1.Risk factors and assisted reproductive outcomes in infertility patients with concomitant endometrial polyps
Wen WEN ; Xiaojuan TU ; Yongyi MA ; Yuyan LI ; Chengfang JIANG ; Wei HE
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(8):886-893
Objective To investigate the high risk factors of endometrial polyps (EPs)in infertile patients and its impact on the pregnancy outcome after embryo transfer.Methods A case-control trail was conducted on the infertility patients who undergoing embryo transfer in our hospital for the first time after hysteroscopy from January 2016 to December 2022.Their clinical data were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Univariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for EPs,and the impact of polyps on the pregnancy outcomes of assisted reproductive pregnancy was analyzed with propensity score matching (PSM)at a 1:2 ratio.Results A total of 388 patients diagnosed with Eps and undergoing hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy were assigned into the Eps group,and 2163 non-polyp patients were into the non-Eps group.Univariate analysis showed statistical differences were observed in age[31 (29,34)vs 31 (28,33),P=0.002],history of pelvic inflammatory disease (42.78%vs 64.17%,P=0.000),age at menarche[14 (12,14)vs 13 (12,14)years old,P=0.000],number of pregnancies[0 (0,1 )vs 1 (0,2),P=0.000],primary infertility (60.30%vs 50.20%,P=0.000),duration of infertility[4 (2.1,6.0)vs 4 (2.0,6.0)years,P=0.002],concomitant endometriosis (9.53% vs 6.52%,P=0.032),concomitant uterine fibroids (11 .85%vs 6.93%,P=0.001 ),and basal estrogen level[38.12 (27.00,59.00)vs 36.00 (25.00,53.00)μg/L,P=0.016]between the 2 groups.Logistic stepwise regression analysis indicated that age (OR=1 .082,95%CI:1 .053~1 .113,P<0.05 ),primary infertility (OR=2.951,95%CI:1 .990~4.376,P<0.05),and elevated basal estrogen (OR=1 .003,95%CI:1 .001~1 .005,P<0.05)were risk factors for Eps.The postoperative biochemical pregnancy rate (59.28%vs 52.70%),clinical pregnancy rate (53.09%vs 45.48%),and live birth rate (43.81%vs 35.82%)were significantly higher in the matched Eps group than the non-Eps group (P<0.05 ).No statistical difference was observed in pregnancy outcome in the patients with different polyp locations and sizes.The patients with multiple polyps had an obvious higher rate of early miscarriage than those with single polyp (17.27% vs 7.29%,P<0.05 ),while those with recurrent polyps also had a higher rate of early miscarriage than those with primary polyps (27.78%vs 11.23%,P<0.05).Conclusion Age,primary infertility,and elevated basal estrogen are risk factors for Eps in infertility patients,while hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy prior to embryo transfer results in improved pregnancy outcomes in those with Eps.The location and size of endometrial polyps have weak impact on pregnancy outcomes following embryo transfer,but,the presence of multiple or recurrent polyps may elevate the risk of early miscarriage.
2.IL-17D improves cytotoxic function of CD93+CTL in lung tumor micro-environment and promotion of Platycodon grandiflorum
Wenyue YANG ; Qingguo ZHANG ; Shan ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Li WANG ; Chengfang YAO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(5):925-930,938
Objective:To investigate mechanisms of IL-17D on cytotoxic function of CD93+CTL in lung tumor microenviron-ment(TME)and promotion of Platycodon grandiflorum(PG).Methods:Lung of B16 melanoma model mice and control mice were treated with PG or IL-17D,and lung tumor clone formation was observed.IL-17D expression change in lung was detected by single cell sequencing,immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.Single cell sequencing and flow cytometry were used to detect CD93+CTL content,cytotoxic phenotype and functional factors changes,including CD107a,perforin,granzyme B,chemokine CCL2,CXCL9 and their ligand CCR2 and CXCR3.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect effect of Platycodonopsis saponin D on IL-17D and its transcriptional regulator NRF2 expressions in EL4 cells.Results:Pulmonary CD93+CTL highly expressed cytotoxic effectors such as perforin and CD107a and chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR2 than CD93-CTL,while there was no significant difference in secretion of granzyme B.In mouse lung tumor model,pulmonary IL-17D and CD93+CTL were significantly decreased(P<0.001);in tumor-bearing mice after IL-17D backfill assay,or after 10 days of treatment with PG,proportion and absolute number of IL-17D and CD93+CTL in lungs were significantly increased(P<0.05),and tumor clones were significantly reduced;meanwhile,tumor-local expressions of cytokines CCL2,CXCL9,which are related to recruitment and function of CD93+CTL,and IL-17D were significantly upregulated.Up-regulation of IL-17D and its transcriptional regulator NRF2 by PG was verified in vitro experiments on EL4 cell line by PD.Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine PG and its extracts can up-regulate expression of IL-17D in lungs,improve infiltration and cytotoxic function of CD93+CTL and antagonize malignant progression of lung tumors,this is an important phar-macological mechanism of PG in improving immune TME of tumors in lung.
3.Nomogram analysis of risk factors for diabetic neuropathy in primary type 2 diabetic mellitus patients in Zhejiang Province
Shuiya SUN ; Weiwei GUI ; Chengfang JIA ; Qianqian PAN ; Xihua LIN ; Fenping ZHENG ; Hong LI
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2023;62(2):169-175
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in primary type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and to quantitatively analyze the risk of DN by nomogram modeling.Methods:A total of 1 588 primary T2DM patients from 17 townships and streets in Zhejiang Province were enrolled from June 2018 to August 2018 in this cross-sectional study, with an average age of (56.8±10.1) years (50.06% male) and a mean disease duration of 9 years. The clinical data, biochemical test results, and fundus photographs of all T2DM patients were collected, and logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of DN. Then, a nomogram model was used to quantitatively analyze the risk of DN.Results:DN occurred in 27.71% (440/1 588 cases) primary type 2 diabetes patients. Hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c) ( OR=1.159, 95% CI 1.039-1.292), systolic blood pressure ( OR=1.041, 95% CI 1.031-1.051), serum creatinine (Scr) ( OR=1.011, 95% CI 1.004-1.017), serum globulin (GLOB) ( OR=1.072, 95% CI 1.039-1.105), diabetic retinopathy (DR) ( OR=1.463, 95% CI 1.073-1.996), education level of more than junior high school ( OR=2.018, 95% CI 1.466-2.777), and moderate-intensity exercise ( OR=0.751, 95% CI 0.586-0.961) were influencing factors of DN. Nomogram model analysis showed that the total score of each factor of DN ranged from 64-138 points, and the corresponding risk rate ranged from 0.1-0.9. The nomogram model also predicted a C-index value of 0.753 (95% CI 0.726-0.781) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of DN of 0.753. Internal verification of the C-index reached 0.738. The model displayed medium predictive power and could be applied in clinical practice. Conclusions:HbA 1c, systolic blood pressure, Scr, GLOB, DR, and more than a junior high school education are independent risk factors of DN. Nomogram modeling can more intuitively evaluate the risk of DN in primary T2DM patients.
4.Melatonin alleviates alcoholic liver disease via EGFR-BRG1-TERT axis regulation.
Zhaodi CHE ; Yali SONG ; Chengfang XU ; Wei LI ; Zhiyong DONG ; Cunchuan WANG ; Yixing REN ; Kwok-Fai SO ; George L TIPOE ; Fei WANG ; Jia XIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(1):100-112
Chronic alcohol consumption causes liver steatosis, cell death, and inflammation. Melatonin (MLT) is reported to alleviate alcoholic liver disease (ALD)-induced injury. However, its direct regulating targets in hepatocytes are not fully understood. In the current study, a cell-based screening model and a chronic ethanol-fed mice ALD model were used to test the protective mechanisms of MLT. MLT ameliorated ethanol-induced hepatocyte injury in both cell and animal models (optimal doses of 10 μmol/L and 5 mg/kg, respectively), including lowered liver steatosis, cell death, and inflammation. RNA-seq analysis and loss-of-function studies in AML-12 cells revealed that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) was a key downstream effector of MLT. Biophysical assay found that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the hepatocyte surface was a direct binding and regulating target of MLT. Liver specific knock-down of Tert or Egfr in the ALD mice model impaired MLT-mediated liver protection, partly through the regulation of nuclear brahma-related gene-1 (BRG1). Long-term administration (90 days) of MLT in healthy mice did not cause evident adverse effect. In conclusion, MLT is an efficacious and safe agent for ALD alleviation. Its direct regulating target in hepatocytes is EGFR and downstream BRG1-TERT axis. MLT might be used as a complimentary agent for alcoholics.
5.Effect of intensive blood pressure control after successful endovascular therapy on outcomes in patients with anterior circulation stroke: a multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomized controlled trial
Chengfang LIU ; Qiwen DENG ; Hongchao SHI ; Feng ZHOU ; Yukai LIU ; Meng WANG ; Qiaoyu ZHANG ; Bingqi ZHANG ; Min LI ; Lei PING ; Tao WANG ; Haicun SHI ; Wei WANG ; Jiankang HOU ; Shi HUANG ; Jinfeng LYU ; Rui SHEN ; Yingdong ZHANG ; Junshan ZHOU
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2023;31(6):401-408
Objective:To compare the effects of intensive and standard blood pressure control on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation who have successfully recanalized after endovascular therapy (EVT).Methods:A multicenter, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomized controlled design was used. Patients with anterior circulation stroke received EVT and successfully recanalized in Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University and several branch hospitals from July 2020 to October 2022 were prospectively included. They were randomly divided into the intensive blood pressure control group (target systolic blood pressure [SBP] 100-120 mmHg) or the standard blood pressure control group (target SBP 121-140 mmHg). The blood pressure of both groups needs to achieve the target within 1 h and maintain for 72 h. The primary outcome endpoint was outcome at 90 d, and the good outcome was defined as a score of 0-2 on the modified Rankin Scale. Secondary outcome endpoints included early neurological improvement, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 24 h, and death and serious adverse events within 90 d.Results:A total of 120 patients were included, including 63 in the intensive blood pressure control group and 57 in the standard blood pressure control group. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The SBP at 72 h after procedure was 122.7±8.1 mmHg in the intensive blood pressure control group and 130.2±7.4 mmHg in the standard blood pressure control group, respectively. There were no significantly differences in the good outcome rate (54.0% vs. 54.4%; χ2=0.002, P=0.963), the early neurological improvement rate (45.2% vs. 34.5%; χ2=1.367, P=0.242), the incidence of sICH (6.3% vs. 3.5%; P=0.682), mortality (7.9% vs. 14.0%; χ2=1.152, P=0.283) and the incidence of serious adverse events (12.7% vs. 15.8%; χ2=0.235, P=0.628) at 90 d between the intensive blood pressure control group and the standard blood pressure control group. Conclusion:In patients with anterior circulation stroke and successful revascularization of EVT, early intensive blood pressure control don’t improve clinical outcomes and reduce the incidence of sICH.
6.Whole-brain Transcriptomic Analysis of Weight Gain Mice induced by Olanzapine
Yuan ZHANG ; Han LI ; Chengfang ZHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2023;43(3):262-270
Objective The transcriptome sequencing results of brain tissues of olanzapine-treated mice were analyzed to screen out differentially-expressed genes and explore potential targets of atypical antipsychotics leading to body weight gain.Methods Twenty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group (Ctrl) and Olanzapine administration group (Olz), which were given saline and Olanzapine solution by gavage, respectively. The whole brain tissues were collected 8 weeks later for Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). The possible targets of olanzapine-induced body weight gain were identified by the Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation analysis, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Gnomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Differential expression levels of mRNAs were further verified by real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR (RT-qPCR).Results Compared with Ctrl group, 591 differentially expressed genes were screened in Olz group, including 251 up-regulated genes and 340 down-regulated genes. GO analysis showed that differential genes were widely involved in transcriptional process, among which the expression of genes related to the regulation of digestive system and cold-induced thermogenesis were significantly enriched. KEGG analysis showed that differential genes were widely involved in the interaction between neuroactive ligands and receptors, and the differential genes were significantly enriched in oxytocin signaling, fat digestion and absorption, and cholesterol metabolism pathways. RT-qPCR were performed to verify the expression levels of genes enriched in feeding regulation, gastric kinesis, thermogenesis, fat metabolism and other processes (Oxt, Trpv1, Adipoq, Phox2b, Abcg5, Mogat2, Dbh, Plac8 and Neurog1) as well as hub genes in PPI network (Fos, Dusp1 and Egr2), and the results were consistent with the trend of RNA-Seq.Conclusion Olanzapine administration resulted in changes in central feeding regulation, gastrointestinal motility, thermogenesis and other physiological processes in mice, which might be involved in body weight gain induced by olanzapine.
7.Mechanism of Intermittent Fasting in Improving Olanzapine-induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice
Han LI ; Xiaorui ZHANG ; Chengfang ZHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2023;43(1):3-10
ObjectiveTo explore the beneficial role and potential mechanism of intermittent fasting in olanzapine-induced metabolic disorders. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: Saline + ad libitum (Saline+Ad libitum), Saline + intermittent fasting (Saline +IF), olanzapine administration + ad libitum (Olanzapine+ Ad libitum), and olanzapine administration + intermittent fasting (Olanzapine+IF), with eight mice in each group. The IF group adopted the 5∶2 scheme, that is, fasting on Monday and Thursday every week, and eating freely in the rest of the time. Ad libitum feeding as the control of intermittent fasting, Saline gavage as the control of olanzapine administration. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The differences of body mass, liver mass and epididymal adipose tissue mass were compared between the olanzapine-treated group and the control group after IF intervention. The body fat mass, lean body mass, and visceral fat infiltration of mice were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance and HE staining, respectively. Furthermore, the levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in the process of glucose metabolism were also measured by glucose oxidase method and radioimmunoassay, respectively. The effects of IF on H2O2 release and the level of cytochrome C mRNA, a marker related to mitochondrial damage, were detected by ELISA and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, olanzapine induced a significant increase in body mass, body fat, lean body mass and visceral fat infiltration (P<0.05), as well as fasting blood glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR (P<0.05); however, IF significantly reduced the above indicators (P<0.05). Further studies showed that the release of H2O2 and the expression of Cytochrome C mRNA in adipose tissue of mice after intermittent fasting treatment were significantly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionIntermittent fasting therapy can alleviate olanzapine-induced metabolic disorders in mice. The underlying mechanism may involve the inhibition of oxidative stress level and the maintenance of mitochondrial functions.
8.TGF-β induces high expression of IL-17D in lung cancer-associated fibroblast and promotes recruitment of MDSC
Jiaxing SHEN ; Shan ZHANG ; Xiangjing CHEN ; Li WANG ; Xiaoyan SUN ; Yanmin LYU ; Guanhua SONG ; Chengfang YAO
Journal of International Oncology 2021;48(5):275-281
Objective:To investigate the key mechanism of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) inducing the expression of interleukin-17D (IL-17D) in lung cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) and promoting the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).Methods:C57BL/6 mice were established for B16 lung melanoma metastasis model (tumor model group), and control group was set up, 6 mice in each group. Flow cytometry (FACS) was used to detect the lung CAF and the changes of its ability to secrete IL-17D and the proportion of MDSCs in tumor mice. The changes of TGF-β level in lung tumor were examined by ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Lung fibroblasts were screened by FACS, and the effects of TGF-β on the secretion of IL-17D, C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2 and CCL7 in fibroblasts were detected by RT-PCR. The migration of MDSCs under the condition of TGF-β stimulating fibroblasts was detected by Transwell.Results:The proportion of CAF (CD45 -CD326 -CD31 -) in the tumor model group was higher than that in the control group [(28.02±2.23)% vs. (7.35±2.14)%, t=9.956, P<0.001]. The ability of CAF to secrete IL-17D in the tumor model group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(38.27±2.93)% vs. (19.04±3.16)%, t=5.995, P=0.001]. The proportion of MDSCs in the tumor model group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(12.93±1.27)% vs. (8.21±1.40)%, t=4.804, P=0.009]. Compared with the control group, the protein and transcription levels of TGF-β in lung of the tumor model group were significantly increased [(1 685.07±135.61) ng/L vs. (1 047.98±68.50) ng/L, t=5.051, P=0.002; 2.17±0.03 vs. 1.00±0.05, t=51.237, P<0.001]. In vitro, lung fibroblasts were stimulated with different concentrations of TGF-β (0, 5 and 10 μg/L) for 24 hours, the relative expressions of IL-17D mRNA secreted by stimulated fibroblasts were 0.42±0.01, 0.67±0.01 and 0.84±0.04 respectively, the relative expressions of CCL2 mRNA in each group were 0.89±0.08, 1.08±0.04, 1.19±0.01 and CCL7 were 0.53±0.05, 0.65±0.04, 0.74±0.03 respectively. With the increase of TGF-β concentration, the expression levels of IL-17D, CCL2 and CCL7 in fibroblasts were significantly increased ( F=57.384, P<0.001; F=15.802, P=0.004; F=14.544, P=0.005). In addition, compared with the control group (0 μg/L TGF-β), fibroblasts treated with 10 μg/L TGF-β for 24 hours could promote the migration of MDSCs in spleen of tumor mice [(9.59±0.21)% vs. (2.14±0.24)%, t=6.585, P<0.001]. Conclusion:TGF-β can induce high expression of IL-17D in lung CAF, which is an important factor in promoting the expressions of CCL2 and CCL7 and the migration of MDSCs in tumor microenvironment.
9.GAA gene variants and genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with glycogen storage disease type Ⅱ
Yonglan HUANG ; Huiying SHENG ; Xuefang JIA ; Xueyun SU ; Xiaoyuan ZHAO ; Ting XIE ; Chengfang TANG ; Sichi LIU ; Xiuzhen LI ; Wen ZHANG ; Huifen MEI ; Chunhua ZENG ; Li LIU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2021;59(3):189-194
Objectives:To explore the GAA varient spectrum and the genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with glycogen storage disease type Ⅱ (Pompe disease, PD), as well as to estimate the disease incidence based on carrier rate of GAA varients in Guangzhou population.Methods:A total of 57 PD cases were retrospectively enrolled at Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2020. All patients presented symptoms before the age of 18 years. Each diagnosis was further confirmed by GAA enzyme activity and GAA variants. The carrier rate of GAA varients was calculated based on variants detected by whole exon sequencing among 2 395 healthy children in Guangzhou.Results:Among the 57 PD patients (including male 26, female 31),twenty-eight patients with infantile onset PD (IOPD) presented with progressive general muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy. The mean ages of symptom onset and diagnosis were (2.5±1.4) and (5.0±3.0) months, respectively. Twenty-six cases died in the first year after birth.Twenty-three patients with late onset PD (LOPD) presented with progressive muscle weakness. Seven of them had respiratory failure at diagnosis. The mean ages of symptom onset and diagnosis were (12.0±5.0) and (17.0±7.5) years, respectively. Six children with atypical IOPD showed motor delay, muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy. Their diagnosis was confirmed at 2.5-7.0 years of age. Among the 57 patients, 47 different variants were identified in the GAA gene. Three variants: c.797C>T, c.1109G>A and c.1757C>T were novel. c.1935C>A (25/114, 21.9%) and c.2238G>C (15/114, 13.2%) were the most common variants, detected in 57.1% of IOPD and 65.2% (15/23) of LOPD patients, respectively. Among the 28 IOPD patients, 26 cases (92.9%) carried at least one missense variant which indicated positive cross-reactive immunologic material (CRIM). The carrier rate of pathogenic variants in GAA gene among healthy children was 24/2 395. The estimated incidence of PD in this population is about 1/40 000. The frequencies of pseudodeficiency variants c.1726G>A and c.2065G>A homozygotes were 26.3% (15/57) and 35.1% (20/57) in PD patients, which were significantly higher than those (1.7% (40/2 395) and 3.9% (94/2 395)) in healthy children (χ2=151.2, 121.9; both P<0.01). Conclusions:PD presents as a spectrum, some as atypical IOPD. The c.1935C>A and c.2238G>C are common variants, correlated with IOPD and LOPD respectively. The c.796C>T and c.1082C>T are usually found in atypical IOPD. The majority of IOPD patients is predicted to be CRIM positive. The estimated incidence of PD is about 1/40 000.
10.Nilotinib in first-line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia
Li HONG ; Yu WANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Chengfang LYU
Journal of International Oncology 2020;47(1):56-59
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative tumor whose pathogenesis is related to the BCR/ABL fusion gene. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can significantly improve the survival and prognosis of CML patients. Nilotinib is effective in first-line treatment of CML patients with rapid response, deep remission and high safety. After achieving a sustained deep molecular response, it is a new therapeutic goal for CML to stop the use of nilotinib and achieve treatment-free remission. In addition, due to disease resistance and mutations, how to start new treatments after nilotinib treatment failure is worth further research.

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