1.Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 protein mediates sepsis-associated liver injury by regulating ferroptosis
Zhen ZHONG ; Xunyan OUYANG ; Qicai GUO ; Li XIONG ; Xianfa LIU
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(5):491-495
Objective:To investigate the effect of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein on ferroptosis in mice with sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI).Methods:The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) mice were divided into 6 groups according to the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. The SALI model of mice was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and the Sham group was only treated with laparotomy. CLP+Fer-1 group, CLP+Erastin group, CLP+ML385 group and CLP+Curcumin group were intraperitoneally injected with iron death inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) 10 mg·kg -1·d -1, iron death activator Erastin 20 mg·kg -1·d -1, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 30 mg·kg -1·d -1 and Nrf2 activator Curcumin 100 mg·kg -1·d -1 after CLP, respectively; Sham group and CLP group were given normal saline 10 mg·kg -1·d -1, each group was administered continuously for 10 days. Ten days after operation, the serum and liver tissues of mice were collected to detect the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and Fe 2+ in liver homogenate. The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed under light microscope after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The shape and length of mitochondria in liver cells were observed under transmission electron microscope. The protein expressions of Nrf2, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in liver tissue were detected by Western blotting. Results:Compared with Sham group, the serum levels of ALT and AST in the CLP group were significantly increased; histologically, the hepatic cord was disordered, the cells were swollen and necrotic, and the length of mitochondria was significantly shortened; the levels of MDA and Fe 2+ in liver tissue increased significantly, and the content of GSH decreased significantly; the protein expressions of Nrf2 and GPX4 in liver tissue decreased, and the protein expression of PTGS2 increased significantly. Compared with CLP group, the serum levels of ALT and AST in CLP+Fer-1 group and CLP+Curcumin group were significantly decreased [ALT (U/L): 80.65±19.44, 103.45±20.52 vs. 283.50±37.12, AST (U/L): 103.33±11.90, 127.33±15.79 vs. 288.67±36.82, all P < 0.05]; microscopically, the hepatic cord was irregular, the cells were slightly swollen, and the mitochondrial length was significantly increased (μm: 1.42±0.09, 1.43±0.21 vs. 1.07±0.25, both P < 0.05); the levels of MDA and Fe 2+ in liver tissue decreased significantly, and the content of GSH increased significantly [MDA (mol/g): 0.87±0.23, 1.85±0.43 vs. 4.47±0.95, Fe 2+ (μg/g): 63.80±7.15, 67.48±6.28 vs. 134.52±14.32, GSH (mol/g): 1.95±0.29, 1.95±0.45 vs. 0.55±0.29, all P < 0.05]; the protein expressions of Nrf2 and GPX4 in liver tissue were significantly increased, and the protein expression of PTGS2 was significantly decreased (Nrf2/GAPDH: 1.80±0.28, 2.10±0.43 vs. 0.70±0.24, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.80±0.06, 0.93±0.07 vs. 0.48±0.02, PTGS2/GAPDH: 0.76±0.05, 0.84±0.01 vs. 1.02±0.09, all P < 0.05). However, the results of the above indexes in the CLP+Erastin group and CLP+ML385 group were opposite, and the serum levels of ALT and AST were significantly increased [ALT (U/L): 344.52±40.79, 321.70±21.10 vs. 283.50±37.12, AST (U/L): 333.50±27.90, 333.00±16.67 vs. 288.67±36.82, all P < 0.05]; microscopically, the arrangement of hepatic cords was disordered, the cells were obviously swollen and necrotic, and the length of mitochondria was significantly shortened (μm: 0.78±0.13, 0.67±0.07 vs. 1.07±0.25, both P < 0.05); the levels of MDA and Fe 2+ in liver tissue increased significantly, and the content of GSH decreased significantly [MDA (mol/g): 5.92±1.06, 5.62±0.56 vs. 4.47±0.95, Fe 2+ (μg/g): 151.40±8.03, 151.88±8.68 vs. 134.52±14.32, GSH (mol/g): 0.25±0.08, 0.23±0.11 vs. 0.55±0.29, all P < 0.05]; the protein expressions of Nrf2 and GPX4 in liver tissue were significantly decreased, and the protein expression of PTGS2 was significantly increased (Nrf2/GAPDH: 0.46±0.09, 0.46±0.11 vs. 0.70±0.24, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.34±0.05, 0.40±0.01 vs. 0.48±0.02, PTGS2/GAPDH: 1.24±0.13, 1.16±0.11 vs. 1.02±0.09, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:CLP-induced SALI can lead to ferroptosis in mice hepatocytes, and Nrf2 protein in liver tissue can mediate SALI by regulating ferroptosis.
2.Effects of Different Fluids on Microcirculation and Inflammatory Factors in Rabbits with Hemorrhagic Shock
Wensong DING ; Qicai QU ; Hong LI ; Liu YANG ; Jianping TAO ; Yongyu SI
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2023;44(12):13-19
Objective To study the effects of different types of fluid resuscitation on mesenteric microcirculation and inflammatory factors in rabbits with hemorrhagic shock.Methods The model of hemorrhagic shock rabbits was established by reducing the basic mean arterial pressure by 40%through draining the blood from the common carotid artery.Animals were randomly divided into control group,saline group,lactate Ringer group,acetic acid Ringer group,hydroxyethyl starch group and succinyl gelatin group with 8 animals in each group.Mesenteric microcirculation was monitored with microcirculation monitor.Mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),microvascular perfusion ratio(PPV)and microvascular blood flow index(MFI)were recorded before bleeding(T0),at hemorrhagic shock(T1),at the beginning of fluid resuscitation(T2),at the completion of fluid resuscitation(T3),and at the end of the experiment(T4).The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1(IL-1)and lactic acid(Lac)were measured at T0,T2 and T4.Results Compared with hydroxyethyl starch group,there were statistically significant differences in T3 MAP(P<0.05),except for succinyl gelatin group,hydroxyethyl starch group had higher MAP at T4 than other groups,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The differences in MAP between experimental control group and other groups were statistically significant at T4(P<0.05).PPV and MFI of hydroxyethyl starch group and succinyl gelatin group were higher than those of normal saline group,lactic acid Ringer group and acetic acid Ringer group at T4(P<0.05),and the lactic acid value of hydroxyethyl starch group at T4 was the lowest,compared with lactic acid Ringer group and normal saline group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There were statistical significances between all groups and experimental control group at T4(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in TNF-αand IL-1 in T0,T2 and T4 among all groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Hydroxyethyl starch solution and succinyl gelatin solution can improve the microcirculation of rabbits with hemorrhagic shock,but can not improve the level of inflammatory factors.
3.Effect of Different Shaping Angles on Endotracheal Intubation under Visual Laryngoscope for Beginners
Qicai QU ; Liu YANG ; Hui YU ; Ningli ZHANG ; Ping HU ; Jian YANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2023;44(12):171-176
Objective To compare the effects of 4 different shaping angle tubes on the success rate of tracheal intubation and postoperative pharyngeal complications among anesthetic beginners.Methods 160 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia,with ASA classification Ⅰ to Ⅱ,no history of difficult airway,were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the catheter shape and tip shaping angle:35°banana-shaped elbow group(A Group),50°banana-shaped bent pipe group(Group B),35°straight pipe group(Group C),50°straight pipe group(Group D),with 40 cases in each group.After induction of general anesthesia,tracheal intubation is performed using a video laryngoscope.The Cormack-Lehane grade of laryngoscope exposure,external laryngeal compression,one-time success rate of intubation and intubation time were recorded.SPO2,HR and MAP were recorded before anesthesia induction(T0),at the end of anesthesia induction drug injection(T1),immediately after intubation(T2)and 1min after intubation(T3).The incidence of pharyngeal pain and hoarseness immediately after extubation and 24 hours after operation were followed up.Results There were no statistically significant differences in Cormack-Lehane classification,HR,and MAP among the four groups of patients at each time point(P>0.05).The number of cases requiring external laryngeal compression,intubation time,first-time intubation success rate,immediate postoperative sore throat,and immediate postoperative hoarseness rates in Groups B and D were all lower than those in Groups A and C,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion When using video laryngoscope for tracheal intubation,50°banana-shaped curved tube and 50°straight tube can shorten the intubation time,reduce postoperative complications,and have no obvious hemodynamic fluctuations.
4.Esketamine induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 and its mechanism
Qiuwen YIN ; Qicai GUO ; Xiumei MIAO ; Aimei LI ; Haiyan LIU ; Dandan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2023;17(2):179-184
Objective:To explore whether esketamine (ESK) can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of breast cancer cells, and explore the mechanism.Methods:CCK-8 assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of ESK on the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Annexin V/PI staining was used to detect the morphological changes of cells; Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect apoptosis and pathway expression.Results:CCK-8 experiment results proved that ESK could inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a time-dependent manner. The survival rate of MDA-MB-468 cells treated with ESK at 20 μM was (35.47±2.61) %, which was statistically different from that treated with vinorelbine at the same concentration ( P<0.05). The IC50 value of ESK on MDA-MB-468 cells was (14.54±2.12) μM. After treatment with ESK, the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced. In the protein level, the expression of Cytochrome C, Bax and Caspase-3 was up-regulated, and the expression of Bcl-2 was down regulated, which induced the mitochondrial dependent apoptosis of MDA-MB-468 cells. ESK could up regulate the level of reactive oxygen species in MDA-MB-468 cells and regulate the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conclusions:ESK can inhibit the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and induce them to play a mitochondrial dependent apoptosis. Its mechanism is achieved by up regulating the level of ROS in breast cancer cells, thereby regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of Aln.
5.A comparative clinical investigation of tibial plateau fractures managed with double reverse traction reducers
Xiangzhi YIN ; Qicai LI ; Quan WANG ; Qian ZHAO ; Guoming LIU ; Yanling HU ; Tengbo YU ; Tianrui WANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2023;43(22):1485-1492
Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of internal fixation using double reverse traction reducers in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures.Methods:This study retrospectively examined the medical records of 48 patients who underwent surgical intervention for tibial plateau fractures at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2021 and September 2022. The cohort, aged between 35 to 68 years (mean: 53.0±7.9 years), included 23 males and 25 females. Fractures were classified according to the Schatzker system, with 9 type III, 23 type IV, 11 type V, and 5 type VI fractures recorded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: the minimally invasive group underwent treatment with double reverse traction reducers for reduction and internal fixation in 24 cases, while the open group received conventional open reduction and internal fixation in 24 cases. Comparative parameters included operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, early postoperative knee mobility, and weight-bearing timelines. Postoperative radiographic images were appraised using the Rasmussen imaging score, and knee functionality was assessed at the final follow-up with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score.Results:The preoperative general data were statistically indifferent between groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed for 13.5±4.3 months (range, 9.5-24 months). In the minimally invasive group, operative time was 88.96±19.04 minutes, intraoperative blood loss was 65±32 ml, and hospital stay was 11.8±3.9 days. Early postoperative knee joint activity commenced at 8.96±2.84 days, significantly earlier compared to the open group, which recorded 178.63±67.75 minutes of surgery, 114.16±65.05 ml blood loss, a 15.3±4.8 days hospital stay, and 16.83±4.09 days to knee joint movement. The difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). No significant variation was observed in the time to bone healing between the minimally invasive group at 12.6±3.8 weeks and the open group at 13.21±4.98 weeks ( P>0.05). Rasmussen imaging criteria revealed 21 excellent and 3 good outcomes in the minimally invasive group, and 19 excellent and 5 good in the open group, with no statistical significance in the excellent-good rate differentiation ( P>0.05). Bone healing occurred within 3.2±0.8 months (range, 2.5-6.0 months), with 79% (19/24) in the minimally invasive group and 75% (18/24) in the open group achieving healing within 3 months. The open group had one incidence of superficial skin infection, and one patient in the minimally invasive group developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT); no other related complications were documented. Conclusion:Minimally invasive treatment of tibial plateau fractures using double reverse traction reducers offers significant benefits, including reduced surgical time, minimal blood loss, less soft tissue trauma, and enhanced joint function recovery. This approach is particularly advantageous in managing complex tibial plateau fractures compared to traditional open reduction and internal fixation methods.
6.Study on the correlation between male serum calcitonin gene-related peptide and the embryo culture outcome after in vitro fertilization
Jiajing CHEN ; Jianfeng CHEN ; Jiali CHEN ; Shuxian CHEN ; Zhiren LIU ; Qinyuan YOU ; Cuilan ZHANG ; Qicai LIU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2022;45(5):439-443
Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the culture outcome of in vitro fertilization embryo in male patients with infertility.Methods:In this study, the randomized samples from 25 male patients who received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from June 2019 to October 2019 were analyzed by multiple linear stepwise regression, with some important clinical outcomes, such as the logarithmic conversion index of serum CGRP, fertilization method, masturbation difficulty, age, infertility duration, and prolactin, as independent variables, while total fertilization rate, normal fertilization rate, high quality embryo rate at day 3, blastocyst formation rate as dependent variables.Results:The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the D3 high-quality embryo rate was related to the normal sperm morphology rate in the primary infertility group ( r=0.537, P=0.048), the blastocyst formation rate was correlated with sperm density ( r=0.760, P=0.002), the CGRP logarithm was correlated with the total fertilization rate ( r=0.693, P=0.006). The logarithmic conversion index of serum CGRP was related to the total fertilization rate and normal fertilization rate in the secondary infertility group ( r=0.614, P=0.042 and r=0.611, P=0.046). In the secondary infertility group, there was a linear relationship between normal fertilization rate and total sperm count, serum CGRP log conversion, and sperm normal morphology rate, with standardized regression coefficients of 0.2, -0.729, and 6.8, respectively. Conclusion:Serum CGRP level, together with total sperm count and normal sperm morphology rate may affects normal fertilization rate in male patients with infertility.
7.Research progress of genetic testing in male infertility
Zhiren LIU ; Qicai LIU ; Guolin HONG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2022;45(5):553-558
About 15% of the world's population at child-bearing age suffer from infertility. After cancer and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the infertility will become the third-largest intractable disease. Among the causes of infertility, male factors account for about half. As a main male factor, genetic factor has become the focus of reproductive research in recent years. Therefore, to formulate a corresponding diagnosis and treatment scheme for male infertility, accurate genetic testing is needed. It is an effective means to meet the demand of high fertility and solve the problem of population decline in current society.
8.Dose-Response Relationship between Alanine Aminotransferase Levels within the Reference Interval and Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Adults.
Peipei WU ; Qicai CHEN ; Lili CHEN ; Pengpeng ZHANG ; Juan XIAO ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Meng LIU ; Shumei WANG
Yonsei Medical Journal 2017;58(1):158-164
PURPOSE: Elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels is a biomarker for metabolic syndrome (MS); however, the relationship has not been fully investigated within the reference interval of ALT levels. Our objective was to explore the relationship between serum ALT levels within the reference interval and MS in Chinese adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 16028 adults, who attended routine health check-ups at Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital from January 2006 to March 2012. The reference interval of serum ALT level was defined as less than 40 U/L. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline were used to evaluate the association of ALT with MS. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS in the total population was 13.7% (6.4% for females and 18.4% for males). Multiple logistic regression showed that ALT levels were positively associated with MS after adjustment for potential confounding factors. The odds ratio of MS in the top quartile was 4.830 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.980–7.829] in females and 3.168 (95% CI: 2.649–3.790) in males, compared with the ALT levels in the bottom quartile. The restricted cubic spline models revealed a positive non-linear dose-response relationship between ALT levels and the risk of MS in women (p for nonlinearity was 0.0327), but a positive linear dose-response relationship in men (p for nonlinearity was 0.0659). CONCLUSION: Serum ALT levels within the reference interval are positively associated with MS in a dose-response manner. Elevated ALT levels, even within the reference interval, may reflect early dysmetabolic changes.
Adult
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Aged
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Alanine Transaminase/*blood
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Asian Continental Ancestry Group
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Biomarkers/blood
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Confidence Intervals
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Female
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Humans
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Logistic Models
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Male
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Metabolic Syndrome X/*enzymology/epidemiology
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Middle Aged
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Odds Ratio
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Prevalence
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Reference Values
9.Analysis on HPLC Fingerprints And Index Content Determination of Lao-Xiang-Huang of Chaozhou
Zhicong LIU ; Zhenxia ZHANG ; Xuan LAI ; Qicai YANG ; Yuting LU ; Qiuzhuan HUANG ; Yuzhong ZHENG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2017;19(8):1370-1374
Lao-Xiang-Huang (LXH) of Chaozhou is the processed product of Fructus Citri sarcodactylis.LXH from different producing areas were used as research objects in the study for the establishment of HPLC fingerprints of LXH.Contents of hesperidin and 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin were also determined to provide scientific basis for the establishment of quality standard of LXH.Samples were separated by an Agilent Eclipse XDB C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm,5 μm) using acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid with water gradient system as a mobile phase.The flow rate was 1.0 mL· min-1.The injection volume was 20 μL.The detection wavelength was at 283 nm.The results showed that HPLC fingerprint of LXH was established with good separation and repeatability.The similarity evaluation on 27 batches samples of LXH showed that there was a certain similarity on the HPLC fingerprints of LXH.However,there was a certain difference as a whole.Contents of hesperidin and 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin in LXH were simultaneously determined.It was concluded that the established HPLC fingerprint of LXH and content determination of hesperidin and 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin method were accurate,sensitive and repeatable.It provided scientific evidence for the quality control standard of LXH of Chaozhou.
10. Analysis on occupational noise-induced hearing loss of different type workers in underground mining
Qicai LIU ; Caihong DUO ; Zheng WANG ; Kai YAN ; Juan ZHANG ; Wei XIONG ; Min ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2017;35(11):852-854
Objective:
To investigate hearing loss status of blasters, drillers mechanics and so on in underground mining, and put forward suggestion diagnosis of occupational explosive deafness and occupational deafness.
Methods:
Underground excavation workers in a metal mine were recruited in this study, those with a history of ear disease and non-occupational deafness were all excluded. Finally, the features of pure tone audiometry of 459 noise-exposed workers were analyzed.
Results:
High-frequency hearing loss occurred on 351workers and the positive detection rate was 74.29%, workers who had both high-frequency and linguistic frequency hearing loss were 51 and the positive detection rate was 11.11%. The positive detection of high-frequency hearing loss in right ear (χ2=9.427 and

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