1.Exploration of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling Improvement in Rats at Different Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Qibai Pingfei Capsules Based on TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Lu ZHANG ; Li FANG ; Shuyu XU ; Xue LIANG ; Jie ZHU ; Xiangli TONG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):48-56
ObjectiveTo investigate the improvement effect of Qibai Pingfei capsules on pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats at different stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to analyze its possible mechanism of action. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, an early COPD model group, an advanced COPD model group, an early-intervention high-dose group, a late-intervention high-dose group, an early-intervention low-dose group, a late-intervention low-dose group, an early-intervention pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, and a late-intervention PDTC group, with 15 rats in each group. A rat model of early COPD was constructed by using cigarette smoke combined with airway infusion using lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and a rat model of advanced COPD was constructed by using airway infusion with LPS, cigarette smoke, and hypoxia. All groups except the normal group were given LPS airway drops on days 1 and 14 of the experiment, smoked for 1 h per day, and administered the drug once a day for 40 weeks from day 15 onward. In the high- and low-dose groups, rats were given 1 g·kg-1 and 250 mg·kg-1 Qibai Pingfei capsules, respectively by gavage, and in PDTC groups, rats were given 100 mg·kg-1 of PDTC by intraperitoneal injection. The advanced COPD model group underwent 6 h of hypoxia per day in weeks 5-6. Lung function and mean pulmonary artery pressure were tested in rats. Morphologic changes in lung tissues were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining. Collagen deposition in lung tissues was examined by Masson staining, and the levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in lung tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of inflammatory cells in the alveolar lavage fluid of rats in each group was detected by Giemsa staining, and the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), TNF-α, vascular endothelial-cadherin(VE-cadherin), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31) was detected by Western blot in the lung tissues of rats. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s (FEV0.3), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV0.3/FVC ratio related to lung function (P<0.05), thickening of pulmonary vasculature, increased collagen deposition in the lungs, and enhanced mean pulmonary arterial pressure and expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05). Additionally, the model group also exhibited increased numbers of macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils (P<0.05), significantly higher protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, and α-SMA (P<0.05), and significantly lower protein expression of VE-cadherin and CD31 (P<0.05). Lung function was significantly improved in the Qibai Pingfei capsules groups compared with the model group (P<0.05), with mean pulmonary arterial pressure reduced and pulmonary vascular thickening and collagen deposition in the lungs ameliorated. The Qibai Pingfei capsules groups also showed reduced expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05) and decreased numbers of macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils (P<0.05), as well as reduced protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, and α-SMA (P<0.05) and elevated protein expression of VE-cadherin and CD31 (P<0.05) in rat lung tissues. ConclusionQibai Pingfei capsules inhibits inflammatory response and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition probably by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus improving pulmonary vascular remodeling in COPD model rats and showing therapeutic effects in the early stage of COPD.
2.Association of MICA gene polymorphisms and SNP loci with susceptibility to rosacea.
Xiangli YIN ; Quan ZHU ; Ji LI ; Yizhou ZOU ; Qizhi LUO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(3):319-330
OBJECTIVES:
The major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA), a component of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene complex, is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases including cancers and autoimmune disorders. Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis, potentially influenced by genetic and autoimmune factors. This study aims to investigate the relationship among MICA gene polymorphisms, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and susceptibility to rosacea, thereby offering new insights into the disease mechanism.
METHODS:
Peripheral blood DNA samples were collected from 84 patients with rosacea (rosacea group) and 223 healthy volunteers (control group) who visited the Dermatology Outpatient Department of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between November 2017 and November 2019. MICA genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-sequencing-based typing (PCR-SBT) and the next-generation sequencing (NGS), and the accuracy of the 2 methods was compared. The frequency distributions of MICA alleles between the 2 groups were analyzed. Amino acid clustering and SNP site analyses were conducted to identify haplotype-linked SNPs and to classify MICA polymorphic variants. Distribution differences of these classifications between groups were also examined.
RESULTS:
Blood tests in rosacea patients showed mildly elevated, with no significant changes in lymphocyte counts. Both PCR-SBT and NGS accurately identified MICA alleles. The most common alleles in the rosacea group were MICA*010:01, MICA*008:04, and MICA*019:01. The frequencies of MICA*002:01 and MICA*027 were significantly lower in the rosacea group compared to controls (6.55% vs 18.16% and 1.19% vs 5.38%, respectively), while and MICA*010:01 were significantly higher (7.74% vs 3.36% and 31.55% vs 18.61%, respectively; all P<0.05). Five short tandem repeat (STR) alleles were identified. Frequencies of MICA-A4 and MICA-A9 were lower in the rosacea group than in the control group (16.07% vs 23.32% and 7.74% vs 17.26%, respectively), whereas MICA-A6 was higher (10.12% vs 4.03%; all P<0.05). Clustering and SNP analysis identified 6 linked SNP sites, classifying MICA variants into Type I (C36+M129+K173+G206+W210+S215) and Type II (Y36+V129+E173+S206+R210+T215). Type I MICA variants were significantly associated with rosacea susceptibility.
CONCLUSIONS
MICA gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to rosacea, and there are 6 linked SNP sites within the MICA gene. Based on this, MICA polymorphic variants are classified into Type I and Type II, with Type I being more closely associated with disease development of rosacea.
Humans
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/genetics*
;
Rosacea/genetics*
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Genotype
;
Alleles
;
Gene Frequency
;
Haplotypes
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Aged
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
3.A retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics of 63 patients with vestibular neuritis.
Qi WANG ; Gendi YIN ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Qiling HUANG ; Lingwei LI ; Zhicheng LI ; Xiangli ZENG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(1):19-23
Objective:To retrospectively analyze the results of auditory examination,vestibular function examination and laboratory examination of 63 patients diagnosed as vestibular neuritis.Methods:A total of 63 patients diagnosed with vestibular neuritis hospitalized in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, from October 2012 to December 2022 were recruited. All patients met the diagnostic criteria for the 2022 Bárány association vestibular neuritis. Clinical data and the results of pure tone audiometry, electrocochleogram, video electronystagmogram, caloric test, cervical vestibuloevoked myogenic potential(cVEMP), ocular vestibuloevoked myogenic potential(oVEMP), video head impulse test(vHIT) was collected.A total of 63 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects in the physical examination center were randomly selected as the control group. The differences of blood indexs and lipid metabolism indexes between the two groups were compared. Results:In patients with vestibular neuritis, 50 out of 63 patients presented normal threshold in pure tone audiometry, 8 out of 63 patients had bilateral high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss and 5 out of 63 patients had unilateral mild high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, 56 out of 63 cases completed the electrocochleogram, of which 3 cases had a binaural-SP/AP amplitude ratio≥0.4, 5 cases had monaural amplitude ratio ≥0.4. Fifty-five out of 63 patients completed the caloric test with CP values greater than 30% in all. The ratio of patients completed cVEMP, oVEMP and vHIT were 46 cases, 22 cases and 30 cases, respectively. 17 out of 63 cases completed all the four vestibular function tests. According to these tests, 49 patients could determine the extent of injury,including 27 cases with unilateral superior vestibular nerve injury, 21 cases with unilateral superior and inferior vestibular nerve injury and 1 case with unilateral inferior vestibular nerve injury. There were significant differences in neutrophil value(P<0.001), lymphocyte value(P<0.005), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(P<0.001) and apolipoprotein A1(P<0.001) between patient group and control group. Inflammatory markers were risk factors for patients with vestibular neuritis. The OR values of neutrophil value and blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were 1.81(1.38-2.37, P<0.001) and 2.11(1.41-3.16, P<0.001), respectively. Apolipoprotein A1 was a protective factor for patients with vestibular neuritis, and the OR value was 0.004(0.001-0.042, P<0.001). Conclusion:Electrocochleogram could be used in vestibular neuritis patients with normal pure tone threshold to test whether there is hidden hearing loss in these patients. Neutrophil value, lymphocyte value, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and apolipoprotein A1 were correlated with vestibular neuritis. The Neutrophil value and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were risk factors for morbidity.
Humans
;
Vestibular Neuronitis/physiopathology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Female
;
Male
;
Audiometry, Pure-Tone
;
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/physiopathology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Vestibular Function Tests
;
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
;
Aged
4.Discovery of bioactive polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol from Hypericum patulum that protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Bo TAO ; Xiangli ZHAO ; Zhengyi SHI ; Jie LI ; Yulin DUAN ; Xiaosheng TAN ; Gang CHEN ; Changxing QI ; Yonghui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1104-1110
Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a critical complication contributing to graft dysfunction following liver surgery. As part of an ongoing search for hepatoprotective natural products, five previously unreported homoadamantane-type polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), named hyperhomanoons A-E (1-5), and one known analog, hypersampsone O (6), were isolated from Hypericum patulum. Among these, compound 6 demonstrated potent protective effects against CoCl₂-induced hypoxic injury in hepatocytes. Furthermore, in a murine model of hepatic IRI induced by vascular occlusion, pretreatment with 6 markedly alleviated liver damage and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis. This study is the first to identify PPAPs as promising scaffolds for the development of therapeutic agents targeting hepatic IRI, underscoring their potential as lead compounds in drug discovery efforts for ischemic liver diseases.
Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control*
;
Animals
;
Hypericum/chemistry*
;
Phloroglucinol/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Liver/blood supply*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Protective Agents/pharmacology*
;
Hepatocytes/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Liver Diseases/drug therapy*
5.Clustering and network analysis of the association between food intake and physical fitness in junior and senior high school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1716-1720
Objective:
To explore the network structure of dietary intake and physical fitness subtypes among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide precise and efficient intervention guidance for improving abnormal physical health issues in adolescents.
Methods:
Based on the 2020-2021 Database of Youth Health (DYH), a total of 9 730 junior and senior high school students in Shandong Province were included for analysis. Dietary intake was assessed using a modified Chinese Dietary Quality Questionnaire, and physical fitness was evaluated according to the "2014 National Student Physical Fitness Standard". The Kmeans clustering algorithm was employed to identify potential subtypes of physical fitness in junior and high school students. Network analysis was used to construct a network linking dietary intake and physical fitness symptoms and to identify clusters of dietary behaviors and physical fitness symptoms among adolescents of different genders.
Results:
The physical fitness among junior and senior high school students of different genders were categorized into two subtypes: the baseline steady type (3 427 male students, 4 039 female students) and the morphological deviation type (1 294 male students, 970 female students). Statistically significant differences were observed in network strength and network connectivity strength among different genders and physical fitness subtypes (all P<0.05). Connections between food intake and physical health symptom clusters across different genders and physical health types among junior and senior high school students were primarily achieved through instant noodle intake and physical fitness (males of morphological deviation type, weight=0.06), fruit intake and physical fitness (males of baseline steady type, weight=-0.07), potato intake and vital capacity (females of morphological deviation type, weight=0.09), and processed meat intake and vital capacity (females of baseline steady type, weight=0.05).
Conclusions
Dietary intake serves as a significant modifiable risk factor for the physical fitness of junior and high school students. Interventions should focus on promoting healthy eating habits.
6.Improvement effect of lovastatin on hyperlipidemia-induced liver injury in rats and its mechanism
Yi ZHAO ; Bing ZHOU ; Huirui QIU ; Xuan LI ; Xiangli CUI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(5):1155-1164
Objective:To investigate the protective effect of lovastatin on liver injury in the rats induced by hyperlipidemia,and to elucidate its possible mechanism.Methods:Fifteen SD rats were randomly divided into control group,hyperlipidemia model group,and lovastatin group,with 5 rats in each group.The rats in control group were fed with standard diet,while the rats in hyperlipidemia model group and lovastatin group were fed high-fat diet for 12 weeks.Starting from the 8th week,the rats were administered treatments via gavage once a day for 4 weeks:the rats in lovastatin group received 2 mng·kg-1 lovastatin,while the rats in control group and hyperlipidemia model group received an equal volume of normal saline.The body weights of the rats in various groups were measured at weeks 1,8,9,10,11,and 12 after the experiment began;the histopathology of liver tissue of the rats in various groups was observed using HE staining;the serum levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),malondialdehyde(MDA),as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and the levels of interleukin-2(IL-2),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-12(IL-12),and tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-α)of the rats in various groups were detected using commercial kits;the composition of the gut microbiota of the rats in various groups was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.Results:Compared with control group,the body weight of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group was significantly increased from the 8th week of high-fat diet feeding(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the body weight of the rats in lovastatin group was significantly decreased at weeks 11 and 12(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the livers of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group appeared rough,pale,enlarged,with blunt edges,and had a granular and greasy texture.Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the livers of the rats in lovastatin group were light brownish-red,soft,with slightly blunt edges,reduced volume,and less granularity and greasiness.Compared with control group,the liver cells of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group were swollen and disorganized,with pyknotic nuclei,extensive inflammatory cell infiltration,and numerous vacuolar degenerations.Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the rats in lovastatin group showed significantly reduced hepatocyte swelling and degeneration,more orderly and intact liver cell arrangement,decreased inflammatory cell infiltration,and reduced vacuolar degeneration.Compared with control group,the serum levels of TC,TG,and LDL-C of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the serum HDL-C level was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the serum levels of TC,TG,and LDL-C of the rats in lovastation group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the serum HDL-C level was increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the serum MDA levels and the ALT and AST activities of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the serum MDA levels and ALT and AST activities of the rats in lovastatin group were decreased(P<0.05),and the SOD and GSH-Px activities were increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the serum levels of IL-2,IL-6,IL-12,and TNF-α of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the serum levels of IL-2,IL-6,IL-12,and TNF-α of the rats in lovastatin group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the ACE and Chao1 indexes of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the ACE and Chao1 indexes of the rats in lovastatin group were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group were significantly increased(P<0.001),and the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were decreased(P<0.001).Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria of the rats in lovastatin group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria showed no significant changes.Compared with control group,the relative abundance of Lactobacillus of the rats in hyperlipidemia model group was significantly decreased(P<0.001),and the relative abundances of Bacteroides,Desulfovibrio,and Clostridium were significantly increased(P<0.01 or P<0.001).Compared with hyperlipidemia model group,the relative abundance of Lactobacillus of the rats in lovastatin group showed no significant change but the relative abundances of Bacteroides,Desulfovibrio,and Clostridium were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).Conclusion:Lovastatin ameliorates liver injury induced by hyperlipidemia,and the mechanism may be related to its ability to improve gut microbiota composition and inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory damage.
7.Serum miR-141-3p,KEAP1 expression and clinical significance in neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome
Xiangli XUE ; Chengcheng LI ; Mei LIU ; Pengwei TANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(7):801-805,811
Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of serum microRNA-141-3p(miR-141-3p)and Kelch like epichlorohydrin associated protein 1(KEAP1)in neonatal acute respiratory dis-tress syndrome(NARDS).Methods A total of 121 children with NARDS admitted to the hospital from Janu-ary 2022 to March 2024(NARDS group)and 65 healthy neonates during the same period(control group)were selected.According to the degree of disease,the children with NARDS were divided into the mild NARDS group(4≤oxygen index<8,48 cases),the moderate NARDS group(8≤oxygen index<16,46 ca-ses),the severe NARDS group(oxygen index≥16,27 cases),and the children with NARDS were divided into the death group(18 cases)and the survival group(103 cases)according to the 28-day prognosis.Serum miR-141-3p and KEAP1 levels were detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The correlation between serum miR-141-3p and KEAP1 levels in children with NARDS was analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient.The correlation between serum miR-141-3p and KEAP1 levels and oxygen index in children with NARDS was analyzed by Spearman correlation coefficient.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to analyze the predictive efficacy of serum miR-141-3p and KEAP1 levels on the death in children with NARDS.Results Serum miR-141-3p level in the NARDS group was lower than that in the control group,and KEAP1 level in the NARDS group was higher than that in the control group(t=14.288,12.596,P<0.001).There was a binding site between miR-141-3p and KEAP1 at the 3'-untranslated region 131-138.Pearson correlation showed that serum miR-141-3p was negatively correlated with KEAP1 level in children with NARDS(r=-0.745,P<0.001).The levels of ser-um miR-141-3p increased sequentially in the severe NARDS group,moderate NARDS group,and mild NARDS group,while the level of KEAP1 decreased sequentially(F=185.469,113.126,P<0.001).Spearman correla-tion coefficient showed that oxygen index in children with NARDS was negatively correlated with serum miR-141-3p level(r=-0.815,P<0.001)and positively correlated with serum KEAP1 level(r=0.827,P<0.001).Serum miR-141-3p level in the dead group was lower than that in the survival group,and KEAP1 level was higher than that in the surviving group(t=4.213,4.495,P<0.001).The area under the curve of the combined prediction of serum miR-141-3p and KEAP1 levels for the death in children with NARDS was 0.878(95%CI:0.806-0.930),which was greater than 0.783(95%CI:0.699-0.853)and 0.786(95%CI:0.702-0.855)predicted by serum miR-141-3p and KEAP1 levels alone(Z=2.963,2.021,P<0.05).Conclu-sion The serum miR-141-3p level is decreased and the KEAP1 level is increased in children with NARDS,which is associated with worsening of the disease and poor prognosis.The combination of serum miR-141-3p and KEAP1 levels has high predictive efficacy for death in children with NARDS.
8.Predictive value of pre-radiotherapy maximum tumor diameter and peripheral blood NLR for esophageal fistula in esophageal squamous carcinoma patients
Xiaowei WU ; Ge HU ; Li CHEN ; Xiaotao QIAN ; Xiangli CUI ; Fengqin ZHU
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(1):38-42
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of maximum tumor diameter and the peripheral blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) before radiotherapy for the occurrence of esophageal fistula after radiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) .Methods:A total of 98 patients with ESCC who underwent radiotherapy in Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences from February 2017 to February 2021 were selected, and the patients were divided into esophageal fistula group (13 cases) and no esophageal fistula group (85 cases) according to whether esophageal fistula occurred during the follow-up process. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) , NLR, and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of esophageal fistula, and the predictive value of each indicator was evaluated by using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in age, smoking history, diabetes mellitus history, gender, concurrent chemotherapy and alcohol history between the esophageal fistula group and the no esophageal fistula group (all P>0.05) , while there were statistically significant differences in PNI ( t=2.24, P=0.041) , NLR ( t=3.75, P=0.001) , SIRI ( t=2.68, P=0.015) . Univariate analysis showed that tumor length ( OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.01-1.35, P=0.043) , maximum tumor diameter ( OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.11-2.39, P=0.012) , PNI ( OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.71-0.98, P=0.023) , NLR ( OR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.20-3.12, P=0.007) and SIRI ( OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.03-3.24, P=0.041) were related to esophageal fistula. Multivariate analysis showed that maximum tumor diameter ( OR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.02-4.94, P=0.033) and NLR ( OR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.89-6.59, P=0.018) were independent influencing factors for the development of esophageal fistula in patients with ESCC after radiotherapy. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of maximum tumor diameter before radiotherapy combined with NLR for predicting esophageal fistula in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.74-0.90) , which was greater than that of maximum tumor diameter before radiotherapy (0.71, 95% CI: 0.63-0.81, Z=1.80, P=0.039) and NLR (0.74, 95% CI: 0.67-0.85, Z=1.64, P=0.046) alone. Conclusions:The maximum tumor diameter before radiotherapy and NLR are closely related to the occurrence of esophageal fistula in ESCC after radiotherapy, and these factors are expected to serve as key predictors of the occurrence of esophageal fistula.
9.FGF21 ameliorates severe acute pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury in rats by modulating autophagy
Chenglong CAO ; Ling ZHANG ; Xiangli MA ; Shixian LIU ; Yijing LIU ; Peiwu LI
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(5):669-675
Objective:To explore the role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in rats with severe acute pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury (SAP-ALI) and its related molecular mechanisms.Methods:Twenty-four healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (random number, n=6 per group): Control group, SAP group, FGF21 intervention group (SAP+FGF21 group), and autophagy inhibitor group (SAP+FGF21+3-MA group). The SAP model was established by retrograde injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. In SAP+FGF21 group, FGF21 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 1 hour before modeling. In SAP+FGF21+3-MA group, FGF21 10 mg/kg and 3-MA 20 mg/kg were intraperitoneally injected at 1 h before modeling. Serum amylase activity was detected by biochemical kit. Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and FGF21 were detected by ELISA. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of pancreas and lung tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein level of FGF21 in lung tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins in lung tissue. Autophagosomes in lung tissue were observed by electron microscopy. Results:Compared with the Control group, the plasma and lung tissue FGF21 levels in SAP group were significantly decreased (both P<0.001) , severe pancreatic and lung tissue damage, and elevated plasma TNF-α levels ( P<0.001). Western Blot and transmission electron microscopy showed that: The expression of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in lung tissue of SAP group was down-regulated [(0.912±0.052) vs. (0.700±0.135), P<0.001], and P62 protein level was up-regulated [(0.475±0.068) vs. (0.687±0.070), P<0.001] , and reduced autophagosome counts in the SAP group. In contrast, the SAP+FGF21 group showed elevated FGF21 levels (both P<0.01), attenuated pancreatic and lung injury ( P<0.001), decreased TNF-α levels [(280.10±49.36) pg/mL vs. (86.32±66.00) pg/mL, P<0.001]. Lung tissue of LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ levels increase [(0.700±0.135) vs. (0.853±0.073), P<0.01], P62 protein levels cut [(0.687±0.070) vs. (0.538±0.030), P<0.01] ], and increased autophagosomes and autolysosomes under electron microscopy. Compared with SAP+FGF21 group, the expression levels of FGF21 in plasma and lung tissue in SAP+FGF21+3-MA group were not significantly changed, and the level of autophagy was decreased. Pancreas and lung tissue injury was severe ( P<0.001), Plasma TNF-α level obviously higher [(86.32±66.00) pg/mL vs. (212.90±11.56) pg/mL, P<0.05]. Conclusion:FGF21 may play a protective role in SAP-ALI by up-regulating the level of autophagy.
10.Stellate Ganglion Block as an Adjunctive Intervention for Chronic Subjective Tinnitus: Efficacy and Predictive Indicators
Zhicheng LI ; Nan CHENG ; Jibin XING ; Jiawang TIAN ; Jianqi ZHAO ; Huajing TIAN ; Jiayi LIN ; Xiangli ZENG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(2):276-282
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and predictive indicators of stellate ganglion block (SGB) as an adjunctive intervention for chronic subjective tinnitus and accumulate experience for the application of SGB in the clinical treatment of tinnitus. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on the data of chronic subjective tinnitus patients who received SGB intervention, with unsatisfactory outcomes otherwise. Pure tone audiometry (PTA), tinnitus loudness evaluation and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were used. The tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) scores were compared before and after SGB intervention. Correlation analysis and linear regression equations were employed to identify the potential indicators predicting the effectiveness of SGB intervention. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 24.0 software. ResultsBy April 2023, a total of 107 patients with chronic subjective tinnitus had undergone SGB intervention, including 67 male and 40 female, with a mean age of (45.32±11.40) years old and an average tinnitus history of (20.32±24.64) months [16 (12~20)]. Only 7 patients (6.54%) quitted the intervention for personal reasons, which demonstrated good compliance with the intervention. No patients experienced adverse reactions such as infection at the injection site, hematoma, nerve injury, local anesthetic intoxication and so on, which revealed good safety. After SGB intervention, THI scores decreased to below 36 points in 77 patients and decrease by 10 points or more in 12 of the remaining patients, with a total effective rate of 89%. A paired sample t-test showed a significant difference in THI scores before and after SGB intervention (t=15.575, P<0.001), indicating good improvement. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that pre-intervention THI scores and subjective tinnitus loudness were significantly positively correlated with the improvement level of THI scores (P<0.05). Further stepwise linear regression analysis found that "pre-intervention THI scores" had statistical significance (P<0.001), with a regression coefficient of 0.308, predicting a 17.4% improvement level in THI scores. ConclusionsDue to its good and safe short-term effects, SGB intervention can be used as a supplementary option for chronic subjective tinnitus when other interventions are not ideal, especially for patients with higher THI scores. However, further research is needed to clarify the long-term efficacy and underlying mechanisms, in order to establish a more solid theoretical basis for SGB intervention in the treatment of subjective tinnitus.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail