1.Analysis of Chronic Gouty Arthritis Animal Models Based on Clinical Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yan XIAO ; Siyuan LIN ; Fan YANG ; Qianglong CHEN ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Meiling WANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiali LUO ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):84-92
ObjectiveBased on the clinical characteristics of chronic gouty arthritis (CGA) in both traditional Chinese and western medicine, this study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing CGA animal models, providing recommendations for establishing animal models that align with the pathological characteristics of CGA and the manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. MethodsBy comprehensively retrieving Chinese and international databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and PubMed, all relevant literature on CGA animal models was collected. Based on the guidelines, the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine were summarized and organized. The evaluation indicators for the CGA model were constructed with reference to existing evaluation modes, and the CGA animal models were analyzed to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing models. ResultsThe current methods used to construct CGA animal models mainly include monosodium urate crystal induction, high-protein diet induction (poultry lack urate oxidase), and high-fat diet combined with urate oxidase inhibitors and joint injection. Based on 11 pieces of included literature, the traditional Chinese and western medicine scoring data of each model were extracted, and the average scoring values of all models were ultimately calculated. The results show that the average clinical concordances of existing CGA animal models in both traditional Chinese and western medicine are 43.33% and 64.44%, respectively. Among them, the model with the highest clinical concordance rate is the one with a high-fat diet combined with potassium oxonate to induce hyperuricemia plus joint injection, achieving 83.33% clinical concordance in western medicine and 60% in traditional Chinese medicine. This model aligns well with the pathogenic characteristics and pathological changes of clinical CGA. ConclusionAlthough current CGA animal models can simulate some pathological characteristics of CGA, they struggle to comprehensively reflect the complex pathological processes of CGA and the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to establish the CGA animal models that incorporate the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine and formulate the uniform model evaluation criteria, providing more precise tools for CGA mechanism research and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Connection quality and influencing factors of Shaanxi psychological assistance hotline operators based on conversations involving suicide intentions
Huadong JIANG ; Zhen FAN ; Yatong NING ; Jingxuan WU ; Lei ZHANG ; Pin ZHANG ; Yanli SU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):180-184
Objective To explore the factors affecting the quality of psychological assistance hotline connections in Shaanxi Province, and to provide a basis for optimizing services. Methods A total of 149 calls with suicidal tendencies were included from January to March 2022, and data were collected by 31 trained assessors through standardized questionnaires (general information, suicide risk, emotional intensity, and wiring characteristics). Results The results showed that 56.38% of the callers were female, with age groups concentrated between ≤ 18 years old (29.53%) and 19-34 years old (43.62%). The call duration was mainly between 31 and 45 minutes (50.34%). Operators conducted a suicide risk assessment on the callers, with 38.9% having a comprehensive assessment, 38.9% having an incomplete assessment, and 22.1% having no assessment. The main mental disorders of the callers were depression (48.32%), anxiety (15.44%), and bipolar disorder (14.77%), with 25.50% having comorbidities of ≥ 2 disorders. Emotional scores were as follows: depression (4.11 ± 0.76), sadness (3.97 ± 1.03), and despair (3.78 ± 1.05). There were significant differences in depression, anger, despair, and sadness among the callers with different levels of danger (t=4.79, 3.35, 15.79, 4.24, all P<0.05). Women had higher levels of fear than men (t=3.10, P<0.01). The longer the call duration, the higher the level of despair (t=5.66, P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that incomplete suicide risk assessment by operators (B=-2.36), general procedures for operators' connections (B=5.44), and technical factors (B=2.01) significantly affected the quality of psychological assistance hotlines (all P<0.05). Conclusion Callers with suicidal tendencies generally have serious mental and psychological problems and prominent negative emotions. Strengthening the suicide risk assessment ability of operators and standardizing processes and service attitudes are key to improving the quality of psychological assistance hotlines.
3.Mechanism of isochlorogenic acid A against hepatocellular carcinoma based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway combined with multi-omics
Weiwei SU ; Weibing JIA ; Houjian REN ; Xianhui SU ; Huijie GAO ; Zhongchao HUO ; Xin HOU ; Zhen WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1258-1263
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of isochlorogenic acid A against hepatocellular carcinoma based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway and multi-omics technology. METHODS The invasion rate and migration rate of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells after 48 h of intervention with 0 (control group), 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL isochlorogenic acid A were examined; mRNA expression of DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR), the protein expressions of mTOR, PI3K and phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), as well as the phosphorylation level of Akt protein were determined in the cells. Metabolomics analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and differential metabolites were screened and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis; transcriptomics monitoring was conducted by RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed genes were screened and subjected to gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. RESULTS Compared with the control group, intervention with 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL isochlorogenic acid A for 48 h significantly inhibited the invasion rate and migration rate of HepG2 cells, significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of DEPTOR and the protein expression of PTEN, and significantly down-regulated the protein expression of PI3K and the phosphorylation level of Akt protein (except for 0.25 mg/mL isochlorogenic acid A) ( P <0.05). A total of 304 differential metabolites and 212 differentially expressed genes were screened by multi-omics analysis. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that isochlorogenic acid A regulated key signaling of HepG2 cell growth mainly by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, synergizing with metabolic reprogramming such as mTOR signaling pathway, ferroptosis, pentose phosphate pathway and purine/pyrimidine metabo lism. CONCLUSIONS The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of isochlorogenic acid A is associated with the blockade of abnormal activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, it may also be related to the inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway and purine/pyrimidine metabolism, as well as the induction of ferroptosis,etc.
4.Analysis of tick monitoring and Bandavirus dabieense carrying status in Tai'an City from 2021 to 2023
Ya-nan WEI ; Tong XU ; Su MI ; Rong-qiang ZHANG ; Fu-rong LIU ; Hao-lin XIN ; Yi-yue FU ; De-zhen MA
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):198-203
Objective To understand the distribution, species composition, seasonal fluctuations, and presence of Dabie bandavirus in ticks in Tai'an City, providing a basis for assessing tick-borne disease risks and formulating prevention strategies. Methods Free-living ticks were monitored using the flagging method, whereas parasitic ticks were monitored through host surface examination. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the presence of Bandavirus dabieense in tick specimens. Results The density of free-living ticks in Tai'an City showed a continuous decreasing trend over the 3 years from 2021 to 2023, with an average tick density of 0.43 ticks/(flag·100 m). The dominant habitats were scenic areas and forests, and the seasonal fluctuations exhibited a bimodal pattern, peaking in March and August. The only free-living tick species captured was Haemaphysalis longicornis. Over the 3 years, the average tick index for parasitic ticks was 1.85, with sheep as the primary host. Seasonal fluctuations also followed a bimodal pattern, peaking in March and August. The primary parasitic tick species captured were H. longicornis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. No Dabie bandavirus was detected in the tick specimens. Conclusions Tick density in Tai'an City remains relatively high, necessitating continued efforts to enhance tick surveillance and implement targeted prevention measures in rural environments to further reduce the health risks posed by tick-borne diseases.
5.Small fish making a big difference: beloved star of environmental toxicology research in the current era.
Yang JIANG ; Zhen SU ; Jing ZHENG ; Chih-Hung HSU ; Ye CHEN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(7):613-632
The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model organism in life science owing to its remarkable biological characteristics and wide-ranging applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in research on zebrafish within the field of environmental toxicology, highlighting specific studies where this species was used to investigate various pollutants to elucidate their impacts and underlying mechanisms. The findings of these studies underscore the significant potential of zebrafish as a model to gain crucial insights into the ecological consequences of environmental contamination and toxicity pathways. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), high-throughput screening, and omics approaches, the use of zebrafish as a model organism is poised to significantly accelerate toxicological investigations, promote environmental conservation efforts, contribute to safeguarding human health, and advance sustainable development objectives.
Animals
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Zebrafish
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Ecotoxicology/methods*
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Artificial Intelligence
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Humans
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Models, Animal
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Environmental Pollutants/toxicity*
6.Topical adhesive spatio-temporal nanosystem co-delivering chlorin e6 and HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizic acid for in situ psoriasis chemo-phototherapy.
Lijun SU ; Yixi ZHU ; Xuebo LI ; Di WANG ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Zhen LIU ; Jingjing LI ; Chen ZHANG ; Jinming ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1126-1142
Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained considerable attention as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of psoriasis. Unfortunately, the activation of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) by PDT triggers innate and adaptive immune responses, which exacerbate skin inflammation. Herein, we combined glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a natural anti-inflammatory compound and immunomodulator derived from the herb Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., with PDT actuated by the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) by co-loading them in GA-based lipid nanoparticles coated with a catechol-modified quaternary chitosan salt (GC NPs/QCS-C). GC NPs/QCS-C exhibited high drug loading efficacy, uniform size distribution, an ideal topical adhesive property, enhanced skin retention and penetration in psoriasis-like lesions, and high intracellular uptake in epidermal cells compared with the counterparts. Subsequently, the transdermal administration of GC NPs/QCS-C followed by near-infrared laser radiation in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model significantly ameliorated psoriasis symptoms, promoted the apoptosis of hyperproliferative epidermal cells, and alleviated the inflammatory cascade. The significant therapeutic outcomes of GC NPs/QCS-C were attributed to the synergistic effects of GA and PDT on modulating immune cell recruitment and inhibiting dendritic cell maturation. Our results demonstrated that the topical bio-adhesive nanosystem that combines GA and Ce6 offers a synergistic chemo-phototherapeutic strategy for psoriasis treatment.
7.Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.
Yuanyue ZHU ; Linhui SHEN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Jieli LU ; Min XU ; Yufang BI ; Weiguo HU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):79-89
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans
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Mendelian Randomization Analysis
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Gallstones/complications*
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Female
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Male
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Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data*
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Middle Aged
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Risk Factors
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Aged
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Adult
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Neoplasms/etiology*
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Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*
8.Association of Loneliness and Social Isolation with Ischemic Heart Disease: A Bidirectional and Network Mendelian Randomization Study.
Shu Yao SU ; Wan Yue WANG ; Chen Xi YUAN ; Zhen Nan LIN ; Xiang Feng LU ; Fang Chao LIU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):351-364
OBJECTIVE:
Observational studies have shown inconsistent associations of loneliness or social isolation (SI) with ischemic heart disease (IHD), with unknown mediators.
METHODS:
Using data from genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry, we performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study to estimate causal effects of loneliness ( N = 487,647) and SI traits on IHD ( N = 184,305). SI traits included whether individuals lived alone, participated in various types of social activities, and how often they had contact with friends or family ( N = 459,830 to 461,369). A network MR study was conducted to evaluate the mediating roles of 20 candidate mediators, including metabolic, behavioral and psychological factors.
RESULTS:
Loneliness increased IHD risk ( OR= 2.129; 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.380 to 3.285), mediated by body fat percentage, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For SI traits, only fewer social activities increased IHD risk ( OR= 1.815; 95% CI: 1.189 to 2.772), mediated by hypertension, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and smoking cessation. No reverse causality of IHD with loneliness and SI was found.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggested more attention should be paid to individuals who feel lonely and have fewer social activities to prevent IHD, with several mediators as prioritized targets for intervention.
Loneliness/psychology*
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Humans
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Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Social Isolation
;
Myocardial Ischemia/etiology*
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Genome-Wide Association Study
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Risk Factors
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Aged
9.Design of asymmetric prosthesis and mechanical analysis of total knee arthroplasty
Dejun SU ; Wanpeng DONG ; Yuefu DONG ; Jichao ZHANG ; Zhen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):510-516
BACKGROUND:Total knee arthroplasty serves as an effective intervention for the treatment of late-stage knee joint disorders.However,prosthetic liners are prone to wear and failure due to internal stress variations,resulting in limited lifespan and decreased postoperative patient activity.Addressing how to enhance prosthetic design to meet a broader range of patient needs constitutes a significant focus in prosthesis research. OBJECTIVE:Based on the morphological design of the meniscus,we propose an asymmetric design prosthesis and compare it with a symmetric posterior stabilized prosthesis.The stress distribution patterns and variations in the contact area of the liners for both prostheses were analyzed to explore whether the asymmetric prosthesis design offers advantages over the symmetric design. METHODS:Using the finite element method,we simulated the osteotomy and prosthesis assembly in a knee osteoarthritis patient.Two different prostheses(asymmetric design and posterior stabilized)were employed to establish post-total knee arthroplasty knee joint models.Under flexion conditions at 0°,10°,20°,and 30°,we investigated the Mises stress on the femoral and tibial components as well as the liner.Additionally,by comparing the contact area on the inner and outer sides of the liner,we aimed to explore the changes in biomechanics and alterations in motion behavior in the post-total knee arthroplasty knee joint. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Throughout the flexion range from 0 to 30 degrees,the Mises stress peak on the liner exhibited a trend of initial decrease followed by an increase,with the stress on the medial side consistently surpassing that on the lateral side.(2)In comparison to the posterior stabilized prosthesis,the asymmetrically designed prosthesis demonstrated smaller stress peaks.At a flexion angle of 30 degrees,the Mises stress peak values of the medial and lateral parts of the asymmetric prosthesis were 15.81 MPa and 11.95 MPa,and those of the posterior stabilization prosthesis were 16.70 MPa and 13.76 MPa.The difference of Mises stress on the medial part was 5.33%,and the difference of Mises stress on the lateral part was 13.15%.Comparing the peak Mises stress on the femoral and tibial components,the asymmetric component was always lower than the posterior stable component during knee flexion.(3)In the upright position at 0 degrees,the medial contact area of the posterior stabilization prosthesis was 17.96 mm2,and the lateral contact area was 34.10 mm2.The contact area on the inner and outer sides of the asymmetric design prosthesis liner was 105.47 mm2 and 107.80 mm2,respectively,indicating a larger contact area with a smaller difference between the inner and outer sides.(4)These results suggest that the biomechanical performance of the asymmetric prosthesis is superior,contributing to the maintenance of knee joint stability and improved joint mobility.This design,to a certain extent,mimics the rotational motion mechanism of the knee joint about the medial condyle as an axis,making it a more effective choice for knee joint prosthesis selection.
10.Influence of peripheral alpha 1-adrenergic receptors on the toxicity of dexmedetomidine
Beibei SHI ; Zhen WANG ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Peilan ZHOU ; Ruibin SU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(3):216-223
OBJECTIVE To investigate α1-adrenergic receptors(α1-AR)distribution in mouse tissues and its function on dexmetomidine(DMED)induced toxic effects.METHODS ① Real-time fluorescence quantita-tive PCR was used to detect the relative expression of α1A-AR,α1B-AR,α1D-AR,α2A-AR,α2B-AR and α2C-AR mRNAs in the heart,apical potion of heart,lungs,apical potion of lung,liver,kidneys,abdominal aorta,prefrontal cortex,hippocampus,striatum,brainstem,thalamus,olfactory bulb,and the rest of the brain tissues of the mouse.The relative expression of mRNA were analyzed.② C57BL/6J mice were pretreated with α2 adrenergic receptor antagonist atipamezole ATI(0.005,0.010,0.020,0.025,0.040,0.050 mg·kg-1,im),orα1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)for 15 min,and then DMED(0.20 mg·kg-1,iv)was given to observe the rate of the loss of righting reflex and the immobilization time in mice.③ C57BL/6J mice were treated with DMED(16.38,20.48,25.60,32.00,40.00,and 50.00 mg·kg-1,iv)to observe the lethality of the mice in 24 h.The dose-effect relationship curves of the lethality rate and the half lethal-dose(LD50)were detected.ATI(1,2,4,and 8 mg·kg-1,im)or prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)were pretreated 15 min followed by the administration of DMED(25.60 mg·kg-1,iv).The lethality of the mice were recorded for 24 h.HE staining to observe the lung tissue damage in the mice.RESULTS ① The mRNA expression levels of three α1-AR subtype were higher than those of α2-AR subtype.α2A-AR and α2C-AR were highly expressed in the central nervous system.α2B-AR was highly expressed in the brainstem and peripheral tissues.The mRNA expres-sion levels of α1-AR subtypes were higher than those of α2-AR subtypes in heart,apical potion of heart or lung(P<0.05).② ATI(0.005 to 0.05 mg·kg-1,im)dose dependently antagonized the loss of righting reflex and decreased the immobilization time induced by DMED(0.20 mg·kg-1,iv).In contrast,prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)had no effect on the loss of righting reflex induced by DMED(0.20 mg·kg-1,iv).③ The LD50 of DMED in mice was 26.734 mg·kg-1(iv)with a 95%Cl of 23.606-30.000 mg·kg-1.DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1)was selected for subsequent toxicity.ATI(1,2,4,and 8 mg·kg-1,im)did not antagonize the lethality induced by DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1,iv).The high dose of ATI resulted in elevated death rate and accelerated mortality induced by DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1,iv)in the mice.However,prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)reduced the lethality of DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1,iv)(P<0.01).After administration of DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1),the mice lungs showed significant congestion.HE staining of lung tissues revealed obvious vascular hemorrhage,alveolar rupture,and erythrocyte spillage.Prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)effectively attenuated the tissue damage in the lungs,but ATI(1 mg·kg-1,im)aggravated the pulmonary hemorrhage.CONCLU-SIONS In cardiopulmonary tissues,the high expression levels of α1 adrenoceptor overactivation,might related with the lethality induced by DMED.


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