Survival Factors and Metabolic Pathogenesis in Elderly Patients (≥65) With COVID-19: A Multi-Center Study.

Background: Elderly patients infected with COVID-19 are reported to be facing a substantially increased risk of mortality. Clinical characteristics, treatment options, and potential survival factors remain under investigation. This study aimed to fill this gap and provide clinically relevant factors associated with survival of elderly patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this multi-center study, elderly patients (age ≥65 years old) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from 4 Wuhan hospitals were included. The clinical end point was hospital discharge or deceased with last date of follow-up on Jul. 08, 2020. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to analyze survival and risk factors. A metabolic flux analysis using a large-scale molecular model was applied to investigate the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 with regard to metabolism pathways. Results: A total of 223 elderly patients infected with COVID-19 were included, 91 (40.8%) were discharged and 132 (59.2%) deceased. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developed in 140 (62.8%) patients, 23 (25.3%) of these patients survived. Multivariate analysis showed that potential risk factors for mortality were elevated D-Dimer (odds ratio: 1.13 [95% CI 1.04 - 1.22], p = 0.005), high immune-related metabolic index (6.42 [95% CI 2.66-15.48], p < 0.001), and increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (1.08 [95% 1.03-1.13], p < 0.001). Elderly patients receiving interferon atmotherapy showed an increased probability of survival (0.29 [95% CI 0.17-0.51], p < 0.001). Based on these factors, an algorithm (AlgSurv) was developed to predict survival for elderly patients. The metabolic flux analysis showed that 12 metabolic pathways including phenylalanine (odds ratio: 28.27 [95% CI 10.56-75.72], p < 0.001), fatty acid (15.61 [95% CI 6.66-36.6], p < 0.001), and pyruvate (12.86 [95% CI 5.85-28.28], p < 0.001) showed a consistently lower flux in the survivors vs. the deceased subgroup. This may reflect a key pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Several factors such as interferon atmotherapy and recreased activity of specific metabolic pathways were found to be associated with survival of elderly patients. Based on these findings, a survival algorithm (AlgSurv) was developed to assist the clinical stratification for elderly patients. Dysregulation of the metabolic pathways revealed in this study may aid in the drug and vaccine development against COVID-19.

Development and validation of prognostic model for predicting mortality of COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China.

Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection is a global public health issue, that has now affected more than 200 countries worldwide and caused a second wave of pandemic. Severe adult respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia is associated with a high risk of mortality. However, prognostic factors predicting poor clinical outcomes of individual patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia remain under intensive investigation. We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study of patients with SARS-CoV-2 who were admitted to four hospitals in Wuhan, China from December 2019 to February 2020. Mortality at the end of the follow up period was the primary outcome. Factors predicting mortality were also assessed and a prognostic model was developed, calibrated and validated. The study included 492 patients with SARS-CoV-2 who were divided into three cohorts: the training cohort (n = 237), the validation cohort 1 (n = 120), and the validation cohort 2 (n = 135). Multivariate analysis showed that five clinical parameters were predictive of mortality at the end of follow up period, including advanced age [odds ratio (OR), 1.1/years increase (p < 0.001)], increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [(NLR) OR, 1.14/increase (p < 0.001)], elevated body temperature on admission [OR, 1.53/°C increase (p = 0.005)], increased aspartate transaminase [OR, 2.47 (p = 0.019)], and decreased total protein [OR, 1.69 (p = 0.018)]. Furthermore, the prognostic model drawn from the training cohort was validated with validation cohorts 1 and 2 with comparable area under curves (AUC) at 0.912, 0.928, and 0.883, respectively. While individual survival probabilities were assessed, the model yielded a Harrell's C index of 0.758 for the training cohort, 0.762 for the validation cohort 1, and 0.711 for the validation cohort 2, which were comparable among each other. A validated prognostic model was developed to assist in determining the clinical prognosis for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Using this established model, individual patients categorized in the high risk group were associated with an increased risk of mortality, whereas patients predicted to be in the low risk group had a higher probability of survival.

Protective effect of tanshinone IIA against cardiac hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats through inhibiting the Cys-C/Wnt signaling pathway.

The study aimed to investigate the protective effect of tanshinone IIA against cardiac hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) through the Cys-C/Wnt signaling pathway. Thirty SHRs were randomly divided into cardiac hypertrophy, low- and high-dose tanshinone IIA groups. Ten Wistar-Kyoto rats were selected as control group. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart weight (HW), left ventricular weight (LVW) and body weight (BW) of all rats were recorded. HE staining and qRT-PCR were applied to observe the morphology of myocardial tissue and mRNA expressions of COL1A1 and COL3A1. ELISA and Western blotting were used to measure the serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide (NO) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels, and the expressions of the Cys-C/Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins, eNOS and Nox4. Compared with the cardiac hypertrophy group, the SBP, HW/BW, LVW/BW, swelling degree of myocardial cells, COL1A1 and COL3A1 mRNA expressions, serum cTnI and ADMA levels, and the Cys-C/Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins and Nox4 expressions in the low- and high-dose tanshinone IIA groups were decreased, but the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated eNOS (Ser1177) and NO expressions were increased. No significant difference was found between the low- and high-dose tanshinone IIA groups. Our study indicated a protective effect of tanshinone IIA against cardiac hypertrophy in SHRs through inhibiting the Cys-C/Wnt signaling pathway.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits myocardial remodeling induced by pressure overload via suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation: Possible role of silent information regulator 1.

Tanshinone IIA (Tan) exerts potential protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in cardiac hypertrophy. Activation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) signaling has been suggested to attenuate cardiac hypertrophy. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Tan treatment in pressure overload-induced myocardial remodeling and elucidated its potential mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with Tan in the absence or presence of the SIRT1 inhibitor sirtinol (Snl) and then subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Tan conferred cardioprotective effects by improving cardiac function, reducing apoptosis and myocardial remodeling, upregulating SIRT1, Bcl-2 expressions, and downregulating Bax and caspase-3 expressions. Snl attenuated these effects by inhibiting SIRT1 signaling. Tan treatment also reduced myocardium malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and cardiac inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and increased myocardium superoxide dismutase (SOD) level. However, these effects were also abolished by Snl. In conclusion, these results indicate that Tan significantly attenuates TAC-induced myocardial remodeling possibly due to its strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Importantly, SIRT1 signaling activation is involved in this process.

Tanshinone IIA ameliorates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress.

The fat-soluble diterpenoids tanshinone IIA (TSA) is the major active element of Danshen, which has widespread cardioprotective effect. However, the mechanism of its beneficial effect on cardiomyocytes has not been fully investigated. Here, we aim to demonstrate that TSA ameliorates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes activated by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes are used, in which ERS-mediated apoptosis is induced by tunicamycin (Tm). Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes are detected by Hoechst staining and caspase 3 activity analysis. Protein expression of ERS markers are detected by Western blot, and level of miroRNA-133 (miR-133) is detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Tm treatment significantly triggers the apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes. TSA dramatically ameliorates apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes induced by Tm. Interestingly, level of miR-133 is reduced by Tm treatment, which is reversed by TSA. The cardioprotective effect of TSA on apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes is blocked by anti-miR-133. These results suggest that TSA protects cardiomyocytes through ameliorated ERS-mediated apoptosis, which may be resulted from upregulation of miR-133.

Sodium tanshinone II A sulfonate ameliorates microcirculatory disturbance of small intestine by attenuating the production of reactie oxygen species in rats with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether sodium tanshinone II A sulfonate (STS), the main effective component of Salvia miltiorrhiza is effective in relieving the microcirculatory disturbance of small intestine by suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rats with sepsis. METHODS: A rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Rats (n =40) were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham-operated group (sham, n =10), sepsis group (CLP, n =10), STS treatment group (STS, n =10) and ROS scavenger dimethylthiourea (DMTU, n =10) group. Animals in the STS group were injected with STS (1 mg/kg) for 10 min through the right external jugular vein after the CLP operation, and animals in the CLP group were given the same volume of normal saline after the CLP operation. Animals in the DMTU group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mL/kg of 20% DMTU 1 h before CLP. The histopathologic changes in the intestinal tissues and changes of mesenteric microcirculation were observed. The levels of ROS in intestinal tissues from each group were qualitatively evaluated using a fluorescent microscope. The expressions of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK1), phosphorylated ASK1 (phospho-ASK1), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK), phosphorylated p38 MAPK (phospho-p38 MAPK) and tissue factor (TF) were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: It was shown that there were obvious microcirculatory disturbance (P <0.05) and tissue injuries in intestinal tissues after CLP operation. The levels of ROS production, phospho-ASK1, phospho-p38 MAPK and TF were increased. Both STS and DMTU suppressed ROS, phospho-ASK1, phospho-p38 MAPK and TF production, and ameliorated the microcirculatory disturbance and tissues injury (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: STS can ameliorate the microcirculatory disturbance of the small intestine by attenuating the production of ROS in rats with sepsis.

Impacts of stress, self-efficacy, and optimism on suicide ideation among rehabilitation patients with acute pesticide poisoning.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of pesticide ingestion as a means to commit suicide is a critical public health problem. An important predictor of suicidal behavior is suicide ideation, which is related to stress. However, studies on how to defend against stress-induced suicidal thoughts are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the impact of stress on suicidal ideation by investigating the mediating effect of self-efficacy and dispositional optimism. METHODS: Direct and indirect (via self-efficacy and dispositional optimism) effects of stress on suicidal ideation were investigated among 296 patients with acute pesticide poisoning from four general hospitals. For this purpose, structural equation modeling (SEM) and bootstrap method were used. RESULTS: Results obtained using SEM and bootstrap method show that stress has a direct effect on suicide ideation. Furthermore, self-efficacy and dispositional optimism partially weakened the relationship between stress and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: The final model shows a significant relationship between stress and suicidal ideation through self-efficacy or dispositional optimism. The findings extended prior studies and provide enlightenment on how self-efficacy and optimism prevents stress-induced suicidal thoughts.

Protective effect of diallyl trisulfide on liver in rats with sepsis and the mechanism.

The protective effects of diallyl trisulfide on liver were examined in rats with sepsis. Sepsis was reproduced in rats by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP). Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (group S, n=8), sepsis model group (group C, n=24), diallyl trisulfide (DATS)-treated group (group D, n=24). Animals in groups C and D were further divided into three subgroups according to different observation time points, with 8 rats in each subgroup· Rats in group D and C were intravenously injected with normal saline or DATS respectively at a dose of 20 mg/kg after the establishment of sepsis model. Eight rats in groups C and D were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 24 h post-CLP and their livers were harvested for detection of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor associated kinase-4 (IRAK-4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), c-fos, c-jun, malondialdehydethhe (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and for pathological examination. The results showed that the levels of serum IRAK-4, NF-κB and TNF-α in hepatic tissues were higher in group C than group S (control group) (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the levels of IRAK-4 and NF-κB in the hepatic tissues and serum TNF-α in group D were lower than those in group C (P<0.05). The levels of c-fos and c-jun and MDA in the hepatic tissues were higher in group C than in group S (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the levels of c-fos and c-jun and MDA in the hepatic tissues were significantly lower in group D than in group C (P<0.05). When compared with group S group, concentration of SOD in the hepatic tissues in group C was significantly lower (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the concentration of SOD in the hepatic tissues was higher in group D than in group C (P<0.05). These findings suggested that treatment with DATS could ameliorate sepsis-induced liver injury in rats. The protective effect might be related to its ability to inhibit the signal pathway of IRAK-4 and NF-κB, thereby decreasing the production of oxygen free radicals and down-regulating the expression of c-fos and c-jun.

Protective effect of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate on injury of small intestine in rats with sepsis and its mechanism.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) on small: intestine injury in rats with sepsis and its possible mechanism. METHODS: According to a random number table, 24 Tats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group (sham group), sepsis model group (model group) and STS treatment group (STS group), with 8 Tats in each group. A rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) for 5 h. STS (1 mg/kg) was slowly injected through the right external jugular vein after CLP. The histopathologic changes in the intestine tissue were observed under a light microscope, and the intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleoddyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 in the intestinal tissue was determined by Western blot. The levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the intestinal tissue were determined using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Obvious injuries were observed in the intestinal tissue in the CLP group compared with the sham group. The expression of NF-κB p65 and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were up-regulated after CLP, the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells was increased after CLP, and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was decreased. STS post-treatment could attenuate the injury on the intestinal tissue induced by CLP, decrease the apoptosis of intestinal treatment epithelial cells and the levels of NF-κB p65, TNF-α and IL-6, and increase the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax. CONCLUSION: STS can protect the small intestine in rats with sepsis, and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of intestinal epithelial apoptosis and the reduction of activation of inflammatory cytokines.

Protective effect and mechanism of sodium tanshinone II A sulfonate on microcirculatory disturbance of small intestine in rats with sepsis.

To explore the protective effect of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) on microcirculatory disturbance of small intestine in rats with sepsis, and the possible mechanism, a rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operated group (S), sepsis group (CLP) and STS treatment group (STS). STS (1 mg/kg) was slowly injected through the right external jugular vein after CLP. The histopathologic changes in the intestinal tissue and changes of mesenteric microcirculation were observed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the intestinal tissue were determined by using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the intestinal tissue was detected by using immunohistochemisty and Western blot, that of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and tissue factor (TF) by using Western blot, and the levels of NF-κB mRNA expression by using RT-PCR respectively. The microcirculatory disturbance of the intestine was aggravated after CLP. The injury of the intestinal tissues was obviously aggravated in CLP group as compared with S group. The expression levels of NF-κB p65, ICAM-1, TF and TNF-α were upregulaed after CLP (P<0.01). STS post-treatment could ameliorate the microcirculatory disturbance, attenuate the injury of the intestinal tissues induced by CLP, and decrease the levels of NF-κB, ICAM-1, TF and TNF-α (P<0.01). It is suggested that STS can ameliorate the microcirculatory disturbance of the small intestine in rats with sepsis, and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of inflammatory responses and amelioration of coagulation abnormality.