OBJECTIVE: To study the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of the polysaccharide of Alocasia cucullata (PAC) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: B16F10 and 4T1 cells were cultured with PAC of 40 µg/mL, and PAC was withdrawn after 40 days of administration. The cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8. The expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blot and the expressions of ERK1/2 mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A mouse melanoma model was established to study the effect of PAC during long-time administration. Mice were divided into 3 treatment groups: control group treated with saline water, positive control group (LNT group) treated with lentinan at 100 mg/(kg·d), and PAC group treated with PAC at 120 mg/(kg·d). The pathological changes of tumor tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The apoptosis of tumor tissues was detected by TUNEL staining. Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of ERK1/2, JNK1 and p38 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: In vitro, no strong inhibitory effects of PAC were found in various tumor cells after 48 or 72 h of administration. Interestingly however, after 40 days of cultivation under PAC, an inhibitory effect on B16F10 cells was found. Correspondingly, the long-time administration of PAC led to downregulation of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05), up-regulation of Caspase-3 protein (P<0.05) and ERK1 mRNA (P<0.05) in B16F10 cells. The above results were verified by in vivo experiments. In addition, viability of B16F10 cells under long-time administration culture in vitro decreased after drug withdrawal, and similar results were also observed in 4T1 cells. CONCLUSIONS Long-time administration of PAC can significantly inhibit viability and promote apoptosis of tumor cells, and had obvious antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice.
Mice ; Animals ; Alocasia/metabolism* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism*

Aim To study the effect of Guben Yanling pills on liver aging in aging mice and the related mech-anism.Methods The mice were randomly divided in-to blank control group,model group,vitamin E group(0.1 g·kg-1)and low,medium and high dose groups(0.59,1.17,2.34 g·kg-1)of Guben Yan-ling pills.The aging mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose(150 mg·kg-1)into the back of neck.At the same time of mod-eling,the corresponding drugs were given by gavage once a day for six weeks.The main organ indexes were calculated.HE staining was used to observe the mor-phology of liver tissue.Colorimetry was used to detect the activity of β-galactosidase in liver.ELISA was used to detect the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,IL-4,IL-10.Western blot was used to detect the protein relative expression level of IKKβ,Iκ Bα,NF-κB p65.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression level of NF-κB p65.Results Compared with the blank control group,the organ index of the brain,liv-er,kidney,spleen,and thymus in the model group decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),the activity of β-galactosidase increased(P＜0.01),liver tissue mor-phology and structure were significantly damaged,the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 increased(P＜0.01),the content of IL-4 and IL-10 decreased(P＜0.01),the levels of IKKβ,NF-κB p65 in-creased(P＜0.01),the levels of IKBα decreased(P＜0.01),and the levels of NF-κB p65 in nucleus increased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the organ indexes of brain,liver,kidney,spleen,and thymus in each dose group of Guben Yan-ling pills increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),the activity of β-galactosidase decreased(P＜0.01),the morpho-logical and structural damage of liver tissue was signifi-cantly improved,the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 decreased(P＜0.01),the content of IL-4 and IL-10 increased(P＜0.01),the levels of IKKβ,NF-κB p65 decreased(P＜0.01),the levels of IκBα in-creased(P＜0.01),and the levels of NF-κB p65 in nucleus decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusions Guben Yanling pills can antagonize liver aging in mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activa-tion of NF-κB signaling pathway in liver,downregulat-ing downstream pro-inflammatory factor levels,upregu-lating anti-inflammatory factor levels,and alleviating inflammation in liver.

Objective To analyze the genetic subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the prevalence of pretreatment drug resistance in the newly reported HIV-infected men in Guangxi. Methods The stratified random sampling method was employed to select the newly reported HIV-infected men aged≥50 years old in 14 cities of Guangxi from January to June in 2020.The pol gene of HIV-1 was amplified by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced.The mutation sites associated with drug resistance and the degree of drug resistance were then analyzed. Results A total of 615 HIV-infected men were included in the study.The genetic subtypes of CRF01_AE,CRF07_BC,and CRF08_BC accounted for 57.4% (353/615),17.1% (105/615),and 22.4% (138/615),respectively.The mutations associated with the resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI),non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI),and protease inhibitors occurred in 8 (1.3%),18 (2.9%),and 0 patients,respectively.M184V (0.7%) and K103N (1.8%) were the mutations with the highest occurrence rates for the resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs,respectively.Twenty-two (3.6%) patients were resistant to at least one type of inhibitors.Specifically,4 (0.7%),14 (2.3%),4 (0.7%),and 0 patients were resistant to NRTIs,NNRTIs,both NRTIs and NNRTIs,and protease inhibitors,respectively.The pretreatment resistance to NNRTIs had much higher frequency than that to NRTIs (2.9% vs.1.3%;χ²=3.929,P=0.047).The prevalence of pretreatment resistance to lamivudine,zidovudine,tenofovir,abacavir,rilpivirine,efavirenz,nevirapine,and lopinavir/ritonavir was 0.8%, 0.3%, 0.7%, 1.0%, 1.3%, 2.8%, 2.9%, and 0, respectively. Conclusions CRF01_AE,CRF07_BC,and CRF08_BC are the three major strains of HIV-infected men≥50 years old newly reported in Guangxi,2020,and the pretreatment drug resistance demonstrates low prevalence.
Male ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; HIV Infections/drug therapy* ; Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; Mutation ; HIV-1/genetics* ; Protease Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Genotype

Objective: To explore the influencing factors of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) with organ or system impairment in pregnant women, and to analyze and compare the differences of HDP subtypes in different regions of China. Methods: A total of 27 680 pregnant women with HDP with complete data from 161 hospitals in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities were retrospectively collected from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. According to their clinical manifestations, they were divided into hypertension group [a total of 10 308 cases, including 8 250 cases of gestational hypertension (GH), 2 058 cases of chronic hypertension during pregnancy] and hypertension with organ or system impairment group [17 372 cases, including 14 590 cases of pre-eclampsia (PE), 137 cases of eclampsia, 2 645 cases of chronic hypertension with PE]. The subtype distribution of HDP in East China (6 136 cases), North China (4 821 cases), Central China (3 502 cases), South China (8 371 cases), Northeast China (1 456 cases), Southwest China (2 158 cases) and Northwest China (1 236 cases) were analyzed. By comparing the differences of HDP subtypes and related risk factors in different regions, regional analysis of the risk factors of HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment was conducted. Results: (1) The proportions of HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment in Northeast China (79.05%, 1 151/1 456), Central China (68.42%, 2 396/3 502) and Northwest China (69.34%, 857/1 236) were higher than the national average (62.76%, 17 372/27 680); the proportions in North China (59.18%, 2 853/4 821), East China (60.85%, 3 734/6 136) and South China (59.56%, 4 986/8 371) were lower than the national average, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2) Univariate analysis showed that the proportions of primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination and PE history in the hypertension with organ or system impairment group were higher than those in the hypertension group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination and PE history were independent risk factors for HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment (all P<0.05). (3) Primipara: the rates of primipara in Northeast China, North China and Southwest China were higher than the national average level, while those in South China, Central China and Northwest China were lower than the national average level. Non-Han nationality: the rates of non-Han nationality in Northeast China, North China and Northwest China were higher than the national average, while those in East China, South China and Central China were lower than the national average. Non-urban household registration: the rates of non-urban household registration in Northeast China, North China, and Southwest China were lower than the national average, while those in East China, Central China were higher than the national average. Irregular prenatal examination: the rates of irregular prenatal examination in North China, South China and Southwest regions were lower than the national average level, while those in Northeast China, Central China and Northwest China were higher than the national average level. History of PE: the incidence rates of PE in Northeast China, North China, South China and Southwest China were lower than the national average level, while those in Central China and Northwest China were higher than the national average level. Conclusions: Primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination, and PE history are risk factors for HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment. Patients in Northeast, Central and Northwest China have more risk factors, and are more likely to be accompanied by organ or system function damage. It is important to strengthen the management of pregnant women and reduce the occurrence of HDP.
Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/diagnosis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pre-Eclampsia/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Incidence

Objective: To investigate the clinical and biological characteristics of familial platelet disorder (FPD) with germline Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) 1 mutations. Methods: Patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1 mutations from February 2016 to December 2021 in Wuhan No.1 Hospital underwent pedigree analysis and were screened for gene mutations (somatic and germline). Patients diagnosed with FPD with germline RUNX1 mutations were enrolled and evaluated in terms of clinical characteristics and biological evolution. Bioinformatics analysis was used to assess the pathogenicity of mutations and to analyze the effect of mutated genes on the function of the corresponding protein. Results: Germline RUNX1 mutations were detected in three out of 34 patients suffering from MDS/AML who had RUNX1 mutations. A pedigree of FPD with RUNX1 (RUNX1-FPD) c.562A>C and RUNX1 c.1415T>C mutations was diagnosed, and the mutations were of patrilineal origin. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the locus at positions 188 and 472 in the AML-1G type of RUNX1 was highly conserved across different species, and that variations might influence functions of the proteins. The mutations were evaluated to be highly pathogenic. Of the nine cases with germline RUNX1 mutations: two patients died due AML progression; one case with AML survived without leukemia after transplantation of hemopoietic stem cells; four patients showed mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia; two cases had no thrombocytopenia. During the disease course of the proband and her son, mutations in RUNX1, NRAS and/or CEBPA and KIT appeared in succession, and expression of cluster of differentiation-7 on tumor cells was enhanced gradually. None of the gene mutations correlated with the tumor were detected in the four cases not suffering from MDS/AML, and they survived until the end of follow-up. Conclusions: RUNX1-FPD was rare. The mutations c.562A>C and c.1415T>C of RUNX1 could be the disease-causing genes for the family with RUNX1-FPD, and these mutations could promote malignant transformation. Biological monitoring should be carried out regularly to aid early intervention for family members with RUNX1-FPD.
Humans ; Female ; Germ-Line Mutation ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Blood Platelet Disorders/complications* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics*

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of island posterior femoral composite tissue flaps in the repair of sinus cavity pressure ulcers in the areas of ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter. Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted. From December 2018 to December 2021, 23 patients with sinus cavity pressure ulcers in the areas of ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Ganzhou People's Hospital, including 16 males and 7 females, aged 45 to 86 years. The size of pressure ulcers in ischial tuberosity ranged from 1.5 cm×1.0 cm to 8.0 cm×5.0 cm, and the size of pressure ulcers in greater trochanter ranged from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 20.0 cm×10.0 cm before debridement. After treatment of underlying diseases, debridement and vacuum sealing drainage for 5 to 14 days were performed. All the wounds were repaired by island posterior femoral composite tissue flaps, with area of 4.5 cm×3.0 cm-24.0 cm×12.0 cm, pedicle width of 3-5 cm, pedicle length of 5-8 cm, and rotation radius of 30-40 cm. Most of the donor site wounds were sutured directly, and only 4 donor site wounds were repaired by intermediate thickness skin graft from the contralateral thigh. The survival of composite tissue flaps, wound healing of the donor and recipient sites and the complications were observed. The recurrence of pressure ulcers, and the appearance and texture of flaps were observed during follow-up. Results: A total of 32 wounds in 23 patients were repaired by island posterior femoral composite tissue flaps (including 3 fascio subcutaneous flaps, 24 fascial flaps+fascio subcutaneous flaps, 2 fascial flaps+fascial dermal flaps, 2 fascial flaps+fascio subcutaneous flaps+femoral biceps flaps, and one fascial flap+fascio subcutaneous flap+gracilis muscle flap). Among them, 31 composite tissue flaps survived well, and a small portion of necrosis occurred in one fascial flap+fascio subcutaneous flap post surgery. The survival rate of composite tissue flap post surgery was 96.9% (31/32). Twenty-nine wounds in the recipient sites were healed, and 2 wounds were torn at the flap pedicle due to improper postural changes, and healed one week after bedside debridement. One wound was partially necrotic due to the flap bruising, and healed 10 days after re-debridement. Thirty-one wounds in the donor sites (including 4 skin graft areas) were healed, and one wound in the donor site was torn due to improper handling at discharge, and healed 15 days after re-debridement and suture. The complication rate was 12.5% (4/32), mainly the incision dehiscence of the flap pedicle and the donor sites (3 wounds), followed by venous congestion at the distal end of flap (one wound). During the follow-up of 3 to 24 months, the pressure ulcers did not recur and the flaps had good appearance and soft texture. Conclusions: The island posterior femoral composite tissue flaps has good blood circulation, large rotation radius, and sufficient tissue volume. It has a high survival rate, good wound healing, low skin grafting rate in the donor site, few postoperative complications, and good long-term effect in the repair of sinus cavity pressure ulcers in the areas of ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Pressure Ulcer/etiology* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Skin Transplantation ; Femur/surgery* ; Necrosis/surgery* ; Perforator Flap

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) and investigate the basic information and safety of acupuncture for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). METHODS: A total of 80 participants with CSU from July 2018 to July 2019 were randomly assigned to receive active acupuncture (n=41) on a fixed prescription of acupoints or sham acupuncture (n=39) with superficial acupuncture on non-acupuncture points through the completely randomized design. Patients in both groups received 5 sessions per week for 2 weeks, and participants were followed for a further 2 weeks. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and randomization rates, retention of participants, treatment protocol adherence, and the incidence of adverse events (AEs). The clinical primary outcome was the changes from baseline weekly urticaria activity scores (UAS7) after treatment at 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of itching intensity, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). RESULTS: A total of 80 participants were enrolled. The recruitment rate of 24.02%, randomization rate of 100%, a loss rate of 6.25%, and no obvious AEs were observed in either group. The decrease from baseline in the mean UAS7 total score at week 2 in the active acupuncture group was -8.63 (95%CI, -11.78 to -5.49) and -6.21 (95%CI, -9.43 to -2.98) in the sham acupuncture group for a between-group difference of -2.42 (95% CI, -6.93 to 2.07). The change in the DLQI, VAS of itching intensity, HAMA, and HAMD were a slightly better improvement trend in the active acupuncture group than the sham acupuncture group, but the between-group difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Active acupuncture had a better improvement trend in alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life and regulating the mood of anxiety and depression in patients with CSU than sham acupuncture. (Registration Nos. AMCTR-ICR-18000190 and ChiCTR2100054776).

Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture on lung tissue of asthma model rats ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin(FN)expression levels.Methods A total of 40 male SPF Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into normal control group,model group,drug group and acupuncture group,with 10 rats in each group.On the 1st and 8th days of the experiment,the normal control group was intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of 0.9％ sodium chloride solution,and the model group was intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of 10％ compound ovalbumin solution to sensitize.On the 15th day of the experiment,the normal control group was nebulized with 0.9％ sodium chloride solution for 20 minutes,and the model group was nebulized with 1％ ovalbumin solution for 20 minutes to stimulate asthma.After successful modeling,the normal control group and the model group were not treated,and the drug group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.05％ dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution,once a day,for 10 days.In the acupuncture group,Feishu,Dazhui and Fengmen acupoints were punctured once every 2 days for 7 times.The mRNA expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(STAT6),the protein and positive expression of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),and the levels ofα-SMA,FN and peripheral blood T lymphocyte populations(CD3+,CD4+,CD8+)in the lung tissues of the four groups were compared.Results Compared with the normal control group,STAT6 mRNA expression,TGF-β1 protein and positive expression,the positive expression ofα-SMA,FN and T lymphocyte populations(CD3+,CD8+)in peripheral blood in model group were significantly increased[STAT6 mRNA(2-ΔΔCt):13.12±2.20 vs.1.02±0.20,TGF-β1 protein expression(A value):0.10±0.01 vs.0.06±0.01,TGF-β1 positive expression(A value):0.11±0.01 vs.0.08±0.01,α-SMA positive expression(A value):19.65±1.37 vs.7.74±0.81,FN positive expression(A value):18.40±0.79 vs.6.50±0.60,CD3+:0.70±0.03 vs.0.59±0.02,CD8+:0.39±0.02 vs.0.20±0.02,all P<0.05],and CD4+in model group was significantly decreased(0.32±0.02 vs.0.39±0.03,P<0.05);STAT6 mRNA expression and TGF-β1 protein expression,the positive expression ofα-SMA and FN and T lymphocyte populations(CD3+,CD8+)in peripheral blood in the drug group and acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the model group,CD4+in the drug group and acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the model group,and the changes in the acupuncture group was more significant than those in the drug group[STAT6 mRNA(2-ΔΔCt):3.01±0.55 vs.5.64±0.65,TGF-β1 protein expression(A value):0.06±0.01 vs.0.09±0.01,TGF-β1 positive expression(A value):0.08±0.01 vs.0.09±0.01,α-SMA positive expression(A value):12.33±0.50 vs.14.99±0.53,FN positive expression(A value):9.91±0.61 vs.13.19±0.66,CD3+:0.60±0.03 vs.0.65±0.04,CD4+:0.39±0.02 vs.0.36±0.02,CD8+:0.21±0.04 vs.0.28±0.03,all P<0.05].Conclusion For asthma model rats,acupuncture at Feishu,Dazhui and Fengmen acupoints can significantly stimulate the nerves and muscles of lung tissue,promote blood circulation in the lung,enhance lung function,improve the health status of lung tissue,reduce the content of the positive expression ofα-SMA and FN,and improve airway remodeling.

Objective: To explore the safety and feasibility of stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT) strategy for irradiating porcine ventricular septum, see if can provide a preliminary experimental evidence for clinical SBRT in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Methods: Five male pigs (39-49 kg, 6 months old) were used in this study. Pigs were irradiated at doses of 25 Gy (n=2) or 40 Gy (n=3). Delineation of the target volume was achieved under the guidance of 3-dimensional CT image reconstruction, and SBRT was then performed on defined target volume of porcine ventricular septum. Blood biomarkers, electrocardiogram and echocardiography parameters were monitored before and after SBRT. Pathological examination (HE staining, Masson staining) was performed on the target and non-target myocardium at 6 months post SBRT. Results: SBRT was successful and all animals survived to the designed study endpoint (6 months) after SBRT. Serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level was significantly higher than the baseline level at 1 day post SBRT, and reduced at 1 week after SBRT, but was still higher than the baseline level(P<0.05). Serum N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was also significantly increased at 1 day post SBRT (P<0.05) and returned to baseline level at 1 week post SBRT. The serum NT-proBNP level was (249±78), (594±37) and (234±46) pg/ml, respectively, and the cTnT was (14±7), (240±40) and (46±34) pg/ml, respectively at baseline, 1 day and 1 week after SBRT in the 40 Gy dose group. The serum NT-proBNP level was (184±20), (451±49) and (209±36) pg/ml, respectively, the cTnT values ​​were (9±1), (176±29) and (89±27) pg/ml, respectively at baseline, 1 day and 1 week after SBRT in the 25 Gy dose group. Both NT-proBNP and cTnT values tended to be higher post SBRT in the 40 Gy dose group as compared with the 25 Gy dose group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter remained unchanged before and after SBRT (P>0.05). The interventricular septum thickness showed a decreasing trend at 6 months after SBRT, but the difference was not statistically significant ((9.54±0.24) mm vs. (9.82±8.00) mm, P>0.05). The flow velocity of the left ventricular outflow tract, and the valve function and morphology were not affected by SBRT. At 6 months after SBRT, HE staining revealed necrosis in the irradiated target area of ​​the myocardium in the 40 Gy dose group and the 25 Gy dose group, and the degree of necrosis in the irradiated interventricular septum was more obvious in the 40 Gy dose group as compared with the 25 Gy group. The combined histological analysis of the two groups showed that the necrotic area of ​​the irradiated target area accounted for (26±9)% of the entire interventricular septum area, which was higher than that of the non-irradiated area (0) (P<0.05). There was no damage or necrosis of myocardial tissue outside the target irradiation area in both groups. The results of Masson staining showed that the percentage area of myocardial fibrosis was significantly higher in the irradiated target area than non-irradiated area ((12.6±5.3)% vs. (2.5±0.8)%, P<0.05). Conclusion: SBRT is safe and feasible for irradiating porcine ventricular septum.
Animals ; Feasibility Studies ; Male ; Necrosis ; Radiosurgery/methods* ; Stroke Volume ; Swine ; Ventricular Function, Left ; Ventricular Septum