1.Targeting PPARα for The Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Tong-Tong ZHANG ; Hao-Zhuo ZHANG ; Li HE ; Jia-Wei LIU ; Jia-Zhen WU ; Wen-Hua SU ; Ju-Hua DAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2295-2313
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of mortality among adults globally, with continuously rising morbidity and mortality rates. Metabolic disorders are closely linked to various cardiovascular diseases and play a critical role in their pathogenesis and progression, involving multifaceted mechanisms such as altered substrate utilization, mitochondrial structural and functional dysfunction, and impaired ATP synthesis and transport. In recent years, the potential role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in cardiovascular diseases has garnered significant attention, particularly peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), which is recognized as a highly promising therapeutic target for CVD. PPARα regulates cardiovascular physiological and pathological processes through fatty acid metabolism. As a ligand-activated receptor within the nuclear hormone receptor family, PPARα is highly expressed in multiple organs, including skeletal muscle, liver, intestine, kidney, and heart, where it governs the metabolism of diverse substrates. Functioning as a key transcription factor in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and catalyzing or regulating biochemical reactions, PPARα exerts its cardioprotective effects through multiple pathways: modulating lipid metabolism, participating in cardiac energy metabolism, enhancing insulin sensitivity, suppressing inflammatory responses, improving vascular endothelial function, and inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. These mechanisms collectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease development. Thus, PPARα plays a pivotal role in various pathological processes via mechanisms such as lipid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammatory actions, and anti-apoptotic effects. PPARα is activated by binding to natural or synthetic lipophilic ligands, including endogenous fatty acids and their derivatives (e.g., linoleic acid, oleic acid, and arachidonic acid) as well as synthetic peroxisome proliferators. Upon ligand binding, PPARα activates the nuclear receptor retinoid X receptor (RXR), forming a PPARα-RXR heterodimer. This heterodimer, in conjunction with coactivators, undergoes further activation and subsequently binds to peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPREs), thereby regulating the transcription of target genes critical for lipid and glucose homeostasis. Key genes include fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), and glucose transporter (GLUT), which are primarily involved in fatty acid uptake, storage, oxidation, and glucose utilization processes. Advancing research on PPARα as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases has underscored its growing clinical significance. Currently, PPARα activators/agonists, such as fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate and bezafibrate) and thiazolidinediones, have been extensively studied in clinical trials for CVD prevention. Traditional PPARα agonists, including fenofibrate and bezafibrate, are widely used in clinical practice to treat hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. These fibrates enhance fatty acid metabolism in the liver and skeletal muscle by activating PPARα, and their cardioprotective effects have been validated in numerous clinical studies. Recent research highlights that fibrates improve insulin resistance, regulate lipid metabolism, correct energy metabolism imbalances, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, thereby ameliorating pathological remodeling of the cardiovascular system and reducing blood pressure. Given the substantial attention to PPARα-targeted interventions in both basic research and clinical applications, activating PPARα may serve as a key therapeutic strategy for managing cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, ischemic cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. This review comprehensively examines the regulatory roles of PPARα in cardiovascular diseases and evaluates its clinical application value, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for further development and utilization of PPARα-related therapies in CVD treatment.
2.Analysis of HA and NA gene variation characteristics of A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus in Shandong Province from 2022 to 2023
Ju-Long WU ; Shu ZHANG ; Yu-Jie HE ; Lin SUN ; Shao-Xia SONG ; Wen-Kui SUN ; Ti LIU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(5):471-477
This study was aimed at characterizing the variations in hemagglutinin(HA)and neuraminidase(NA)genes of influenza virus subtype A(H1N1)pdm09 isolated during the 2022-2023 influenza monitoring year in Shandong Province,to provide a scientific basis for influenza prevention and control.A total of 14 A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype influenza strains were se-lected randomly by city by the influenza monitoring network laboratory.The vaccine strains recommended by the WHO served as references for whole gene sequencing analysis.A fluorescence method was used to conduct neuraminidase inhibition experi-ments to evaluate drug sensitivity.The A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus in Shandong Province,2022-2023 belonged to the 5a.2a evolutionary cluster in the 6B.1A branch.Nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that the HA and NA genes were closely re-lated to the Northern Hemisphere vaccine strain A/Victoria/2570/2019 in the years 2021-2023,and showed homology of 98.5%to 98.7%and 98.8%to 99.1%,respectively.Amino acid sequence analysis revealed 20 amino acid sequence mutations in the HA protein,but only one virus strain was found to have antigen drift,and three virus strains showed loss of HA protein glycosylation sites.No mutations were found at important sites affecting NA enzymes.The neuraminidase inhibition experiment indicated viral sensitivity to anti-influenza drugs.In conclusion,the monitored virus strains had high overall homology with vac-cine strains but showed some amino acid variation.In the future,continued monitoring of the genetic variation characteristics of influenza viruses will be necessary to understand the risk of influenza epidemics,and the effectiveness of influenza vaccines and therapeutic drugs.
3.Monitoring and analysis of avian influenza virus in poultry related environments in Shandong Province from 2020 to 2023
Ju-Long WU ; Shao-Xia SONG ; Yu-Jie HE ; Shu ZHANG ; Lin SUN ; Wen-Kui SUN ; Ti LIU ; Zeng-Qiang KOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(8):768-773
This study was aimed at understanding the pollution distribution pattern of avian influenza virus in the environ-ment in poultry related places in Shandong Province,to provide a scientific basis for the prevention,control,prediction,and early warning regarding human infection with avian influenza.From 2020 to 2023,6 523 environmental samples were collected in 16 cities in Shandong Province from four types of poultry-related places.Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used for nucleic acid testing of influenza A virus.Positive samples were further identified for the H5,H7,and H9 subtypes of avian influenza virus.The epidemiological characteristics of avian influenza viruses in the poultry related environment of Shandong Province were described,and inter-rate comparisons were performed with the x2 test.During 2020-2023,6 523 environmental samples were collected,and 1 007 cases positive for avian influenza virus were detected,with a positivity rate of 15.44%.H5,H7,and H9 subtypesand mixed infections were detected.H9 was the main subtype(88.48%)in positive specimens.A significant difference in positivity rates was observed among regions(x2=431.956,P<0.001),and the highest positivity rate was 28.93%.Significant differences in positivity rates were observed among monitoring sites(x2=304.604,P<0.001),sample types(x2=109.678,P<0.001),and quarters(x2=64.963,P<0.001).The positive detection rate was highest at monitoring sites in urban and rural live poultry markets(20.12%),and the positive detection rate of samples collected by wiping meat cut-ting board surfaces was higher than that of other samples(22.56%).The peak positive detection rate occurred in spring(20.31%).Widespread contamination with avian influenza virus was observed in poultry environments in Shandong Prov-ince.The H9 subtype,the main pathogen,coexisted with H5 and H7 subtypes,thus posing a risk of human infection with avian influenza.Therefore,prevention and control of avian influenza must be strengthened in key seasons,areas,places,and links.
4.Exploring the treatment of sepsis-associated acute lung injury with Liangge Powder via ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways: based on network pharmacology and whole animal experimentation.
Rui HUANG ; Wen Ju HE ; Ping Ping ZHANG ; Dong Qiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2023;41(2):94-103
Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Liangge Powder against sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) . Methods: From April to December 2021, the key components of Liangge Powder and its targets against sepsis-induced ALI were analyzed by network pharmacology, and to enrich for relevant signaling pathways. A total of 90 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham-operated group, sepsis-induced ALI model group (model group), Liangge Powder low, medium and high dose group, ten rats in the sham-operated group and 20 rats in each of the remaining four groups. Sepsis-induced ALI model was established by cecal ligation and puncture. Sham-operated group: gavage with 2 ml saline and no surgical treatment. Model group: surgery was performed and 2 ml saline was gavaged. Liangge Powder low, medium and high dose groups: surgery and gavage of Liangge Powder 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 g/kg, respectively. To measure the wet/dry mass ratio of rats lung tissue and evaluate the permeability of alveolar capillary barrier. Lung tissue were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histomorphological analysis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -6 and IL-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relative protein expression levels of p-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p-protein kinase B (AKT), and p-ertracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) were detected via Western blot analysis. Results: Network pharmacology analysis indicated that 177 active compounds of Liangge Powder were selected. A total of 88 potential targets of Liangge Powder on sepsis-induced ALI were identified. 354 GO terms of Liangge Powder on sepsis-induced ALI and 108 pathways were identified using GO and KEGG analysis. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was recognized to play an important role for Liangge Powder against sepsis-induced ALI. Compared with the sham-operated group, the lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio of rats in the model group (6.35±0.95) was increased (P<0.001). HE staining showed the destruction of normal structure of lung tissue. The levels of IL-6 [ (392.36±66.83) pg/ml], IL-1β [ (137.11±26.83) pg/ml] and TNF-α [ (238.34±59.36) pg/ml] were increased in the BALF (P<0.001, =0.001, <0.001), and the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 proteins (1.04±0.15, 0.51±0.04, 2.31±0.41) were increased in lung tissue (P=0.002, 0.003, 0.005). The lung histopathological changes were reduced in each dose group of Liangge Powder compared with the model group. Compared with the model group, the wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue (4.29±1.26) was reduced in the Liangge Powder medium dose group (P=0.019). TNF-α level [ (147.85±39.05) pg/ml] was reduced (P=0.022), and the relative protein expression levels of p-PI3K (0.37±0.18) and p-ERK1/2 (1.36±0.07) were reduced (P=0.008, 0.017). The wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue (4.16±0.66) was reduced in the high-dose group (P=0.003). Levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α[ (187.98±53.28) pg/ml, (92.45±25.39) pg/ml, (129.77±55.94) pg/ml] were reduced (P=0.001, 0.027, 0.018), and relative protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 (0.65±0.05, 0.31±0.08, 1.30±0.12) were reduced (P=0.013, 0.018, 0.015) . Conclusion: Liangge Powder has therapeutic effects in rats with sepsis-induced ALI, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathway activation in lung tissue.
Male
;
Animals
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
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Powders
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Animal Experimentation
;
Interleukin-6
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MAP Kinase Signaling System
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Network Pharmacology
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
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Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy*
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Sepsis/drug therapy*
5. Neurovascular coupling and central nervous system diseases
Ju-Xiang YANG ; Gang LI ; Nai-Hong CHEN ; Zhao ZHANG ; Shi-Feng CHU ; Nai-Hong CHEN ; Zhao ZHANG ; Wen-Bin HE ; Nai-Hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2023;39(12):2225-2230
Neurovascular coupling is the function of regulating blood flow of the central nervous system at the level of neurovascular units. The central nervous system diseases related to neurovascular coupling mainly include cerebrovascular diseases such as chronic cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. The main mechanism of neurovascular coupling dysfunction leading to the above diseases is cerebrovascular dysfunction or loss,which leads to serious damage to neuronal ischemia and affects its function. Therefore,this paper reviews the research status of neurovascular coupling and its related central nervous system diseases,in order to guide the follow-up research. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basis for the prevention,relief and treatment of central nervous system diseases related to neurovascular coupling through the mechanism of neurovascular coupling.
6.Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics and genetic characteristics of influenza in the surveillance-year of 2021 to 2022 in Shandong Province, China.
Shao Xia SONG ; Lin SUN ; Yu Jie HE ; Ju Long WU ; Wen Kui SUN ; Shu ZHANG ; Zhong LI ; Zeng Qiang KOU ; Tang LIU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;56(11):1554-1559
Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, etiology and hemagglutinin (HA) gene characteristics of prevalent strains in Shandong Province from 2021 to 2022. Methods: The sentinel surveillance data of influenza-like illness (ILI) were collected in Shandong Province from 2021 to 2022. ILI specimens were detected with Real-Time PCR and virus isolation to explore the distribution of influenza viruses in different months. Three virus strains of each city were selected for gene sequencing, and the HA phylogenetic analysis was carried out. Results: In the surveillance-year from 2021 to 2022, 528 263 ILI cases were totally reported in 54 sentinel hospitals for influenza surveillance in Shandong Province. ILI visiting ratio (ILI%) was 4.07%, with the largest number in 0-4 age group (45.86%). The highly frequent season for ILI was in winter and spring, with a peak in the 52nd week, 2021 (6.62%). Totally, nucleic acid was detected in 26 754 specimens, with a positive rate of 27.10%, all of which were type B Victoria influenza. The positive rate reached a peak in the 49th week, 2021 (63.78%). A total of 295 outbreaks of ILI had been reported, in which 269 were positive for influenza virus. Most of outbreaks occurred in the primary school, with a peak in December. Gene evolution analysis showed that the HA gene in Shandong possessed high homology, 98.6% to 99.5%, with the recommended vaccine strains in 2020-2023, which was divided into two branches, V1A.3a.1 and V1A.3a.2. Conclusion: In the surveillance-year of 2021-2022, influenza is prevalent in December in Shandong Province, with a single circulating strain type. The positive rate of influenza virus and outbreak are higher than those in the previous surveillance-year. The circulating strain possesses high HA gene homology with those of the WHO vaccine recommended strains. However, the overall immune barrier of influenza virus is weak.
Humans
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Influenza, Human/prevention & control*
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Phylogeny
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Influenza Vaccines
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Orthomyxoviridae
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Seasons
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China/epidemiology*
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Virus Diseases
7.MiR-663a Inhibits Radiation-Induced Epithelium-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Targeting TGF-β1.
Pei QU ; Zhi Ang SHAO ; Bing WANG ; Jin Peng HE ; Ya Nan ZHANG ; Wen Jun WEI ; Jun Rui HUA ; Heng ZHOU ; Dong LU ; Nan DING ; Ju Fang WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2022;35(5):437-447
Objective:
miR-663a has been reported to be downregulated by X-ray irradiation and participates in radiation-induced bystander effect via TGF-β1. The goal of this study was to explore the role of miR-663a during radiation-induced Epithelium-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Methods:
TGF-β1 or IR was used to induce EMT. After miR-663a transfection, cell migration and cell morphological changes were detected and the expression levels of miR-663a, TGF-β1, and EMT-related factors were quantified.
Results:
Enhancement of cell migration and promotion of mesenchymal changes induced by either TGF-β1 or radiation were suppressed by miR-663a. Furthermore, both X-ray and carbon ion irradiation resulted in the upregulation of TGF-β1 and downregulation of miR-663a, while the silencing of TGF-β1 by miR-663a reversed the EMT process after radiation.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate an EMT-suppressing effect by miR-663a via TGF-β1 in radiation-induced EMT.
Down-Regulation
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Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
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Epithelium/metabolism*
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology*
8.Study on the toxicity of the extract from Miao medicine Wikstroemia indica to zebrafish
Zhengyan HE ; Guo FENG ; Chuanqi ZHENG ; Wei LI ; Wen LIU ; Guanglin ZHU ; Wenjing WANG ; Hongmei SU ; Xueli SONG ; Ju ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2022;33(20):2443-2447
OBJECTIVE To study the toxicity of the extract from Mi ao medicine Wikstroemia indica to zebrafish . METHODS Zebrafish embryo model was used as the object ,after exposure to W. indica extract (10,20,40 μg/mL),the number of spontaneous twitching within 1 min,heart rate within 10 s,the occurrence of malformation and death were detected and recorded . Zebrafish was used as the object ,after exposure to W. indica extract(10-100 μg/mL)for 24,48 and 72 h,and the median lethal concentration(LC50)of W. indica extract to zebrafish at different time points were calculated . After exposure to low ,medium and high concentration (27,37,51 μg/mL)of W. indica extract,the liver phenotype ,hepatocyte apoptosis and lipid deposition of zebrafish were observed ,and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in liver tissue were detected . RESULTS Compared with blank group ,the number of spontaneous twitching , malformation rate (except for 10 μg/mL group )and mortality of embryos increased significantly in 10,20,40 μg/mL groups of W. indica extract,and the heart rate (except for 10,20 μg/mL group )of embryos decreased significantly (P<0.05). LC50 of W. indica extract to zebrafish at 24,48 and 72 h were 39.850,28.300 and 21.490 μg/mL,respectively. After drug treatment ,the transparency of liver area of zebrafish in low ,medium and high concentration groups of W. indica extract reduced and their shape were enlarged;apoptosis and lipid deposition increased ;the activities of ALT ,AST and LDH in liver tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Miao medicine W. indica extract had develop mental toxicity to zebrafish embryos and he patotoxicity to zebrafish .
9.A comparison of R-CHOP and R-DA-EPOCH as a first-line regimen treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma with non-GCB subtypes: a retrospective study.
Zi Yan HE ; Wen Juan YU ; Shan Shan SUO ; Jing Han WANG ; Hai Tao MENG ; Wen Yuan MAI ; Ju Ying WEI ; Min YANG ; Li Ping MAO ; Jie JIN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2022;43(4):346-348
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
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Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use*
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Doxorubicin/therapeutic use*
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Etoposide
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Humans
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Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology*
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Prednisone/therapeutic use*
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Prognosis
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Retrospective Studies
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Rituximab/therapeutic use*
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Vincristine/therapeutic use*
10.T lymphocyte subsets combined with inflammatory indicators for auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis.
Feng Fan LI ; Lei YANG ; Dong Qiang WANG ; Wen Ju HE ; Ce WANG ; Hong MU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;56(4):494-502
Objective: To explore the application value of T lymphocyte subsets combined with procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and white blood cell count (WBC) in the auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis. Methods: In a retrospective study, seventy-two patients with sepsis diagnosed and treated in Tianjin First Central Hospital from June 2018 to April 2021 were selected as the research objects, and included in the sepsis group were 46 males and 26 females, aged 68 (57.3, 80.3) years. In addition, 111 patients with local infection admitted to hospital during the same period were included in the local infection group, including 62 males and 49 females, aged 68 (51, 77) years. Sepsis patients were divided into survival group (43 cases) and death group (29 cases) according to the 28-day outcome. CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio were detected by flow cytometry within 24 h after admission, PCT was detected by ELISA, CRP was detected by immunoturbidimetry, blood routine examination, blood lactic acid (Lac) and oxygen partial pressure (PO2) were detected by instrumental method. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between each indicator and sepsis, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of each indicator for sepsis. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis and Kaplan Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value of each index for patients with sepsis. Results: Peripheral blood CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and PLT in sepsis group were significantly lower than those in local infection group(Z=-8.184,P<0.001;Z=-7.210,P<0.001;Z=-5.936,P<0.001;Z=-2.700,P=0.007;Z=-6.381,P<0.001); PCT, CRP, NLR and Lac levels were significantly higher than those in local infection group(Z=-8.262,P<0.001;Z=-3.094,P=0.002;Z=-9.004,P<0.001;Z=-4.770,P<0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that PCT, NLR, CD3+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ were independent risk factors for sepsis. According to ROC curve analysis, AUC of sepsis patients diagnosed by each indicator were 0.862, 0.894, 0.858, 0.760 and 0.618, respectively. The cut-off values were 3.075 ng/ml, 10.715, 44.935×109/L, 27.463×109/L and 0.750, respectively. The NLR sensitivity was 80.6%, and the CD3+ specificity was 94.6%. The AUC of combined detection of PCT and NLR was 0.947, sensitivity was 87.5% and specificity was 91.9%. The combined detection AUC of PCT, NLR, CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ was 0.958, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.3% and 91.0% respectively(P<0.001). PCT and Lac in death group were significantly higher than those in survival group(Z=-2.302,P=0.021;Z=-3.095,P=0.002);Peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ levels were significantly lower than those in survival group(Z=-3.691,P<0.001),Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that CD4+/CD8+ ratio was an independent risk factor for 28 d mortality in patients with sepsis (P<0.001). The ROC curve showed that the AUC was 0.758, and the Youden index reached the maximum when the cut-off value was 1.27, the sensitivity and specificity were 79.3% and 60.5%, respectively. Compared with patients with CD4+/CD8+ ≥1.27, 28-day mortality was significantly increased in patients with CD4+/CD8+<1.27 (P=0.032). Conclusion: The combined detection of PCT, NLR, CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ can improve the auxiliary diagnostic efficiency of sepsis, and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood may have certain predictive value for the prognosis of sepsis.
Aged
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C-Reactive Protein/analysis*
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Female
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Humans
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Male
;
Middle Aged
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Procalcitonin
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Retrospective Studies
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Sepsis/diagnosis*
;
T-Lymphocyte Subsets/chemistry*

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