1.Effect of Gegen Qinliantang on Fecal Short-chain Fatty Acids in Rats with Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea Based on Targeted Metabonomics
Gang SU ; Guangyong YANG ; Xue HAN ; Qiumei TANG ; Weiyi TIAN ; Wenjia WANG ; Ping WANG ; Xiaohua TU ; Guangzhi HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):189-196
ObjectiveTo explore the impact of Gegen Qinliantang(GQT) on the fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) metabolism in antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD) through targeted metabolomics. MethodA total of 240 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=40, half male and half female), including blank group, model group, bifidobiogen group(0.15 g·kg-1), and GQT high-, medium-, and low-dose groups(10.08, 5.04, 2.52 g·kg-1), except for the blank group, clindamycin(250 mg·kg-1) was given to all groups by gavage for modeling every day for 7 d. After successful modeling, each administered group was gavaged with the corresponding dose of the drug, and the blank and model groups were gavaged with an equal volume of normal saline solution, 1 time/d, for 14 d. At 0, 3, 7, 14 d after the drug intervention, eight rats were randomly selected from each group, respectively. Gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(GC-TOF-MS) was used to perform targeted metabolomic analysis of SCFAs in the feces of rats, and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) was applied to compare the differences in metabolic profiles between groups at different treatment times, and to compare the changes in the contents of SCFAs in rat feces between groups. ResultPLS-DA results showed that the blank group could be clearly distinguishable from the model group, with GQT exhibiting a closer proximity to the blank group after 7 d of treatment. After further analyzing the composition of SCFAs, it was found that the proportion of acetic acid increased and the proportions of butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid and isovaleric acid decreased in the model group compared with the blank group. After the treatment with GQT, the proportions of butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid increased, and the proportions of acetic acid, propionic acid and caproic acid decreased. Subsequent differential analysis revealed that GQT could significantly improve the content of butyric acid, and had a certain retrogressive effect on the contents of valeric acid and hexanoic acid. ConclusionThe medium dose group of GQT can improve the contents of SCFAs in AAD feces after 7 days of treatment, which may be related to the improvement of the composition ratio of SCFAs and the contents of butyric acid, valeric acid and caproic acid.
2.Expression and clinical significance of serum lncRNA SNHG16 and SMAD4 in elderly COPD patients with PI
Gongbing TU ; Dianfu ZHANG ; Liping YIN ; Chao HUANG ; Pingjing MAO ; Gang HUANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(2):213-218
Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of serum long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16(lncRNA SNHG16)and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4(SMAD4)in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and pulmonary infection(PI).Methods A total of 237 elderly COPD patients admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were enrolled in the study.Among them,117 patients with concomitant PI were classified as the concur-rent group,and 120 patients without concomitant PI were classified as the COPD group.Real-time fluores-cence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was applied to detect the expression level of serum lncRNA SNHG16 in two groups.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect the lev-el of SMAD4 in patients'serum.Simplified clinical pulmonary infection scale(sCPIS)was used to evaluate the degree of PI of patients in the concurrent group.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the in-fluencing factors of PI in elderly COPD patients.Correlation between serum lncRNA SNHG16,SMAD4 levels and sCPIS in elderly COPD patients with PI was analyzed by using Spearman correlation analysis.Receiver op-erating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum lncRNA SNHG16 and SMAD4 levels in elderly COPD patients with PI.Results The serum relative expression level of lncRNA SNHG16 in the concurrent group was higher than that in the COPD group,but the serum SMAD4 level was lower than that in the COPD group(P<0.05).In addition,the proportions of patients with age≥70 years,smoking history,complicated with diabetes and COPD course≥5 years and the levels of tumor necrosis fac-tor-α(TNF-α),interferon-γ(INF-γ)in the concurrent group were higher than those in the COPD group,and FEV1/FVC and the level of interleukin-10(IL-10)in concurrent group were lower than those in COPD group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that age≥70 years old,complicated with diabetes,COPD course≥5 years,high levels of TNF-α,INF-γ and lncRNA SNHG16 were risk factors for elderly patients with COPD complicated with PI(P<0.05),but high FEV1/FVC and high levels of SMAD4 and IL-10 were protective factors(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum relative expression level of ln-cRNA SNHG16 was positively correlated with sCPIS in COPD patients with PI(r=0.505,P<0.001),while SMAD4 level was negatively correlated with sCPIS(r=-0.550,P<0.001).The area under the curve(AUC)of the combined diagnosis of serum lncRNA SNHG16 and SMAD4 for PI in elderly COPD patients was higher than those of individual diagnosis(Z=2.416,P=0.016;Z=2.375,P=0.018).Conclusion The serum relative expression level of lncRNA SNHG16 increases and SMAD4 level decreases in elderly COPD pa-tients with PI,both are influencing factors for elderly COPD patients complicated with PI,and both are related to the degree of PI in patients,and both have diagnostic value for elderly COPD patients complicated with PI,and the diagnostic efficacy of combined detection is better.
3.Effect of the impaction of posterior wall on the prognosis following open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of acetabular posterior wall
Yufeng GE ; Feng GAO ; Chao TU ; Gang LIU ; Minghui YANG ; Xu SUN ; Zhelun TAN ; Yimin CHEN ; Weidong PENG ; Xinbao WU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(3):188-193
Objective:To evaluate the effect of the impaction of posterior wall on the prognosis following open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of acetabular posterior wall.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data from the 83 patients with fracture of acetabular posterior wall who had been consecutively treated by open reduction and internal fixation at Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on involvement of posterior wall impaction. In the impaction group of 33 cases, there were 26 males and 7 females with an age of (47.4±11.6) years; in the non-impaction group of 50 cases, there were 43 males and 7 females with an age of (41.3±12.0) years. The quality of postoperative fracture reduction, the function of the affected hip at the last follow-up, and the complication rate during follow-up were compared between the 2 groups. Multifactorial binary logistic regression and age subgroups were used to analyze the effects of posterior wall impaction on functional outcomes.Results:The age, rate of associated injuries in other body parts, and rate of posterior wall comminution in the impaction group were significantly higher than those in the non-impaction group ( P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in other general data of patients between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (44.5±13.3) months after surgery. The rate of anatomical reduction in the non-impaction group (96.0%, 48/50) was significantly higher than that in the impaction group (57.6%, 19/33) ( P<0.05), and the good and excellent rate by the modified Merle d'Aubigné & Postel scale at the last follow-up in the non-impaction group (84.0%, 42/50) was significantly higher than that in the impaction group (51.5%, 17/33) ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). After adjusting for age and gender, the difference in hip function was still significantly different between the 2 groups ( OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.79, P=0.020). The effect of posterior wall impaction on functional outcomes was statistically significant in patients aged ≥50 years ( P=0.008), whereas the difference was not statistically significant in patients aged <50 years ( P=0.194). Conclusions:Compared with non-impaction ones, acetabular fractures of posterior wall impaction tend to lead to poorer quality of reduction, which in turn affects the postoperative recovery of hip joint function. The impact of impaction fractures on functional recovery is more significant in patients aged 50 years and above.
4.A comparative study of the anti-fatigue activity of extracts from different parts of Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight
Jianteng Dong ; Junjun Li ; Yizhou Liu ; Lingwen Cui ; Xiangning Liu ; Gang Wang ; Qixin Wang ; David N Criddle ; Pengfei Tu ; Chun Li
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(2):222-231
Objective:
To evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of different extracts from Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight (C. tubulosa, Rou Cong Rong), focusing on central and exercise-induced fatigue in mice. This study investigated the pharmacological effects of the total oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and phenylethanoid glycosides (CPhGs) extracted from C. tubulosa.
Methods:
Models of sleep deprivation and forced swimming fatigue were established to simulate central and exercise-induced fatigue. The mice were treated with different extracts of C. tubulosa, and their effects were assessed using behavioral tests to measure exercise capacity, learning, and memory function. Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the changes in serum and brain neurotransmitter levels, liver and muscle glycogen storage, and various fatigue-related biomarkers.
Results:
This study found that treatment with C. tubulosa extract improved exercise capacity, learning, and memory in mice. Total oligosaccharides from C. tubulosa enhanced adrenocorticotropic hormone, cholinesterase, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, reduced cortisol levels in central fatigue models, and ameliorated biochemical markers of exercise-induced fatigue, including lowering lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen, and malondialdehyde levels. Among the tested extracts, the total oligosaccharides showed the most comprehensive anti-fatigue effects.
Conclusion
The anti-fatigue effects of C. tubulosa, particularly those of its total oligosaccharides, are pronounced in both central and exercise-induced fatigue. These effects are mediated by the regulation of neurotransmitter levels, enhancement of glycogen storage, and improvement of antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in fatigue-related conditions.
5.Analysis of pathological diagnosis in 703 samples of renal graft biopsy
Yuhao TU ; Zhiliang GUO ; Rula SA ; Lan ZHU ; Hui GUO ; Gang CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(5):799-804
Objective To summarize the occurrence of complications in renal graft biopsy,and to analyze the indications for puncture and types of pathological diagnosis.Methods The data of 703 samples of ultrasound-guided renal graft biopsy from 644 kidney transplant recipients from January 1,2017,to December 31,2022 was retrospectively analyzed.The puncture qualification rate,complications,indicative biopsy indications and pathological diagnosis types were analyzed.The application of surveillance biopsy and pathological diagnosis were also analyzed.Results The qualification rate of renal tissue puncture biopsy was 99.9%,and the complications of puncture bleeding included one sample of perinephric hematoma and one sample of hematuria.Increased serum creatinine(76.8%)and proteinuria(13.8%)were the main indications for puncture,and 48 samples(6.8%)were surveillance biopsy for the assessment of therapeutic effects.A total of 399 samples of pathological diagnosis of rejection,including 293 samples of cellular rejection reaction,60 samples of antibody rejection reaction,and 46 samples of mixed rejection reaction.One hundred and ninety-five samples of recurrence or new-onset kidney disease,mainly including 144 samples of IgA nephropathy and 42 samples of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.Fifty-seven samples of infection related kidney disease,including 56 samples of BK virus-associated nephropathy(BKVAN).Thirty-one samples of calcineurin inhibitor(CN1)nephrotoxicity injury,including 15 samples of acute CNI nephrotoxicity injury and 16 samples of chronic CNI nephrotoxicity injury.Forty-five samples for other diagnoses.Conclusions The success rate and safety of renal graft biopsy are high,and at present,cellular rejection reaction is still the main pathological diagnosis of indicative biopsy for renal graft.
6.Correlation between CT imaging-derived hip muscle factors and recovery of independent mobility within 1 year after surgery in older adults with hip fractures
Yufeng GE ; Feng GAO ; Chao TU ; Ling WANG ; Gang LIU ; Wenshuang ZHANG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Minghui YANG ; Xinbao WU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(6):531-538
Objective:To explore the correlation between hip muscle factors measured with CT imaging and recovery of independent mobility within 1 year after surgery in elderly patients with hip fractures.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted on the clinical data of 680 elderly patients with hip fractures admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital of Capital Medical University from November 2018 to December 2019. The patients were assigned to dependent group and assistant group according to whether they regained pre-injury independent mobility within 1 year after surgery. Gender, age, body mass index, personal history, living habits, past diseases, Charlson comorbidity index, laboratory test indicators, fracture types, anesthesia types, surgical methods, rehabilitation training, time from injury to surgery, and hip muscle parameters in both groups were recorded. OsiriX software was employed in the measurement of the hip muscles to measure the muscle area and density of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius/minimus on CT images, and the average values were calculated as hip muscle area and density. Then the variables of hip muscle area and density were converted seperately to gender-normalized Z-scores, and were divided into high-area group ( Z≥0) and low-area group ( Z<0), and high-density group ( Z≥0) and low-density group ( Z<0) respectively. Observable variables were primarily analyzed using univariate analysis between the independent group and assistant group. Those variables with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis or would potentially affect mobility recovery according to previous researches although there were no statistical significance were included in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Three Logistic regression models were designed (Model 1 uncorrected, Model 2 corrected for gender, age and body mass index, Model 3 corrected for variables in Model 2 and other variables included after above-mentioned analysis) to analyze whether muscle parameters were risk factors for recovery of independent mobility. Additionally, generalized estimating equations were used for repeated measurement to analyze the correlation between hip muscle area and recovery of independent mobility after surgery. Results:Compared to the assistant group, the independent group were younger in age, with lower rate of living alone, being housebound, cognitive impairment, and Charlson comorbidity index, lower level of hemoglobin and albumin, higher rate of femoral neck fractures, lower rate of internal fixation, shorter time from injury to surgery, larger hip muscle area, and higher hip muscle density ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, in the fully corrected Model 3, only hip muscle area remained significantly correlated with recovery of independent mobility ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between the high-density group and low-density group ( P>0.05). In the repeated measurement, patients in the high-area group were 1.84 times more likely to restore independent mobility than those in the low-area group ( OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.33, 2.53, P<0.01). Conclusions:Hip muscle area measured with CT imaging is closely correlated to the recovery of independent mobility within 1 year after surgery in elderly patients with hip fractures. Moreover, larger hip muscle area indicates a larger likelihood of recovery of independent mobility.
7.A questionnaire study of kidney transplant recipients' views on xenotransplantation and analysis of influencing factors
Yuhao TU ; Xiangli ZHAO ; Lan ZHU ; Gang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2024;45(7):460-467
Objective:To explore the attitude of kidney transplant (KT) recipients towards xenotransplantation and explore its related influencing factors to provide auxiliary references for the clinical research of xenotransplantation in China.Methods:The questionnaire data of "Attitude survey of KT recipients towards xenotransplantation" were collected from 194 KT recipients followed up at Organ Transplant Center of Affiliated Tongji Hospital. Nonparametric tests were utilized for comparing score differences and χ2 tests for comparing responses to specific questions. Variables with statistical significance in non-parametric test were included into multifactor linear regression analysis for exploring the influencing factors of recipients' attitudes towards xenotransplantation. Results:KT recipients had a higher score (75 points) on attitude scale of xenotransplantation. "Cognitive preference" dimension scored the highest (85 points); "Fear of risk" dimension scored lowest (50 points). The results of univariate analysis indicated that gender ( P=0.020), medical background ( P=0.006) and knowledge of clinical trial cases ( P<0.001) were the influencing factors of score of cognitive preference. Educational background ( P=0.029) was the factor affecting the score of "risk concern" dimension. Age ( P=0.028) and knowledge of clinical trial cases ( P=0.001) were the factors influencing the score of "psychosocial" dimension. Whether medical background ( P=0.018) and knowledge of clinical trial cases ( P=0.008) were the factors influencing the score of "efficacy expectation" dimension; Gender ( P=0.010), medical background ( P=0.018) and knowledge of clinical trial cases ( P=0.008) were the factors influencing total score. The results of multi-factor analysis revealed that gender ( B=-0.821, 95% CI: -1.419~0.223, P=0.007), medical background ( B=0.938, 95% CI: 0.097~1.779, P=0.029) and knowledge of clinical trials of xenotransplantation in the United States ( B=1.498, 95% CI: 0.887~2.110, P<0.001) was the influencing factor of cognitive preference. Educational background (B=-0.693, 95% CI: -1.353~-0.034, P=0.040) was the influencing factor of score on "risk concern" dimension. Knowledge of clinical trials of xenotransplantation in the United States ( B=1.075, 95% CI: 0.418~1.731, P=0.001) was an influencing factor of score on "social psychological" dimension; Knowledge of clinical trials of xenotransplantation in the United States ( B=0.710, 95% CI: 0.063~1.358, P=0.032) was an influencing factor of score on "efficacy expectation" dimension; Gender ( B=-2.259, 95% CI: -4.094~-0.423, P=0.016), medical background ( B=2.799, 95% CI: 0.219~5.378, P=0.034) and knowledge of clinical trials of xenotransplantation in the United States ( B=3.237, 95% CI: 1.360~5.114, P=0.001) were the influencing factors of total score. Conclusions:KT recipients have a higher awareness rate of xenotransplantation and a better acceptance of xenotransplantation in general. Those males with medical background and knowing clinical cases of xenotransplantation demonstrate a better attitude towards xenotransplantation. More concerned about the risk of infection, respondents expect heterologous pig kidneys to achieve the same long-term survival as allogeneic kidneys.
8.Preliminary clinical exploration of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody in the treatment of late antibody-mediated rejection after kidney transplantation
Zhiliang GUO ; Rula SA ; Daqiang ZHAO ; Hui GUO ; Guangyuan ZHAO ; Yuhao TU ; Songxia LI ; Lan ZHU ; Gang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2024;45(9):622-627
Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of daratumumab in late antibody-mediated rejection (late AMR) after kidney transplantation (KT).Methods:From December 2020 to December 2021, the relevant clinical data were reviewed for 8 patients with late AMR after receiving daratumumab at Affiliated Tongji Hospital. In intensive phase, the combination of plasma exchange (PP)/intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and daratumumab were dosed once a week; in maintenance phase, once every 2 to 4 weeks. The levels of donor-specific antibody (DSA) and renal function were compared pre-treatment and Month 3/12 post-treatment. The treatment-related toxicities were observed. Independent sample T test was utilized for inter-group comparison.Results:The median treatment course during intensive period was 9(4-17) sessions. Maintenance treatment lasted for 5 to 19 months and 2 cases withdrew after 5 to 6 treatments for achieving antibody clearance. A total of 11 DSAs were detected in 8 recipients. At Month 3/12, mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of DSA was 6 016±4 775 and 6 438±3 668. Both were significantly lower than 11 944±5 237 pre-treatment and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.012, 0.004). Seven recipients achieved stable renal function during treatment and one recipient resumed hemodialysis at Month 18 due to acute rejection. Glomerular filtration rate of 7 recipients was (40.6±20.1), (53.6±20.9) and (49.0±17.2) ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1 pre-treatment and Month 3/12 and no significant differences existed among different timepoints. During follow-ups, 2 cases developed mild nasal congestion during an early stage of daratumumab infusion while the remainders had no obvious discomfort during infusion and tolerance was decent. Conclusion:Early combination of daratumumab with PP/IVIG, followed by a course of daratumumab has demonstrated an excellent antibody reduction effect on late AMR. During treatment, renal function remains generally stable.
9.To compare the efficacy and incidence of severe hematological adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia.
Xiao Shuai ZHANG ; Bing Cheng LIU ; Xin DU ; Yan Li ZHANG ; Na XU ; Xiao Li LIU ; Wei Ming LI ; Hai LIN ; Rong LIANG ; Chun Yan CHEN ; Jian HUANG ; Yun Fan YANG ; Huan Ling ZHU ; Ling PAN ; Xiao Dong WANG ; Gui Hui LI ; Zhuo Gang LIU ; Yan Qing ZHANG ; Zhen Fang LIU ; Jian Da HU ; Chun Shui LIU ; Fei LI ; Wei YANG ; Li MENG ; Yan Qiu HAN ; Li E LIN ; Zhen Yu ZHAO ; Chuan Qing TU ; Cai Feng ZHENG ; Yan Liang BAI ; Ze Ping ZHOU ; Su Ning CHEN ; Hui Ying QIU ; Li Jie YANG ; Xiu Li SUN ; Hui SUN ; Li ZHOU ; Ze Lin LIU ; Dan Yu WANG ; Jian Xin GUO ; Li Ping PANG ; Qing Shu ZENG ; Xiao Hui SUO ; Wei Hua ZHANG ; Yuan Jun ZHENG ; Qian JIANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2023;44(9):728-736
Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.
Adult
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Humans
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Adolescent
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Imatinib Mesylate/adverse effects*
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Incidence
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Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects*
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Retrospective Studies
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Pyrimidines/adverse effects*
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Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy*
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Treatment Outcome
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Benzamides/adverse effects*
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Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase/drug therapy*
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Aminopyridines/therapeutic use*
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
10.Effects and mechanisms of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot in inhibiting podocyte necroptosis and renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease.
Jia-Xin CHEN ; Qi-Jun FANG ; Yi-Gang WAN ; Ying-Lu LIU ; Yu WANG ; Wei WU ; Yue TU ; Mei-Zi WANG ; Dian-Guang WANG ; Hai-Tao GE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(15):4137-4146
Previous studies have shown that high blood glucose-induced chronic microinflammation can cause inflammatory podocyte injury in patients with diabetic kidney disease(DKD). Therein, necroptosis is a new form of podocyte death that is closely associated with renal fibrosis(RF). To explore the effects and mechanisms in vivo of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA), an extract from traditional Chinese herbal medicine Abelmoschus manihot for treating kidney diseases, on podocyte necroptosis and RF in DKD, and to further reveal its scientific connotation with multi-pathway and multi-target, the authors randomly divided all rats into four groups: a namely normal group, a model group, a TFA group and a rapamycin(RAP) group. After the modified DKD rat models were successfully established, four group rats were given double-distilled water, TFA suspension and RAP suspension, respectively by gavage every day. At the end of the 4th week of drug treatment, all rats were sacrificed, and the samples of their urine, blood and kidneys were collected. And then, the various indicators related to podocyte necroptosis and RF in the DKD model rats were observed, detected and analyzed, respectively. The results indicated that, general condition, body weight(BW), serum creatinine(Scr), urinary albumin(UAlb), and kidney hypertrophy index(KHI) in these modified DKD model rats were both improved by TFA and RAP. Indicators of RF, including glomerular histomorphological characteristics, fibronectin(FN) and collagen type Ⅰ(collagen Ⅰ) staining extent in glomeruli, as well as the protein expression levels of FN, collagen Ⅰ, transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and Smad2/3 in the kidneys were improved respectively by TFA and RAP. Podocyte damage, including foot process form and the protein expression levels of podocin and CD2AP in the kidneys was improved by TFA and RAP. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)-mediated podocyte necroptosis in the kidneys, including the morphological characteristics of podocyte necroptosis, the extent and levels of the protein expression of TNF-α and phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase(p-MLKL) was improved respectively by TFA and RAP. Among them, RAP had the better effect on p-MLKL. More importantly, the activation of the receptor interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1(RIPK1)/RIPK3/MLKL signaling axis in the kidneys, including the expression levels of its key signaling molecules, such as phosphorylated receptor interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1(p-RIPK1), p-RIPK3, p-MLKL and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-8(caspase-8) was improved respectively by TFA and RAP. Among them, the effect of TFA on p-RIPK1 was superior. On the whole, in this study, the authors demonstrated that TFA alleviates podocyte necroptosis and RF in DKD through inhibiting the activation of the TNF-α-mediated RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling axis in diabetic kidneys. The authors' findings provide new pharmacological evidence to reveal the scientific connotation of TFA in treating RF in DKD in more depth.
Humans
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Rats
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Animals
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Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy*
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Abelmoschus
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Flavones/pharmacology*
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Podocytes
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Necroptosis
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Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
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Fibrosis
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Threonine/pharmacology*
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Collagen/metabolism*
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Serine/pharmacology*
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Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy*


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