogs were predominant animals causing injuries (448 900 cases, 63.23%), and the exposure rate showed a downward trend (Z=-5.921, P<0.001); cats were the second (175 142 cases, 24.67%), and the exposure rate showed an upward trend (Z=23.314, P<0.001). The upper (379 695 cases, 53.49%) and lower limbs (287 521 cases, 40.50%) were the main exposure sites. There were 21 034 cases (2.96%) exposed to head and face, and the exposure rate of head and face showed an upward trend (Z=3.549, P<0.001). Grade II exposure was the most common (403 881 cases, 56.89%), and the exposure rate showed an upward trend (Z=8.769, P<0.001). The proportion of using human rabies immune globulin was 23.13% in Grade III exposed population, showing a downward trend (Z=-12.848, P<0.001).
Conclusions
The exposure rate of rabies in Wenzhou City showed an upward trend from 2014 to 2023, with July and August as the peak months of exposure. Injuries mainly caused by dogs, while the exposure rate of cat bites showed an upward trend. The proportion of using human rabies immune globulin needs to be improved.
7.Correlation of EGFR and ALK Mutation Status in Solid Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Quantitative Parameters of Spectral CT
Zhengqi WEI ; Changhua LIANG ; Siyu ZHEN ; Beichen XIE ; Yangyang YAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(6):572-578
Purpose To analyze the correlation between quantitative parameters of spectral CT and the mutation status of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)and anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)genes in solid lung adenocarcinoma,in order to predict the expression of gene mutation in solid lung adenocarcinoma by combining spectral parameters with clinical indicators.Materials and Methods The imaging and clinical data of 86 patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College pathologically confirmed with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent energy spectral CT plain and enhanced scans from May 2020 to May 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to the mutation status of EGFR and ALK genes,all patietns were divided into mutation group(43 cases)and wild group(43 cases).The single-energy CT values(including 40 keV,70 keV and 100 keV),slope of energy spectrum curve,effective atomic number during plain scan,iodine concentration in arterial and venous phases,water concentration and iodine concentration in arteries at the same level were obtained,and standardized iodine base value was also calculated.Statistically significant parameters were used to construct the prediction model,and the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to evaluate the prediction efficiency of the model.Results There were statistically significant differences in gender and smoking status between the EGFR mutation group and the wild-type group(χ2=5.628,P=0.018;χ2=4.214,P=0.040).There were statistically significant differences in plain scan effective atomic number and energy spectrum slope,arterial phase 40 keV,70 keV and 100 keV single-energy CT values,40 keV single-energy CT values in the venous phase,the slope of the arteriovenous dual-phase energy spectrum and the standardized iodine base value between the two groups(t=2.067-4.394,all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that normalized iodine base value and energy spectrum slope in venous phase were the independent predictors of EGFR gene mutation status.There were no significant differences in quantitative parameters of plain scan and arterial phase energy spectrum CT between the ALK mutant group and the wild-type group(P>0.05).There was statistically significant difference in water base value of venous phase between the two groups(t=2.058,P=0.043).Conclusion The quantitative features of spectral CT may be correlated with the mutation status of EGFR and ALK genes in solid lung adenocarcinoma,and the Logistic regression model based on the combination of quantitative features of spectral CT and clinical features has certain value in predicting EGFR gene mutation.
8.Analysis of the molecular epidemiological characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a hospital in Hunan Province
Xingwang NING ; Yongxue TANG ; Siyu WANG ; Xiaomei WANG ; Huibin ZHU ; Xiaobing XIE ; Qingyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(7):1041-1047
To examine the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and investigate the horizontal transmission of blaKPC and blaNDM genes for the prevention and treatment of CRKP. A total of 49 clinically isolated CRKP strains were retrospectively analyzed from January to December 2022 at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine. Phenotypic screening was performed using modified carbapenem inactivation assay (mCIM) and EDTA-carbapenem inactivation assay (eCIM). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to identify carbapenem resistance genes, β-lactamase resistance genes, and virulence genes, while multi-locus sequence analysis (MLST) was employed to assess the homology of CRKP strains. Conjugation experiments were conducted to infer the horizontal transmission mechanism of blaKPC and blaNDM genes. The results showed that the study included 49 CRKP strains, with 44 carrying blaKPC and 8 carrying blaNDM, Three strains were identified as blaKPC+ blaNDM-CRKP. In this study, 28 out of 49 CRKP strains (57.2%) were found to carry virulence genes. Additionally, one CRKP strain tested positive in the string test and was found to carry both Aerobactin and rmpA virulence genes. MLST results revealed a total of 5 ST types, with ST11 being predominant (41/49, 83.7%). Successful conjugation was observed in all 3 blaKPC-CRKP strains, while only 1 out of 3 blaNDM-CRKP strains showed successful conjugation. The transconjugant exhibited significantly reduced susceptibility to imipenem and cephalosporin antibiotics. In conclusion, the resistance mechanism of CRKP in this study is primarily attributed to the production of KPC enzymes, along with the presence of multiple β-lactamase resistance genes. Additionally, there is a local prevalence of hv-CRKP and blaKPC+ blaNDM-CRKP. blaKPC and blaNDM can be horizontally transmitted through plasmids, with varying efficiency among different strains.
9.Effect of adipose-derived stem cell-derived exosomes on migration ability of macrophages in vitro
Bo YUAN ; Jiayi XIE ; Siyu JIANG ; Yajun MENG ; Qinghua ZHU ; Xiaofei LI ; Xiumei FU ; Lide XIE
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(3):718-727
Objective:To discuss the effect of adipose-derived stem cell-derived exosomes(ADSC-Exos)on the migration ability of the macrophages RAW264.7,and to clarify its role in promoting function of the macrophages.Methods:The adipose tissue adjacent to epididymis of the SD rats was isolated to perform primary culture of the adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs).The adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation induction was conducted,and the multidirectional differentiation potential of the ADSCs was detected by oil Red O and Alizarin red staining.Western blotting and immunofluorescence methods were used to detect the positive expressions of the ADSCs markers CD29 and CD44;the ADSC-Exos were extracted by Exos isolation kit,and the morphology,size,and distribution of particle size of the ADSC-Exos were examined by transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle tracking analyzer;the expression levels of exosome-specific markers CD9 and TSG101 proteins in the ADSC-Exos were detected by Western blotting method;the uptake of ADSC-Exos by the macrophages was observed by tracing method.The macrophages RAW264.7 were divided into control group,10 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos group,20 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos group,and 40 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos group.The activities of the macrophages in various groups were detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)staining;the number of migration macrophages in various groups was detected by Transwell chamber assay;the adhesion of macrophages in various groups was observed by fluorescence microscope.Results:After 24 h of primary culture,the ADSCs adhered to the wall and exhibited scattered,elongated shapes;after 7 d of culture,the adherent cells showed a comb-like,vortex-like orderly arrangement,resembling fibroblasts;after 10 passages,the irregular morphology of the ADSCs and decreased proliferation rate were found.The isolated ADSCs showed potential for the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation,and the expressions of CD29 and CD44 proteins were positive.The transmission electron microscope observation resuls showed that the ADSC-Exos appeared disc-shaped,and the main peak of particle size distribution was around 132 nm.The CD9 and TSG101 proteins were positively expressed in the ADSC-Exos,indicating successful extraction.The fluorescence microscope results showed red fluorescence signals around the nuclei of the RAW264.7 cells,indicating the uptake of ADSC-Exos by the macrophages.Compared with control group,the rates of EdU positive cells in 10,20,and 40 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos groups were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with 10 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos group,the rate of EdU positive cells in 20 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the numbers of migration cells in 10,20,and 40 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos groups were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with 10 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos group,the numbers of migration cells in 20 and 40 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos groups were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the numbers of the adherent macrophages in 10,20,and 40 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos groups were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with 10 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos group,the number of adherent macrophages in 20 mg·L-1 ADSC-Exos group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:The ADSC-Exos can be internalized by the macrophages and they can enhance the migration ability of the macrophages by affecting the cell adhesion.
10.Blood pressure management and chronic complications in type 2 diabetes
Junheng ZHANG ; Siyu WANG ; Le CAI ; Wanting XIE ; Haoqing GU ; Qianqian YANG ; Xiaoyun ZHANG ; Xiaoli XU ; Xuan ZHAO ; Yu XU ; Jie CHENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(8):710-715
Hypertension heightens the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Optimal blood pressure (BP) management is crucial for preventing these complications. This review consolidates evidence from clinical trials and major BP management guidelines to shed light on key aspects of hypertension management in diabetes. It addresses BP thresholds to initiate antihypertensive treatment, optimal BP control targets, recommended first-line antihypertensive edications, and BP monitoring plan for the prevention of chronic complications in type 2 diabetes.


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