1.PDGF-C: an Emerging Target in The Treatment of Organ Fibrosis
Chao YANG ; Zi-Yi SONG ; Chang-Xin WANG ; Yuan-Yuan KUANG ; Yi-Jing CHENG ; Ke-Xin REN ; Xue LI ; Yan LIN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1059-1069
Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.
2.Risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Junjun WANG ; Shuai TONG ; Ruyi LEI ; Xinya JIA ; Xiaodong SONG ; Tangjuan ZHANG ; Hong WANG ; Yan ZHOU ; Renjie LI ; Xingqiang ZHU ; Chujun YANG ; Chao LAN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(2):215-221
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), and to explore the risk factors leading to poor prognosis.Methods:The clinical data of 95 patients with ECPR admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the survival status at the time of discharge, the patients were divided into the survival group and death group. The difference of clinical data between the two groups was compared to explore the risk factors related to death and poor prognosis. Risk factors associated with death were identified by Binary Logistic regression analysis. Results:A total of 95 patients with ECPR were included in this study, 62 (65.3%) died and 33 (34.7%) survived at discharge. Patients in the death group had longer low blood flow time [40 (30, 52.5) min vs. 30 (24.5, 40) min ] and total cardiac arrest time[40 (30, 52.5) min vs. 30(24.5, 40) min], shorter total hospital stay [3 (2, 7.25) d vs. 19 (13.5, 31) d] and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) assisted time [26.5 (17, 50) h vs. 62 (44, 80.5) h], and more IHCA patients (56.5% vs. 33.3%) and less had spontaneous rhythm recovery before ECMO (37.1% vs. 84.8%). Initial lactate value [(14.008 ± 5.188) mmol/L vs.(11.23 ± 4.718) mmol/L], APACHEⅡ score [(30.10 ± 7.45) vs. (25.88 ± 7.68)] and SOFA score [12 (10.75, 16) vs. 10 (9.5, 13)] were higher ( P< 0.05). Conclusions:No spontaneous rhythm recovery before ECMO, high initial lactic acid and high SOFA score are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in ECPR patients.
3.Reliability and validity of My Jump 2 application to measure lower limb vertical stiffness of college students
Weijun SONG ; Xinyu MAO ; Chao CHEN ; Zhihai WANG ; Kaiyuan QU ; Mingming YANG ; Dan WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(2):172-176
BACKGROUND:Confirming the reliability and validity of the My jump 2 application for measuring lower limb vertical stiffness may offer the possibility of it as an alternative to the Kistler three-dimensional force platform for measuring lower limb stiffness. OBJECTIVE:To verify the reliability and validity of the My Jump 2 application in measuring lower limb vertical stiffness of college students. METHODS:The drop jump data of the participants were collected through the Kistler three-dimensional force platform and the My Jump 2 application,and the vertical stiffness of the participants'lower limb vertical stiffness was calculated.The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data measured by the My Jump 2 application and the Kistler three-dimensional force platform,attempting to verify the reliability of the My Jump 2 application.The bias and average between the two devices were drawn into a Bland-Altman diagram to verify the consistency between the two test methods.Finally,the test-retest reliability of the My Jump 2 applications at 30 cm and 40 cm was analyzed using the Cronbach's alpha(α)and coefficient of variation.Pearson product-moment correlation was used to analyze the correlation of My Jump 2 applications. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:My Jump 2 application has high reliability and validity when measuring the vertical stiffness of the lower limb.At the same time,due to its advantages of low cost,convenient portability and field testing for large samples,it can be used as an alternative to the Kistler three-dimensional force platform to test the vertical stiffness of the lower limb in college students and similar populations.
4.Prediction of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture based on comprehensive index of lumbar vertebral bone strength
Wensheng ZHANG ; Zhenjie SONG ; Chunfei WU ; Wenchao LI ; Hongjiang LIU ; Xiaoguang YANG ; Chao YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(18):2871-2875
BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture is a common fracture secondary to osteoporosis.At present,there is no effective prediction index and method for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the predictive effect of the comprehensive index of lumbar vertebral body bone strength on osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. METHODS:233 patients with osteoporosis were divided into a fracture group and a non-fracture group according to whether a vertebral fracture occurred.The demography,body mass index,vertebral bone mineral density and other details were collected.Lateral X-ray films of the lumbar spine were photographed.The vertebral body width,vertebral body length,sacral slope,pelvic tilt,pelvic incidence,lumbar compressive strength index and the lumbar impact strength index were measured,calculated,and analyzed by univariate and multivariate,and the receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed.The survival analysis was conducted according to the cut-off value. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All patients were followed up for 2-4 years,with an average of 3.1 years.During the follow-up period,99 cases(38 cases of L1 vertebral body,61 cases of L2 vertebral body)had fractures(fracture group),and 134 cases(52 cases of L1 vertebral body,82 cases of L2 vertebral body)had no fractures(non-fracture group).Univariate analysis showed that there was no significant difference in age,sex,height,body mass,body mass index and fracture segment between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)Lumbar compressive strength index and lumbar impact strength index in the fracture group were lower than those in the non-fracture group(P<0.05).Pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt in the fracture group were higher than those in the non-fracture group(P<0.05).(3)Multivariate analysis showed that lumbar compressive strength index,lumbar impact strength index and pelvic tilt were risk factors for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(P<0.05).(4)Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff values of vertebral bone mineral density,lumbar compressive strength index,lumbar impact strength index,pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence were 0.913 5 g/cm2,1.932,0.903,21.5° and 55°,respectively;areas under the curve were 0.630,0.800,0.911,0.633 and 0.568,respectively.(5)According to the survival analysis(with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture as the end point),the average survival time of the patients with lumbar impact strength index≥0.903 was significantly longer than that of the patients with lumbar impact strength index<0.903(P<0.05).(6)These findings conclude that the comprehensive index of lumbar vertebral body bone strength is more accurate than the bone mineral density of the vertebral body and spine-pelvis sagittal parameters in predicting osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,which is helpful for early prevention and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
5.Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture predicted by functional cross-sectional area of paravertebral muscles
Wensheng ZHANG ; Zhenjie SONG ; Haiwei GUO ; Chunfei WU ; Handi YANG ; Ying LI ; Wenchao LI ; Hongjiang LIU ; Xiaoguang YANG ; Chao YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;33(33):5315-5319
BACKGROUND:Osteoporosis vertebral compression fracture is a common fracture secondary to osteoporosis,and there is currently a lack of effective predictive indicators and methods for osteoporosis vertebral compression fracture. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the predictive effects of paravertebral muscle degeneration,functional cross-sectional area,and percentage of fat infiltration on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. METHODS:The 224 patients with osteoporosis diagnosed from January 2018 to June 2022 were included.They were followed up for more than 2 years.They were divided into fracture group and non-fracture group according to the presence and absence of vertebral fracture.The detailed information of demographics,body mass index,bone mineral density and so on were collected.The functional cross-sectional area and percentage of fat infiltration of bilateral Psoas major muscle and extensor dorsi(Erector spinae muscles muscle and multifidus muscle)at the level of lower endplate of L2 vertebral body were measured and calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)224 patients were ultimately included,of which 126 had fractures as the fracture group and 98 had no fractures as the non-fracture group.There was no statistically significant difference in age,gender,height,body mass,body mass index,and fracture segment between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)The bone mineral density of the fracture group was significantly lower than that of the non-fracture group(P<0.05).Functional cross-sectional areas of Psoas major muscle and extensor dorsi in the fracture group were significantly lower than those in the non-fracture group(P<0.05).The percentage of fat infiltration of the extensor dorsi in the fracture group was significantly higher than that in the non-fracture group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in percentage of fat infiltration of Psoas major muscle between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the vertebral bone mineral density,percentage of fat infiltration of extensor dorsi,functional cross-sectional area of extensor dorsi and percentage of fat infiltration of Psoas major muscle were 0.903 g/cm2,35.426%,418.875 mm2,and 6.375%,respectively.The areas under curve were 0.634,0.755,0.876,and 0.585,respectively.(4)These findings indicate that paravertebral muscle degeneration is strongly associated with the occurrence of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.The functional cross-sectional area of extensor dorsi muscle can effectively predict the occurrence of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,which is helpful for early prevention and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
6.Mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma-Coptidis Rhizoma Improving Liver Insulin Resistance in db/db Mice by Regulating AMPK/ULK1/Beclin1 Pathway
Hongzhang ZHAO ; Min BAI ; Zhandong WANG ; Bing SONG ; Chao GUO ; Xinhong LIU ; Qiong WANG ; Runze YANG ; Yongfeng WANG ; Yanying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):9-16
ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the effect of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma-Coptidis Rhizoma on reducing insulin resistance in db/db mice by regulating the adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1)/key molecule of autophagy, benzyl chloride 1 (Beclin1) pathway and elucidate the underlying mechanism. MethodSixty 6-week-old male db/db mice were studied. They were randomly divided into the model group, metformin group (0.26 g·kg-1), and low-, middle-, and high-dose groups (2.25, 4.5, 9 g·kg-1) of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma-Coptidis Rhizoma. A blank group of db/m mice of the same age was set, with 12 mice in each group. After eight weeks of continuous intragastric administration, the blank group and model group received distilled water intragastrically once a day. The survival status of the mice was observed, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured using a Roche blood glucose device. Fasting serum insulin (FINS) was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver of the mice. The protein expression levels of AMPK, Beclin1, autophagy associated protein 5 (Atg5), and p62 in liver tissue were determined by using Western blot. The protein expression levels of autophagy associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) and ULK1 in liver tissue were determined using immunofluorescence. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to measure mRNA expression levels of AMPK, Beclin1, Atg5, ULK1, and p62. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significant increase in body mass (P<0.01). Additionally, the levels of FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR significantly changed (P<0.01). The structure of liver cells was disordered. The protein expression levels of AMPK, Beclin1, and Atg5 in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the expression level of p62 protein was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of mRNA and proteins were consistent. Compared with the model group, the body mass of the metformin group and high and medium-dose groups of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma-Coptidis Rhizoma was significantly decreased (P<0.05). FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). After treatment, the liver structure damage in each group was alleviated to varying degrees. The protein expressions of AMPK, Beclin1, Atg5, LC3B, and ULK1 were increased (P<0.05,P<0.01), while the protein expression of p62 was decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of mRNA and proteins were generally consistent. ConclusionThe combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma-Coptidis Rhizoma can effectively improve liver insulin resistance, regulate the AMPK autophagy signaling pathway, alleviate insulin resistance in db/db mice, and effectively prevent the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes.
7.Research progress on the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in renal interstitial fibrosis based on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Xue LI ; Yunlong ZHANG ; Ziyi SONG ; Zhujiang ZHANG ; Chao YANG ; Tianjiao REN ; Linzhen JIA
China Pharmacy 2024;35(14):1795-1800
Renal interstitial fibrosis(RIF) is the main pathological manifestation of chronic kidney disease. Due to the complexity of the mechanism, there is no specific treatment for RIF in clinical practice. The abnormal activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signaling pathway and the activation of downstream target genes are key drivers of RIF induction and progression. Traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristics of precise efficacy and minimal toxic side effects, and the occurrence and development of RIF can be regulated by multiple targets and mutual coordination. This review focuses on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and summarizes the potential targets and regulatory mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of RIF. It is found that various effective ingredients (such as sinomenine, mangiferin, coumarin derivates from Hydrangea paniculata, etc.) and formulas (such as Fushengong decoction, Qi-Bang-Yi-Shen formula, etc.) of traditional Chinese medicine can inhibit fibroblast proliferation, improve inflammation and oxidative stress, maintain mitochondrial stability, and slow down ferroptosis through this pathway, thereby delaying the occurrence and progression of RIF.
8.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine (version 2024)
Xiao CHEN ; Hao ZHANG ; Man WANG ; Guangchao WANG ; Jin CUI ; Wencai ZHANG ; Fengjin ZHOU ; Qiang YANG ; Guohui LIU ; Zhongmin SHI ; Lili YANG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Guixin SUN ; Biao CHENG ; Ming CAI ; Haodong LIN ; Hongxing SHEN ; Hao SHEN ; Yunfei ZHANG ; Fuxin WEI ; Feng NIU ; Chao FANG ; Huiwen CHEN ; Shaojun SONG ; Yong WANG ; Jun LIN ; Yuhai MA ; Wei CHEN ; Nan CHEN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Xin WANG ; Aiyuan WANG ; Zhen GENG ; Kainan LI ; Dongliang WANG ; Fanfu FANG ; Jiacan SU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(3):193-205
Osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture (OPHF) is one of the common osteoporotic fractures in the aged, with an incidence only lower than vertebral compression fracture, hip fracture, and distal radius fracture. OPHF, secondary to osteoporosis and characterized by poor bone quality, comminuted fracture pattern, slow healing, and severely impaired shoulder joint function, poses a big challenge to the current clinical diagnosis and treatment. In the field of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of OPHF, traditional Chinese and Western medicine have accumulated rich experience and evidence from evidence-based medicine and achieved favorable outcomes. However, there is still a lack of guidance from a relevant consensus as to how to integrate the advantages of the two medical systems and achieve the integrated diagnosis and treatment. To promote the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, relevant experts from Orthopedic Expert Committee of Geriatric Branch of Chinese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Youth Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Surgeon Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Osteoporosis Committee of Shanghai Association of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine have been organized to formulate Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine ( version 2024) by searching related literatures and based on the evidences from evidence-based medicine. This consensus consists of 13 recommendations about the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, aimed at standardizing, systematizing, and personalizing the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinse and Western medicine to improve the patients ′ function.
9.Individualized Pharmaceutical Care for Digoxin Poisoning in Patient with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Xiaojuan YANG ; Lan WANG ; Shubin CUI ; Zhaoshuai JI ; Qiantai MAO ; Weiwei SONG ; Chao AI
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(8):1321-1325
Objective To introduces drug treatment and individualized pharmaceutical care for a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy digoxin poisoning and provides ideas for pharmaceutical care.Methods The pharmacist used therapeutic drug management to analyze the course of drug treatment before and after hospitalization,combined with therapeutic drug monitoring and drug-gene detection,to analyze the causes of poisoning in digoxin from the perspectives of underlying diseases,polymor-phism,drug dosage,combination of drugs,physiological and other pathological factors,and to assist in clinical drug reformula-tion and optimization of drug treatment regimens.Results The clinician accepted the clinical pharmacist's suggestion.The pa-tient had a good prognosis,and digoxin poisoning did not occur in the later period.Conclusion This case provides a feasible treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy and other patients with digoxin intoxication;it can be used as a reference for the prevention and treatment of digoxin poisoning and provide a new direction for the development of hospital pharmaceutical care and pharma-ceutical professionals.
10.Effects of tramadol hydrochloride preemptive analgesia in kyphoplasty of thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures un-der local anesthesia
Guo-Qing LI ; Hua-Guo ZHAO ; Shao-Hua SUN ; Wei-Hu MA ; Hao-Jie LI ; Yang WANG ; Lian-Song LU ; Chao-Yue RUAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(6):560-564
Objective To explore preemptive analgesic effect of preoperative intramural tramadol injection in percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)of vertebrae following local anesthesia.Methods From August 2019 to June 2021,118 patients with thora-co lumbar osteoporotic fractures were treated and divided into observation group and control group,with 59 patients in each gruop.In observation group,there were 26 males and 33 females,aged from 57 to 80 years old with an average of(67.69±4.75)years old;14 patients on T11,12 patients on T12,18 patients on L1,15 patients on L2;tramadol with 100 mg was injected intramuscularly half an hour before surgery in observation group.In control group,there were 24 males and 35 females,aged from 55 to 77 years old with an average of(68.00±4.43)years old;19 patients on T11,11 patients on T12,17patients on L1,12 patients on L2;the same amount of normal saline was injected intramuscularly in control group.Observation indicators included operation time,intraoperative bleeding,visual analogue scale(VAS)evaluation and recording of preoperative(T0),intraoper-ative puncture(T1),and working cannula placement(T2)between two groups of patients,at the time of balloon dilation(T3),when the bone cement was injected into the vertebral body(T4),2 hours after the operation(T5),and the pain degree at the time of discharge(T6);adverse reactions such as dizziness,nausea and vomiting were observed and recorded;the record the patient's acceptance of repeat PKP surgery.Results All patients were successfully completed PKP via bilateral pedicle ap-proach,and no intravenous sedative and analgesic drugs were used during the operation.There was no significant difference in preoperative general data and VAS(T0)between two groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05).VAS of T1,T2,T3,T4 and T5 in observation group were all lower than those in control group(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in T6 VAS(P>0.05).T6 VAS between two groups were significantly lower than those of T0,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no signifi-cant difference in incidence of total adverse reactions between two groups(P>0.05).There was a statistically significant differ-ence in the acceptance of repeat PKP surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion Half an hour before operation,intramuscular injection of tramadol has a clear preemptive analgesic effect for PKP of single-segment thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture vertebral body under local anesthesia,which could increase the comfort of patients during operation and 2 hours after operation,and improve patients satisfaction with surgery.

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