1.The influencing factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia and the predictive value of serum trace elements in the second trimester
Junfeng YU ; Hongying LI ; Guoju WAN ; Litao WU ; Qiuxiang YANG ; Jie GAO ; Rong LU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(6):667-670,675
Objective To investigate the influencing factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia and the predictive value of serum trace elements in the second trimester.Methods A total of 98 patients with preeclampsia admitted to Qujing First People's Hospital from January 2019 to June 2022 were enrolled in the study.Patients were divided into poor outcome group and good outcome group according to whether they had adverse pregnancy outcomes.The clinical data of all patients enrolled in the study were col-lected and the serum levels of trace elements calcium,copper,zinc and iron were detected in the second trimes-ter.Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of ad-verse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.The levels of serum trace elements in the second tri-mester of pregnancy were compared between the poor outcome group and the good outcome group.The re-ceiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum trace elements calcium,copper,zinc and iron for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.Results Univari-ate analysis showed that compared with the good outcome group,the poor outcome group had significantly higher systolic blood pressure,24 h urinary protein quantitation,and D-dimer level(P<0.05)and significantly less gestational age and platelet count at admission(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that 24 h urinary protein quantification,D-dimer and platelet count were the influencing factors of ad-verse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia(P<0.05).The levels of serum trace elements calci-um,copper,and zinc in the poor outcome group were significantly lower than those in the good outcome group(P<0.05),and the level of iron was significantly higher than that in the good outcome group(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves(AUCs)of serum calcium,copper,zinc,and iron in the second trimester of pregnancy for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in preeclampsia patients were 0.830(95%CI:0.780-0.880),0.855(95%CI:0.805-0.905),0.847(0.797-0.897)and 0.861(95%CI:0.811-0.911),respectively.Conclusion Adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia are re-lated to 24 h urine protein,D-dimer and platelet count.The levels of serum trace elements calcium,copper,zinc and iron in the second trimester of pregnancy change significantly in patients with adverse pregnancy out-comes,which may become predictive markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
2.Natural Products Treat Atopic Dermatitis via NF-κB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Xiang LI ; Lingling DONG ; Tao GUO ; Litao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):271-280
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory, and pruritus skin disease caused by multiple internal and external factors, ranking first in the global burden of skin diseases. Due to the adverse reactions and high costs of conventional treatments and biologics, the development of natural products has attracted much attention. The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key pathway for inhibiting inflammation and modulating immunity. This paper summarizes the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of natural products such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, coumarins, glycosides, and anthraquinones via NF-κB signaling pathway, aiming to provide guidance for the development of natural products. Basic studies have shown that natural products have high safety and efficacy. Oral or topical administration of natural products can regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1)/receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathways to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, antioxidant activities, thus reversing the pathological changes of AD. However, it is worth noting that the clinical application of natural products is still insufficient, and more rigorous clinical trials are still needed to verify their effects. The basic experiments and clinical evidence prove that natural products may play a role in alleviating AD, which provide a basis for evaluating the functioning mechanism of natural active substances and enrich the candidates for the development of potential drugs.
3.Efficacy and safety of CM310 in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial
Yan ZHAO ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Jingyi LI ; Yangfeng DING ; Liming WU ; Litao ZHANG ; Jinyan WANG ; Xiaohong ZHU ; Furen ZHANG ; Xiaohua TAO ; Yumei LI ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Linfeng LI ; Jianyun LU ; Qingchun DIAO ; Qianjin LU ; Xiaoyong MAN ; Fuqiu LI ; Xiujuan XIA ; Hao CHENG ; Yingmin JIA ; Guoqing ZHAO ; Jinchun YAN ; Bo CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(2):200-208
Background::Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects approximately 10% of adults worldwide. CM310 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-4 receptor alpha that blocks interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signaling. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CM310 in Chinese adults with moderate-to-severe AD.Methods::This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial was conducted in 21 medical institutions in China from February to November 2021. Totally 120 eligible patients were enrolled and randomized (1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous injections of 300 mg CM310, 150 mg CM310, or placebo every 2 weeks for 16 weeks, followed by an 8-week follow-up period. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) score from baseline at week 16. Safety and pharmacodynamics were also studied.Results::At week 16, the proportion of EASI-75 responders from baseline was significantly higher in the CM310 groups (70% [28/40] for high-dose and 65% [26/40] for low-dose) than that in the placebo group (20%[8/40]). The differences in EASI-75 response rate were 50% (high vs. placebo, 95% CI 31%–69%) and 45% (low vs. placebo, 95% CI 26%–64%), with both P values <0.0001. CM310 at both doses also significantly improved the EASI score, Investigator’s Global Assessment score, daily peak pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, AD-affected body surface area, and Dermatology Life Quality Index compared with placebo. CM310 treatment reduced levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, total immunoglobulin E, lactate dehydrogenase, and blood eosinophils. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was similar among all three groups, with the most common TEAEs reported being upper respiratory tract infection, atopic dermatitis, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. No severe adverse events were deemed to be attributed to CM310. Conclusion::CM310 at 150 mg and 300 mg every 2 weeks demonstrated significant efficacy and was well-tolerated in adults with moderate-to-severe AD.Trial Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04805411.
4.Genetic Polymorphism of 42 Autosomal STR Loci from Chinese Han Population in Shenzhen
Yanping ZHONG ; Litao WU ; Zhen LI ; Dan ZHOU ; Zhanrou QUAN ; Shuang LIANG ; Zhihui DENG ; Yinming ZHANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):739-744
[Objective]To investigate the genetic polymorphism of 42 short tandem repeats(STRs),including 41 non-CODIS loci from the Shenzhen Han population and evaluate their potential values in forensic application.[Methods]In our research,the AGCU 21+1 STR kit and Microreader? 23sp Direct ID System were applied to analyze the polymorphism of STR loci from 435 unrelated individuals of Shenzhen Han population.Modified-Powerstates and Arlequin v3.5 software were used to analyze the allele frequencies and forensic parameters,and perform the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test.[Results]A total of 418 alleles were detected from 435 unrelated individuals in Shenzhen,all consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(P>0.05/42),with the allele frequency ranging from 0.001 1 to 0.552 9.Besides,the discrimination power(DP)ranged from 0.798 8(D1S1627)to 0.968 6(D7S3048),the polymorphic information content(PIC)ranged from 0.568 0(D1S1627)to 0.859 8(D7S3048),and the heterozygosity(H)ranged from 0.627 6(D1S1627)to 0.878 2(D20S470).Among all the STRs tested in the study,both D1S1656 and D21S1270 have 16 alleles and show the highest polymorphism.In comparison,only five alleles were observed in the D4S2408 locus,which displays the least polymorphism.[Conclusions]The 42 autosomal STR loci with high genetic polymorphism in Shenzhen Han population showed potential as an effective means for individual identification and paternity testing,especially in the cases with single parent or mutation detected.The obtained information can provide basic data for STR population genetics.
5.Epidemic Characteristics and Spatio-Temporal Patterns of HFRS in Qingdao City,China,2010-2022
Li YING ; Lu RUNZE ; Dong LIYAN ; Sun LITAO ; Zhang ZONGYI ; Zhao YATING ; Duan QING ; Zhang LIJIE ; Jiang FACHUN ; Jia JING ; Ma HUILAI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(9):1015-1029
Objective This study investigated the epidemic characteristics and spatio-temporal dynamics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Qingdao City,China. Methods Information was collected on HFRS cases in Qingdao City from 2010 to 2022. Descriptive epidemiologic,seasonal decomposition,spatial autocorrelation,and spatio-temporal cluster analyses were performed. Results A total of 2,220 patients with HFRS were reported over the study period,with an average annual incidence of 1.89/100,000 and a case fatality rate of 2.52%. The male:female ratio was 2.8:1. 75.3% of patients were aged between 16 and 60 years old,75.3% of patients were farmers,and 11.6% had both "three red" and "three pain" symptoms. The HFRS epidemic showed two-peak seasonality:the primary fall-winter peak and the minor spring peak. The HFRS epidemic presented highly spatially heterogeneous,street/township-level hot spots that were mostly distributed in Huangdao,Pingdu,and Jiaozhou. The spatio-temporal cluster analysis revealed three cluster areas in Qingdao City that were located in the south of Huangdao District during the fall-winter peak. Conclusion The distribution of HFRS in Qingdao exhibited periodic,seasonal,and regional characteristics,with high spatial clustering heterogeneity. The typical symptoms of "three red" and"three pain" in patients with HFRS were not obvious.
6.Dapansutrile(OLT1177)alleviates acute radiation-induced lung injury
Weihao CI ; Yating LI ; Litao XU ; Chen CHEN ; Xiaoming YANG ; Guangming REN
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(5):334-339
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor-dapansutrile(OLT1177)-against acute radiation lung injury.Methods Mice were divided into the control group,OLT1177 injection group,irradiation group,and irradiation+OLT1177 injection group.A single dose of 22 Gy whole-lung 60Co radiation was used to establish a model of acute radiation lung injury.After 6 h of radiation,OLT1177(100mg/kg,once daily)was administered intraperitoneally.After 14 consecutive days of administration,lung tissues were collected and weighed while the lung coefficient was calculated.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and F4/80 immuno-histochemical staining were used to observe the pathological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissues.Real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)was used to detect the transcription levels of NLRP3,IL-1β,and other mRNAs in lung tissues.Serum cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by cytometric bead array(CBA).The activation of Caspase-1 and IL-18 was detected by Western blotting.Results Radiation caused acute inflammation in the lung tissues of mice,manifested as edema in the lung tissues and destruction of the alveolar structure,increased macrophage infiltration,and elevated expressions of inflammatory genes NLRP3,IL-1β,TNF-α,and IL-6 in the lung tissues and higher serum levels of TNF-α,IL-6.Treatment with OLT1177 significantly improved the above symptoms induced by radiation.OLT1177 inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome downstream Caspase-1 and IL-18 induced by radiation.Conclusion OLT1177 can significantly alleviate acute radiation lung injury in mice,which may be due to its inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by radiation.
7.Ionizing radiation damage:mechanisms of action and drug strategies
Qinghua YU ; Zhen LI ; Tingkun ZHAO ; Zixia TANG ; Mei LV ; Litao WANG
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(11):863-868
With wide applications of radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer and other diseases and amid the in-creasing concerns about global nuclear safety,the research and development of drugs against radiation damage has become a hot spot.Thanks to its high energy properties,ionizing radiation can not only directly damage cell DNA through targeted effects,but also indirectly affect the cell environment through non-targeted effects,leading to cell dysfunction and even death.In this paper,the mechanism of ionizing radiation damage was analyzed,and the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of four types of anti-radiation drugs,namely,antioxidant,apoptosis inhibitor,cytokine and natural radiation protection agent were discussed.These drugs have huge implications for alleviating the targeted and non-targeted effects caused by ionizing radiation.
8.Characterization of Escherichia coli lytic phage vB_EcoP-R1 and its anti-biofilm activity
Zhixin SHI ; Zexuan LI ; Litao ZHANG ; Xin HONG ; Jing LIU ; Zhe ZHAO ; Genyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2024;42(4):261-266
Objective To isolate E.scherichia coli-specific bacteriophages from hospital waste water,analyze their biological character-istics and detect their cleavage effects on bacterial biofilms.Methods The phages were isolated and purified by double-layer agar plate method and their morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy.Their one-step growth curve,in vitro lysis curve,tem-perature and acid-base stability were determined.Whole genome sequencing was used to analyze the genome composition and character-istics of bacteriophages.The crystal violet staining was used to evaluate the scavenging effects of phage on host biofilms.Results A novel Escherichia coli-specific bacteriophage named vB_EcoP-R1 was isolated from hospital sewage.Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of vB_EcoP-R1 was similar to that of Podoviridae,a member of Caudovirales,and it could survive stably in the temperature range of-20 ℃ to 50 ℃ and pH 5.0 to 11.0.The total length of the vB_EcoP-R1 genome was 40 875 bp and the GC content was 49.94%.There were no virulence genes and drug resistance genes in the phage genome.vB_EcoP-R1 was capable of lysing clinically isolated Escherichia coli and showed high species and genus specificity.After the phage acted on the host bacteria preformed biofilm for 4 h,the clearance rate of the biofilm reached 80.16%.Conclusion vB_EcoP-R1 should be a novel Escherichia coli-specif-ic bacteriophage with strong lysis and high specificity for species and genus.The bacteriophage could lyse the biofilm formed by the host bacteria,and is expected to be used as an alternative treatment for Escherichia coli infection.
9.Genetic analysis of a pedigree affected with Intellectual disability due to variants of two different genes
Tingting SHI ; Zengguo REN ; Ke YANG ; Litao QIN ; Xingxing LEI ; Bing ZHANG ; Shixiu LIAO ; Li WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(11):1302-1307
Objective:To explore the genetic etiology of a pedigree with intellectual disability and explore its pathogenesis.Methods:A Chinese pedigree which had presented at the Henan Provincial People′s Hospital in March 2023 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the pedigree were collected, along with peripheral venous blood samples from its members. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Amniotic fluid was collected for prenatal diagnosis. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Henan Provincial People′s Hospital (No. 2019-134).Results:Both the proband (a 6-year-old male) and his mother (30 years old) had various degrees of intellectual and motor impairment. WES revealed that the proband has harbored a de novo heterozygous c. 2563_2567dup (p.Lys856fs) variant of the UBE3A gene, while his mother, maternal grandmother and fetus had all harbored a novel heterozygous c. 409+ 1G>A variant of the RNF13 gene. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+ PS1+ PM2_Supporting; PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PP3). Conclusion:Based on the clinical manifestations and the result of genetic testing, the heterozygous c.2563_2567dup (p.Lys856fs) variant of the UBE3A gene probably underlay the intellectual disability and developmental delay in the proband, whilst the heterozygous c. 409+ 1G>A variant of the RNF13 gene may underlie the intellectual disability in the proband′s mother and grandmother. Above results have enabled genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this pedigree.
10.Application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound lymphography in preoperative planning for lymphaticovenous anastomosis in secondary upper extremity lymphedema
Jinglan TANG ; Litao SUN ; Kefeng LU ; Yongfeng LI ; Lisong ZHU ; Han LIU ; Pei DU ; Chunjie HOU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(7):755-764
Objective:To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a preoperative planning strategy for lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in improving the quality of LVA and the outcome of short-term limb volume reduction in patients with secondary upper limb lymphedema.Methods:Patients with breast cancer-related upper extremity lymphedema who underwent LVA at the Department of General Surgery Cancer Center Division of Breast Surgery of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from August 2021 to August 2023 were enrolled retrospectively. According to whether preoperative ultrasound lymphography was performed, the patients were divided into CEUS assisted group and control group. In the CEUS assisted group, preoperative CEUS lymphography combined with high-frequency ultrasound color Doppler imaging was utilized for precise localization of lymphatic vessels and recipient veins, as well as surgical target planning for LVA. In the control group, preoperative indocyanine green lymphography was employed to guide surgical exploration. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the number of LVA surgical exploration incisions per limb and the number of successful anastomoses per limb between the two groups. The success rate of anastomosis (total number of successful anastomoses/total number of surgical exploration incisions) was compared by the chi-square test. The duration of single anastomosis, mean arm circumference, and the difference between preoperative and postoperative mean arm circumference were compared by independent sample t-test. Paired-sample t-test was used to compare the improvement of the mean arm circumference of the operated limb of the two groups after 3 months of follow-up. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 47 female patients were enrolled, including 27 patients in the CEUS assisted group, with an average age of (57.1±9.0) years and a median edema course of 2 years. There were 20 cases in the control group, with an average age of (58.1±9.6) years and a median duration of edema of 2 years. The CEUS group, compared with the control group, exhibited a higher number of surgical exploration incisions per limb [6.0 (4.0, 7.0) cases vs. 5.0 (3.0, 6.0) cases], a greater number of successful anastomoses per limb [5.0 (3.0, 6v0) cases vs. 3.0 (2.0, 3.0) cases], and a significantly increased overall success rate of anastomosis [82.8% (125/151) vs. 61.4% (54/88)]. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the preoperative and postoperative mean arm circumference difference [(6.2±3.3) cm vs. (3.9±1.9) cm]. The duration of single anastomosis was significantly shortened [(57.4±16.0) min vs. (92.8±18.5) min], with statistically significant differences observed in all comparisons (all P < 0.05). The preoperative and postoperative mean arm circumference were compared between the CEUS group [(31.4±4.6) cm vs. (25.3±4.7) cm] and the control group [(31.3±4.3) cm vs. (27.5±3.8) cm], respectively, with statistically significant differences observed in both groups (both P < 0.01). Conclusion:CEUS lymphography, as a preoperative planning strategy for LVA, can significantly increase the number and success rate of LVA anastomosis in patients with secondary upper limb lymphedema, shorten the duration of single anastomosis, and improve the short-term effect of limb volume reduction after LVA.

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