1.Fibroblast growth factors and endometrial decidualization: models, mechanisms, and related pathologies.
Xueni ZHANG ; Yidi MO ; Chunbin LU ; Zhijian SU ; Xiaokun LI
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(6):573-588
The onset of pregnancy is marked by the formation of a zygote, while the culmination of gestation is manifested by the delivery of a fetus. Meanwhile, a successful pregnancy entails a meticulously coordinated sequence of events from embryo implantation to sustained decidualization of the uterus to placental development and childbirth. The decidual reaction, a pivotal process occurring within the endometrium during pregnancy, is finely regulated by sex steroids and cytokines. Notably, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), particularly FGF2, play a critical role in this physiological cascade. Dysregulated FGF expression may trigger inadequate decidualization, precipitating a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, recurrent implantation failure, and miscarriage. Furthermore, the human decidua, distinct from most mammalian species and similar to great apes, undergoes regular cycles of formation and shedding, independent of the presence of the embryo in the endometrium. This process is also tightly controlled by various FGFs. In this review, we comprehensively compare diverse research decidualization models, delineate the trend of endometrial FGFs during the menstrual cycle, and provide a synopsis of endometrial diseases triggered by FGF dysregulation.
Humans
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Female
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Pregnancy
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Decidua/physiology*
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Animals
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Endometrium/physiology*
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Fibroblast Growth Factors/metabolism*
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Embryo Implantation
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Menstrual Cycle/physiology*
2.Evidence that metformin promotes fibrosis resolution via activating alveolar epithelial stem cells and FGFR2b signaling.
Yuqing LV ; Yanxia ZHANG ; Xueli GUO ; Baiqi HE ; Haibo XU ; Ming XU ; Lihui ZOU ; Handeng LYU ; Jin WU ; Pingping ZENG ; Saverio BELLUSCI ; Xuru JIN ; Chengshui CHEN ; Young-Chang CHO ; Xiaokun LI ; Jin-San ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4711-4729
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease lacking effective therapy. Metformin, an antidiabetic medication, has shown promising therapeutic properties in preclinical fibrosis models; however, its precise cellular targets and associated mechanisms in fibrosis resolution remain incompletely defined. Most research on metformin's effects has focused on mesenchymal and inflammatory responses with limited attention to epithelial cells. In this study, we utilized Sftpc lineage-traced and Fgfr2b conditional knockout mice, along with BMP2/PPARγ and AMPK inhibitors, to explore metformin's impact on alveolar epithelial cells in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model and cell culture. We found that metformin increased the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, particularly the recently identified injury-activated alveolar progenitors (IAAPs)-a subpopulation characterized by low SFTPC expression but enriched for PD-L1. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a reduction in apoptosis among mature AT2 cells. Interestingly, metformin's therapeutic effects were not significantly affected by BMP2 or PPARγ inhibition, which blocked the lipogenic differentiation of myofibroblasts. However, Fgfr2b deletion in Sftpc lineage cells significantly impaired metformin's ability to promote fibrosis resolution, a process linked to AMPK signaling. In conclusion, metformin alleviates fibrosis by directly activating AT2 cells, especially the IAAPs, through a mechanism that involves AMPK and FGFR2b signaling, but is largely independent of BMP2/PPARγ pathways.
3.Research progress on safety management of patient handover between operating room and anesthesia recovery room
Junxia XIANG ; Xiaokun LI ; Shaoming DUAN ; Hongwei WANG ; Rong KANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(15):1196-1201
The physiological function of postoperative patients had not returned to normal, coupled with surgical trauma, residual effects of anesthesia and analgesic drugs and potential risk factors, so postoperative patients need to be transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit for observation, until the vital signs were stable before being transferred to the general ward. This paper summarized the importance, safety management status, influencing factors and intervention measures of patient handover between operating room and post-anesthesia care unit, to provide guidance for clinical patient handover and improve the safety of patient handover.
4.Factors Influencing Inpatient Costs for Patients Undergoing Surgery for Intrauterine Lesions under DRG Payment
Yutong WANG ; Weiguo ZHU ; Xueqin SUN ; Jiali TONG ; Jingya ZHOU ; Qing ZHAO ; Bocheng LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Xiaokun LIU ; Rui DONG ; Chen XIE ; Ding HAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(5):1069-1076
To analyze the factors affecting the cost of hospitalization for patients and provide insights using the intrauterine lesion surgery group (DRG code NE19) as an example. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study, with data from the first page of medical records of patients enrolled under NE19 at a comprehensive tertiary hospital in Beijing from March 15, 2022 to November 30, 2023. Influence factor selection and multifactorial linear regression analysis were conducted with hospitalization cost as the dependent variable, and patient's basic information, treatment information and key concern factors as independent variables. The profit and loss of medical records containing key factors and differences in indicators of hospitalization cost structure were analyzed in the context of clinical practice. A total of 2213 valid medical records (all female patients) were included, with patients predominantly young and middle-aged women under 45 years of age (72.12%), and with 931 day surgery medical records (42.07%). The diagnosis records included 334(15.09%) multiple uterine leiomyomas, and 246(11.12%) pelvic adhesions. A total of 150(6.78%) medical records involved ovary- and tubal-related surgeries or manipulations, with 160(7.23%) main operations being laparoscopic hysterectomy of diseased uterine lesions and 38(1.72%) mechanical rotational excision of abnormal uterine tissue using transhysteroscopy. Linear regression analysis showed that whether or not ovarian and tubal surgical operations were involved ( The NE19 group of hospitals in the study had a high loss rate, and factors such as the severity of the patient's condition and the use of new technologies affected hospitalization costs, suggesting that there is room for further optimization of the existing grouping scheme. Tiered payment standards can be set up for different tiers of healthcare institutions, and a sound and optimized exclusion mechanism can be used to promote the development of new technologies. The internal management of hospitals should encourage the development of daytime surgery to improve the efficiency of medical services.
5.Value of Three-dimensional Rectal Intraluminal Ultrasound Combined with Couplant Contrast for Surgical Guidance of Perianal Necrotising Fasciitis
Linghua LI ; Xu HAN ; Xueqin ZHANG ; Xiaokun HUA ; Chunling LI
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(3):146-150
Objective To explore the application value of Three-Dimensional rectal cavity ultrasound combined with contrast agent imaging in necrotizing fasciitis of the anal region.Methods Before surgery,standard three-dimensional rectal cavity ultrasound examinations(referred to as the conventional group)and contrast agent imaging examinations(referred to as the imaging group)were conducted for 40 patients clinically diagnosed with anal region necrotizing fasciitis.Separate observations were made for the primary lesion,as well as for the depth and superficial necrosis of the fascia,and injuries to the anal sphincter muscle.Comparative analysis with surgical results was undertaken to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of both the conventional and imaging groups.Results In comparing the conventional group with the imaging group,the rates of primary lesion visibility rose significantly from 70%to 97.5%,deep fascial necrosis visibility increased from 50%to 88.8%,superficial fascia visibility improved from 70%to 100%,and the visibility of anal sphincter muscle injury escalated from 62.5%to 97.2%,all demonstrating statistical significance at P<0.05.Conclusions Three-dimensional rectal cavity ultrasound combined with contrast agent imaging exhibits significantly enhanced accuracy in identifying primary lesions associated with perianal necrotizing fasciitis,as well as the necrosis affecting deep and superficial fascia,in contrast to conventional three-dimensional rectal cavity ultrasound.This advancement offers more precise guidance for clinicians in devising surgical plans,thereby augmenting the success rate of surgical interventions.
6.Research on quality evaluation and improvement of in vitro diagnostic reagent supply chain based on zero inventory target
Han WU ; Zhiyong XU ; Xiaokun GAO ; Wenjun GE ; Xianli MA ; Wei DING ; Weizheng LI
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(2):127-131,161
Objective:To establish the objective of zero inventory management of in vitro diagnostic reagents,to evaluate the quality of supply chain,and to improve the existing problems in the supply of reagents.Methods:The problems existing in the management of in vitro diagnostic reagents were analyzed from the aspects of inventory,supply efficiency and product quality,and the management system of hospital operation,management quality and patient benefit optimization was established,and the zero-inventory management path and quality evaluation model were constructed.85 models of 21 types of in vitro diagnostic reagents purchased by Jiangsu Subei People's Hospital from January 2020 to March 2023 were selected.According to different supply chain quality management methods,on-demand inventory management mode(referred to as mode 1)and zero inventory management mode(referred to as mode 2)were adopted respectively.The demand procurement,inventory management and clinical use effects of the two management modes were compared.Results:The reagent procurement demand compliance rate,supply capacity high-quality quality rate and clinical use matching rate of mode 2 were(93.35±3.62)%,(94.87±2.63)% and(96.08±2.31)%,respectively,which were higher than those of mode 1,the difference was statistically significant(Z=2.489,2.836,2.838,P<0.05).The number of cases of long-term overstocking of products,substandard environment and untimely information in mode 2 were(2.92±2.54)cases,(2.83±1.59)cases and(5.58±3.12)cases,respectively,which were lower than those in mode 1,the difference was statistically significant(Z=2.959,3.037,3.703,P<0.05).The satisfaction of clinical departments,medical technology departments and procurement center with the supply,distribution and information communication of in vitro diagnostic reagents in mode 2 were 97.8% and 93.3%,97.0% and 87.9%,100% and 84.6%,respectively,which were higher than those in mode 1,the difference was statistically significant(x2clinical departments=5.428,6.133,x2medical technology departments=3.958,3.937,x2procurement center=5.159,4.996,P<0.05).Conclusion:The zero inventory management model can improve the standardization of in vitro diagnostic reagent demand procurement,reduce the incidence of backlog failure in inventory management,and improve the quality of clinical supply services.
7.Mechanism study of fibroblast growth factors signaling
Zhiqiang HUANG ; Lili FU ; Gaozhi CHEN ; Xiaokun LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(10):826-829
This article presents the research design and principal findings of the recent study " Structural basis for FGF hormone signalling" published in Nature. It highlights the study′s significance in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor(FGF)23, FGF receptor(FGFR), Klotho, and heparan sulfate(HS) quaternary complex signalling. These findings offer crucial structural insights that could advance drug discovery for metabolic disorders like diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
8.Research progress of fibroblast growth factor in nervous system diseases.
Wenting HUANG ; Wanhua QIU ; Kun CHEN ; Shasha YE ; Dongxue WANG ; Jian HU ; Huiqin XU ; Li LIN ; Xiaokun LI
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2023;51(6):738-749
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are a group of structurally related polypeptides which constitute an elaborate signaling system with their receptors. Evidence accumulated in the years suggests that the FGF family plays a key role in the repair of central nervous system injury. The main protective mechanisms include activating the expression of PI3K-Akt, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) and other signals; inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis; regulating neuronal differentiation and neuronal excitability as well as participating in protection of neurovascular units and nerve function repair. This paper comprehensively summarizes the latest research progress in FGF signaling related to diseases of the central nervous system such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and depression, aiming to provide scientific basis and reference for the development of innovative FGF drugs for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases.
Humans
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Fibroblast Growth Factors
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
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Central Nervous System/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction/physiology*
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Alzheimer Disease
9.Preliminary construction of evaluation index system of lumbar puncture teaching for medical students based on Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process
Jia WANG ; Ran LI ; Xu MA ; Yibo XIE ; Jiachen LI ; Jiarong WU ; Xiaokun WANG ; Chunxiao YANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2023;22(10):1489-1493
Objective:To construct the evaluation index system of lumbar puncture teaching for medical students, aiming to create a scientific assessment and evaluation method covering theoretical knowledge, skill practice, and professional accomplishment, so as to comprehensively evaluate the teaching effect of lumbar puncture for medical students, and improve the practical ability of clinical skills of medical students more effectively.Methods:The evaluation index scheme of lumbar puncture teaching for medical students was initially formulated through literature review and group discussion, and 20 experts related to clinical front-line work and medicine were invited to revise the scheme by applying Delphi expert consultation and applying analytic hierarchy process to quantify the entries and establish the final index weights at all levels.Results:The valid recovery rate of both rounds of expert consultation questionnaires in this study was 100%. The second round of expert consultation was conducted without changing experts, with an authority factor of 0.88. Kendall's coefficient of harmony was 0.136 and 0.184, respectively. After two rounds of expert consultation, the evaluation index system of lumbar puncture teaching for medical students, including 3 primary indicators (theoretical knowledge, comprehensive clinical ability and professionalism), 7 secondary indicators and 22 tertiary indicators, was initially constructed.Conclusion:The evaluation index system of lumbar puncture teaching for medical students constructed in this study is scientific and credible, which can provide quantitative basis for the training and assessment of medical students, and is of great theoretical and practical significance.
10.Epidemiological characteristics of indigenous 2019-nCoV infection in population under 18 years old in China
Simeng FAN ; Zhibin PENG ; Dan LI ; Kai QU ; Yulu MIAO ; Xiaokun YANG ; Hongting ZHAO ; Jiandong ZHENG ; Ying QIN ; Yanping ZHANG ; Zijian FENG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(2):184-189
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of indigenous 2019-nCoV infection in population under 18 years old in 31 provinces of China, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of COVID-19.Method:Demographic and epidemiologic information of children and adolescents with 2019-nCoV infection reported in China between April 29, 2020 and May 31, 2022 were collected from China's Disease Prevention and Control Information System. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of the 2019-nCoV infection in children and adolescents and compared the epidemiological characteristics of the cases at different epidemic stages.Result:A total of 63 916 indigenous 2019-nCoV infection cases in children and adolescents were reported in China from April 29, 2020 to May 31, 2022, in which 14 777 (23.12%) were confirmed cases and 49 139 (76.88%) were asymptomatic cases. An obvious incidence peak (40 864 cases) was observed in April, 2022, and two sub-peaks were observed in January, 2020 and January, 2021, respectively. The 2019-nCoV infection cases occurred in 187 cities above prefecture level in 30 provinces, the cases reported in Shanghai (41 562 cases), Changchun (5 753 cases) and Jilin (3 888 cases) accounted for 80.11% of the total cases (51 203/63 916). The proportion of the cases in males was 54.34%. The age of the cases, M ( Q1, Q3) was 10 (5, 14) years, and 57.73% of the cases were 6 - 15 years old. The cases in students accounted for the highest proportion (56.14%). The interval between illness onset and diagnosis of confirmed cases, M ( Q1, Q3) was 1 (0, 2) days. Among the 2019-nCoV infection cases in children and adolescents, 76.88% were asymptomatic, 21.78% were mild ones, 1.32% were moderately severe ones, 0.02% were severe ones, and there were no critical cases and deaths. Compared with other age groups, the proportion of severe or critical cases was higher in children aged <1 year (0.12%). The proportion of asymptomatic infections was highest in Omicron variant epidemic (78.43%). Conclusion:The 2019-nCoV infection cases in children and adolescents aged <18 years in 31 provinces in China were mainly primary and secondary school students aged 6-15 years. Most cases were asymptomatic and mild ones with low clinical severity. It is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance for 2019-nCoV infection in children and adolescents to improve the prevention and control of COVID-19 in school age children.

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