ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in antagonizing cellular pyroptosis and fibrosis in ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3） signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group （n = 12） and a modeling group （n = 60）. The rats in the sham-operated group underwent a caesarean section， while the rats in the modeling group were used to establish an endometriosis model through the auto-transplantation method. After successful modeling， the animals were randomly divided into the model group， progesterone group （0.25 mg·kg^-1）， and modified Shaofu Zhuyutang low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （7.5， 15， 30 g·kg^-1）， with 12 animals in each group. After 4 weeks of drug administration， voluntary activity and heat pain latency were observed. The rats were sacrificed for tissue collection， and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes in the endometrial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure serum levels of interleukin-18 （IL-18）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was used to detect the protein expression area of tumor necrosis factor-related factor 6 （TRAF6） and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence （IF） was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and gasdermin D （GSDMD） in the endometrial tissues. Western blot was employed to measure the relative expression of TRL4， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）， TRAF6， NF-κB p65， phosphorylated NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65）， and NLPR3 proteins in endometrial tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRL4， MyD88， TRAF6， NF-κB， and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group， rats in the model group showed reduced voluntary activity and shorter heat pain latency. Serum levels of IL-18， IL-1β， TNF-α， and TGF-β were elevated. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins were increased， and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD was enhanced. The relative expression of TRL4， MyD88， TRAF6， NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and NLPR3 proteins， along with the expression of TRL4， MyD88， TRAF6， NF-κB， and NLPR3 mRNA， were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in the progesterone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyutang medium- and high-dose groups exhibited improved voluntary activity， longer heat pain latency， the fibrosis of endometrial tissue is alleviated. Serum levels of IL-18， IL-1β， TNF-α， and TGF-β were decreased. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins decreased， and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD weakened. The relative expression of TRL4， MyD88， TRAF6， p-NF-κB p65， NLPR3 proteins， and TRL4， MyD88， TRAF6， NF-κB， and NLPR3 mRNA expression were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may play a therapeutic role in endometriosis by interfering with key proteins in the TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 signaling pathway， reducing NLRP3 inflammasome-induced cellular pyroptosis， antagonizing the fibrosis process in ectopic endometrial tissues， improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the pelvic cavity， and alleviating pain.

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang on key proteins of the epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway in SD rats with endometriosis. MethodsAfter successful establishment of an endometriosis model in 60 female SD rats of SPF grade via the auto-transplantation method， the rats were randomly divided into a model group， modified Shaofu Zhuyutang high-， medium-， and low-dose groups， and a gestrinone group， with another 12 rats serving as a blank group. The blank and model groups were administered 10 mL·kg^-1 normal saline， while the high-， medium-， and low-dose groups received 30， 15， and 7.5 g·kg^-1 modified Shaofu Zhuyutang， respectively. The gestrinone group was administered 0.25 mg·kg^-1 gestrinone suspension. After four weeks of treatment， uterine contractions were induced with 2 U of oxytocin， and the writhing response of rats was observed. After 24 h， the rats were euthanized， and the weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissue were recorded. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe pathological changes in endometrial tissues， while the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL） assay was used to evaluate the apoptosis rate of endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the relative expression areas of the B-cell lymphoma-2 gene-associated promoter （Bad） and B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） proteins in endometrial tissues. Serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， epidermal growth factor （EGF）， and EGFR were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The relative protein expression levels of EGFR， PI3K， phosphorylated PI3K （p-PI3K）， Akt， and phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt） in endometrial tissues were analyzed by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of EGFR， PI3K， and Akt. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed endometrial thickening， glandular and mesenchymal hyperplasia， a significant decrease in the relative expression area of Bad in ectopic endometrial tissues， a significant increase in the relative expression area of Bcl-2， and a significant reduction in the apoptosis rate as indicated by TUNEL staining. Serum levels of IL-1β， IL-6， TNF-α， EGF， and EGFR were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. The relative protein expression levels of EGFR， PI3K， p-PI3K， Akt， and p-Akt， as well as the mRNA expression levels of EGFR， PI3K， and Akt， were also significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the high- and medium-dose groups of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang and the gestrinone group exhibited reduced glandular and mesenchymal hyperplasia to varying degrees， with dilated glandular lumens. The number of writhing responses was significantly reduced， the latency to writhing response was significantly prolonged， and the weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissue were significantly decreased. The relative expression area of Bad in ectopic endometrial tissue was significantly increased， the relative expression area of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased， and the apoptosis rate was significantly elevated as shown by TUNEL staining. Serum levels of IL-1β， IL-6， TNF-α， EGF， and EGFR were significantly reduced， and the relative protein expression levels of EGFR， PI3K， p-PI3K， Akt， and p-Akt， as well as the mRNA expression levels of EGFR， PI3K， and Akt， were significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may exert therapeutic effects on endometriosis by interfering with key proteins of the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis in ectopic endometrial tissue.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in inducing ferroptosis in ectopic endometrial tissues of rats with endometriosis through the murine double minute 4 （MDM4）/tumor suppressor p53/glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group （n = 10）， a sham-operated group （n = 10）， and a modeling group （n = 50）. The sham-operated group underwent laparotomy， while the modeling group was subjected to the autotransplantation method to establish an endometriosis model. After successful modeling， the animals were randomly assigned to the model group， progesterone group （0.25 mg·kg^-1）， and modified Shaofu Zhuyutang high-， medium-， and low-dose groups （30， 15， and 7.5 g·kg^-1， respectively）， with 10 rats per group. After four weeks of drug administration， the rats were euthanized for sample collection. The weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissues were recorded for each group. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） was employed to observe ultrastructural changes in endometrial tissues， while Prussian blue staining was used to assess iron ion deposition. Serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The relative levels of Fe²⁺， malondialdehyde （MDA）， and glutathione （GSH） in endometrial tissues were determined by colorimetric assay. Immunofluorescence （IF） was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensities of GSH and GPX4 in endometrial tissues. The relative expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， phosphorylated PI3K （p-PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）， MDM4， p53， and GPX4 proteins were detected by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K， Akt， MDM4， p53， and GPX4. ResultsCompared with the blank and sham-operated groups， the model group exhibited reduced ferroptotic damage in ultrastructural observations， decreased ferroptotic aggregates and positive iron ion expression area on Prussian blue staining， elevated serum IL-6， IL-1β， and TNF-α levels， reduced Fe²⁺ and MDA content， increased GSH content in endometrial tissues， and enhanced GSH and GPX4 fluorescence intensities （P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K， p-PI3K， Akt， p-Akt， MDM4， and GPX4 were elevated， while those of p53 were decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， in the progesterone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyutang high- and medium-dose groups， ferroptotic damage in ultrastructural observations was exacerbated to varying degrees by TEM， and ferroptotic aggregates and positive iron ion expression areas were increased on Prussian blue staining. Serum IL-6， IL-1β， and TNF-α levels decreased， Fe²⁺ and MDA content increased， and GSH content decreased in endometrial tissues. GSH and GPX4 fluorescence intensities weakened， while the protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K， p-PI3K， Akt， p-Akt， MDM4， and GPX4 decreased， and those of p53 increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Conclusionmodified Shaofu Zhuyutang may exert therapeutic effects in endometriosis by inducing ferroptosis in ectopic endometrial tissues， alleviating inflammatory responses， and modulating key proteins in the MDM4/p53/GPX4 signaling pathway.

Endometriosis （EMT） is a common disease with frequent occurrence and difficult to be cured in modern clinical practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. It is characterized by progressively worsening dysmenorrhoea， pelvic mass， and infertility. The incidence of EMT is growing and increasingly younger patients are diagnosed with this disease， which poses a serious threat to the reproductive and psychological health of women of childbearing age and adolescent females. However， the pathogenesis of EMT is still not completely clear， and the disease has a long course. Therefore， developing new therapies is an urgent clinical problem to be solved. Great progress has been achieved in the treatment of EMT with traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， while the underlying mechanism remains in exploration. Programmed cell death （PCD） is a cell death mode mediated by a variety of bio-molecules with specific signaling cascades. The known PCD processes include apoptosis， pyroptosis， autophagy， ferroptosis， and cuproptosis， which all play a pivotal role in the development of EMT. Researchers have made achievements in the treatment of EMT with TCM， which regulates PCD via multiple pathways， routes， targets， and mechanisms. However， the progress in the regulation of PCD in the treatment of EMT with TCM remains to be reviewed. This paper reviews the research progress in the treatment of EMT with TCM from five PCD processes （apoptosis， pyroptosis， autophagy， ferroptosis， and cuproptosis）， with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of EMT.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which modified Shaofu Zhuyutang inhibits angiogenesis in endometriosis via the vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）-nitric oxide （NO） signaling pathway. MethodsEighty-four female SD rats were randomly assigned into blank， sham operation， model， positive control （gestrinone， 0.25 mg·kg^-1）， high-， medium-， and low-dose （30， 15， 7.5 g·kg^-1， respectively） traditional Chinese medicine （TCM， modified Shaofu Zhuyutang） groups. A rat model of endometriosis was established by the autotransplantation method. After successful modeling， rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage， and those in the blank， sham operation， and model groups received an equal volume of distilled water. After 28 days of gavage， rats were administrated with oxytocin， and the number and latency period of writhing responses were observed. Serum samples from each group， ectopic lesions from modeling groups， and uteri from blank and sham operation groups were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of endometriotic lesions. Immunohistochemistry was employed to observe the expression of angiogenesis-specific markers cluster of differentiation 34 antigen （CD34） and friend leukemia virus integration-1 （FLI-1）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the nitrate reductase method were employed to determine the serum levels of VEGF and NO， respectively. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of VEGF， PI3K， phosphorylated PI3K （p-PI3K）， Akt， phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）， eNOS， and phosphorylated eNOS （p-eNOS）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of VEGF， PI3K， Akt， and eNOS. ResultsThe blank group and the sham operation group had no significant changes in the number and latency period of writhing responses， serum VEGF and NO levels， protein levels of VEGF， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-eNOS/eNOS， and mRNA levels of VEGF， PI3K， Akt， and eNOS. The model group showed an increase in the number and a reduction in the latency period of writhing responses， enlargement of ectopic endometrial tissue in the abdominal wall， with stromal hyperplasia， glandular dilation， and increased vasculature. In addition， the modeling led to increased positive expression of CD34 and FLI-1， elevated serum VEGF and NO levels， and up-regulated protein levels of VEGF， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-eNOS/eNOS and mRNA levels of VEGF， PI3K， Akt， and eNOS （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the gestrinone and high-， medium-， and low-dose TCM groups showed a significant reduction in the number of writhing responses， a significant prolongation of the latency period， reduced ectopic endometrial tissue in the abdominal wall， alleviated pathological damage， and reduced positive expression of CD34 and FLI-1. The gestrinone group and the high- and medium-dose TCM groups showed lowered serum VEGF and NO levels as well as down-regulated protein levels of VEGF， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-eNOS/eNOS and mRNA levels of VEGF， PI3K， Akt， and eNOS. Moreover， the low-dose TCM group showed reductions in the serum VEGF level， the protein levels of VEGF， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-eNOS/eNOS， and the mRNA levels of VEGF and eNOS （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionModified SShaofu Zhuyutang can inhibit angiogenesis in endometriosis by antagonizing the abnormal activation of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt/eNOS-NO signaling pathway， thereby preventing the occurrence， development， and deterioration of endometriosis.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which modified Shaofu Zhuyutang inhibits angiogenesis in endometriosis via the vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）-nitric oxide （NO） signaling pathway. MethodsEighty-four female SD rats were randomly assigned into blank， sham operation， model， positive control （gestrinone， 0.25 mg·kg^-1）， high-， medium-， and low-dose （30， 15， 7.5 g·kg^-1， respectively） traditional Chinese medicine （TCM， modified Shaofu Zhuyutang） groups. A rat model of endometriosis was established by the autotransplantation method. After successful modeling， rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage， and those in the blank， sham operation， and model groups received an equal volume of distilled water. After 28 days of gavage， rats were administrated with oxytocin， and the number and latency period of writhing responses were observed. Serum samples from each group， ectopic lesions from modeling groups， and uteri from blank and sham operation groups were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of endometriotic lesions. Immunohistochemistry was employed to observe the expression of angiogenesis-specific markers cluster of differentiation 34 antigen （CD34） and friend leukemia virus integration-1 （FLI-1）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the nitrate reductase method were employed to determine the serum levels of VEGF and NO， respectively. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of VEGF， PI3K， phosphorylated PI3K （p-PI3K）， Akt， phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）， eNOS， and phosphorylated eNOS （p-eNOS）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of VEGF， PI3K， Akt， and eNOS. ResultsThe blank group and the sham operation group had no significant changes in the number and latency period of writhing responses， serum VEGF and NO levels， protein levels of VEGF， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-eNOS/eNOS， and mRNA levels of VEGF， PI3K， Akt， and eNOS. The model group showed an increase in the number and a reduction in the latency period of writhing responses， enlargement of ectopic endometrial tissue in the abdominal wall， with stromal hyperplasia， glandular dilation， and increased vasculature. In addition， the modeling led to increased positive expression of CD34 and FLI-1， elevated serum VEGF and NO levels， and up-regulated protein levels of VEGF， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-eNOS/eNOS and mRNA levels of VEGF， PI3K， Akt， and eNOS （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the gestrinone and high-， medium-， and low-dose TCM groups showed a significant reduction in the number of writhing responses， a significant prolongation of the latency period， reduced ectopic endometrial tissue in the abdominal wall， alleviated pathological damage， and reduced positive expression of CD34 and FLI-1. The gestrinone group and the high- and medium-dose TCM groups showed lowered serum VEGF and NO levels as well as down-regulated protein levels of VEGF， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-eNOS/eNOS and mRNA levels of VEGF， PI3K， Akt， and eNOS. Moreover， the low-dose TCM group showed reductions in the serum VEGF level， the protein levels of VEGF， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-eNOS/eNOS， and the mRNA levels of VEGF and eNOS （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionModified SShaofu Zhuyutang can inhibit angiogenesis in endometriosis by antagonizing the abnormal activation of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt/eNOS-NO signaling pathway， thereby preventing the occurrence， development， and deterioration of endometriosis.

Yin-yang, visceral manifestation, and ti-yong theories are the core theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and play a crucial role in its formation and development. With the continuous evolution of Chinese philosophy, TCM philosophy and theories have undergone significant influence, resulting in differing interpretations of the visceral manifestation of liver and mingmen across various historical periods by different medical practitioners. This paper focuses on the different understandings of the position of liver and mingmen, combining relevant philosophical images and TCM anatomical illustrations to deeply explore ancient medical theorists′ concepts regarding the four spatial directions of left, right, up, and down. The research reveals that ancient medical theorists′ conceptualization of spatial theory transitioned from an initial circular motion to a vertical movement, with the focus shifting from the upper part to the lower part. The primary reasons for these differences and changes could be explained by the varying emphasis on the ti-yong theory and differing focal points within the yin-yang theory. This study systematically examines the evolution of visceral manifestation theories related to liver and mingmen, highlights the shifts in physicians′ perspectives on spatial theory, and analyzes the influence of the ti-yong theory and yin-yang theory on these changes. The findings aim to provide a theoretical guide for advancing research and clinical application of spatial theory in TCM, thereby fostering the integration of TCM philosophy with medical theory.

Objective To investigate the potential molecular mechanism of modified Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction in treating endometriosis from the perspective of autophagy in ectopic endometrial tissue cells mediated by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. Methods Seventy-two female SD rats were divided into the blank group,the model group,the gestrinone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction high-,medium-,and low-dose groups according to the random number table method,12 rats in each group. Construction of an endometriosis model used auto-transplantation method. The rats in the gestrinone group were gavaged with 0.25mg/(kg·d) of gestrinone suspension,the rats in the modified Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction high-,medium-,and low-dose groups were gavaged with 30,15,and 7.5g/(kg·d) of modified Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction,respectively,and the rats in the blank and model groups were gavaged with an equal amount of physiological saline,respectively. 4 weeks of continuous treatment. At the end of drug administration,2 U of oxytocin was given to each rat to induce contractions,and the pain of the rats was observed;the weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissue of the rats were recorded. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes of rat endometrial tissue in each group;transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of rat endometrial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum levels of oestradiol (E2),progesterone (P),interleukin-1β (IL-β),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β),epidermal growth factor (EGF),and EGFR in the rat serum of each group. Mean fluorescence intensity of autophagy-associated protein yeast Atg6 homologue (Beclin-1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3B) in endometrial tissues of rat endometrium in each group by immunofluorescence assay. Protein expression levels of EGFR,PI3K,phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K),AKT,and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) in endometrial tissues of rats in each group were examined by protein blotting. Real-time fluorescence PCR was used to detect EGFR,PI3K,and AKT mRNA expression levels.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group showed typical torsion reaction,ectopic endometrial tissue was visible in the abdominal wall,and the HE result showed thickening of the ectopic endometrial tissue,mesenchymal hyperplasia,and glandular dilatation;only autophagic vesicles were seen in the ultrastructure,and no obvious autophagic structures were seen in some of the fields of view;Serum E2,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,TGF-β,EGF,and EGFR levels were elevated and P levels were decreased in rats;autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and LC3B decreased in average fluorescence intensity;protein expressions of EGFR,PI3K,AKT,p-PI3K,p-AKT was elevated;and mRNA expressions of EGFR,PI3K,AKT was elevated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group,the gestrinone group and modified Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction high-,medium-dose groups showed a decrease in the number of torsion and a prolongation of the latency time of the torsion response,a decrease in the volume and mass of ectopic endometrial tissues,a decrease in the degree of pathological damage as shown by HE,and the appearance of lysosomes,autophagolysosomes and autophagic vesicles in different degrees in the ultrastructure;Serum E2,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,TGF-β,EGF,EGFR levels were decreased,and P levels were increased;the mean fluorescence intensity of autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and LC3B was increased;the protein expression of EGFR,PI3K,AKT,p-PI3K,and p-AKT was decreased;and the mRNA expression of EGFR,PI3K,and AKT was decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion The mechanism of modified modified Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction for the treatment of endometriosis may be related to the induction of autophagy of ectopic endometrial tissues mediated by the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the attenuation of inflammatory responses.

Volume dynamics is a two-compartment dynamical model using hemoglobin (Hb) derived plasma diluted level as input data and urine output as input variable through consecutive repeated measurements of Hb concentration in the blood during infusion. It could be applied to evaluate and guide crystalloid fluid rehydration for patients with dehydration or hypovolemia and during anesthesia or surgery. Volume dynamics could be also used to quantificate of strains, hypovolume, and the change of fluid distribution and elimination caused by anesthesia or surgery. The factors which influence the volume resuscitation are complex, including gender, age, hemodynamic state [mean arterial pressure (MAP)], health and stress state, renal function, consciousness, surgical or anesthesia state and so on, which may affect the half-life, distribution, and volume of the fluid. This article summarizes and analyzes the pathophysiological changes of crystalloids fluid in vivo, in order to provide reference for volume management in critically ill patients.

Objective:Postoperative venous obstruction (PVO) is the most severe complication of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), and facing challenging re-intervention with high mortality. We aimed to review and analyze the follow-up and management of postoperative PVO in our center.Methods:We conducted a retrospective study of the patients with isolated TAPVC admitted in our center from October 2013 to October 2019. All available data and images of PVO patients were reviewed, such as the initial perioperative medical records, patients’ follow-up records, results of patients’ echo and CT angiography. Re-intervention including hybrid technique, sutureless technique, and patch augmentation, were carried out for postoperative PVO patients. The results were reviewed and analyzed to find the risk factors for adverse prognosis.Results:A series of 174 isolated TAPVC patients were admitted in our center and 169 received surgical treatment and 26 (26/169, 15.4%) had postoperative PVO. The diagnosis was made at a median time of 11.5 (0-77) weeks after initial operation and within 6 months of surgery in 22 (22/26, 84.6%) of the 26 patients. The subtype of TAPVC patients with postoperative PVO were: supracardiac 11 cases (11/26, 42.3%), cardiac 7 cases (7/26, 26.9%), infracardiac 5 cases (5/26, 19.2%), and mixed 3 cases (3/26, 11.5%). Bilateral obstruction and stenosis with diffusely small pulmonary veins were in 12 (12/26, 46.2%) and 3 cases (3/26, 11.5%) respectively. PVO progressed to worse condition in all the 26 cases during follow-up period. 8 (8/26, 30.8%) postoperative PVO patients underwent 10 re-interventions: one cases had 3 re-interventions. Five-year survival for patients with postoperative PVO was worse than those without postoperative PVO ( HR=6.46, 95% CI: 2.34-17.85, P<0.01). Risk factors for death or re-intervention in postoperative PVO patients were earlier presentation after TAPVC repair ( HR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.73-0.99, P=0.04) and an increased number of lung segments affected by obstruction ( HR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.01-2.99, P=0.04). Conclusion:Risk factors for death or re-intervention in postoperative PVO patients were earlier presentation after TAPVC repair and an increased number of lung segments affected, which should be focused on during strict follow-up period. Early re-intervention should be taken before irreversible secondary changes occur in these patients.