Etiología y evolución de la anemia en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular / Etiology and evolution of anemia in patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar en nuestro medio la prevalencia de anemia en el preoperatorio de la cirugía cardiovascular, su incidencia postoperatoria y su evolución durante el primer mes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular central intervenidos durante el periodo del 01/09/2021 al 01/09/2022 en un hospital universitario. Se realizó seguimiento clínico y de laboratorio previo a la cirugía, al quinto y al día treinta del postoperatorio. Se comparó a los grupos con y sin anemia preoperatoria. Resultados: La prevalencia de anemia en el preoperatorio fue del 32.1%. La incidencia de anemia en el postoperatorio fue del 96% en el grupo de pacientes sin anemia previa. Al mes de la cirugía un 73 y un 90% de los pacientes, con y sin anemia preoperatoria respectivamente, persistían anémicos. Los pacientes con anemia preoperatoria tuvieron una menor recuperación de sus valores de hemoglobina al mes. Se observó una tendencia a mayor mortalidad y una mayor necesidad de derivación a centros de rehabilitación postegreso hospitalario en aquellos con anemia preoperatoria. Conclusiones: En este trabajo se evidenció una alta prevalencia e incidencia de anemia en el perioperatorio de las cirugías cardiovasculares. Así como su subtratamiento y elevada persistencia durante el mes posterior a la cirugía.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in the preoperative period of cardiovascular surgery, its postoperative incidence and its evolution during the first month in our setting. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out in which all patients undergoing central cardiovascular surgery operated during the period 09/01/2021-09/01/2022 in a university hospital were included. Clinical and laboratory follow-up was carried out prior to surgery, on the fifth and on the 30th postoperative day. Groups with and without preoperative anemia were compared. Results: The prevalence of anemia in the preoperative period was 32.1%. The incidence of anemia in the postoperative period was 96% in the group of patients without previous anemia. One month after surgery, 73 and 90% of the patients, with and without preoperative anemia, respectively, remained anemic. Patients with preoperative anemia had less recovery of their hemoglobin values at one month. A trend towards higher mortality and a greater need for referral to post-hospital discharge rehabilitation centers was observed in those with preoperative anemia. Conclusions: In this work, a high prevalence and incidence of anemia in the perioperative period of cardiovascular surgeries was evidenced. As well as its subtreatment and high persistence during the month after surgery.

Factores asociados a anemia ferropénica en lactantes y preescolares / Factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in infants and preschoolers

Introducción: La anemia se define como una afección en la cual el número de glóbulos rojos o la concentración de hemoglobina dentro de estos se encuentran por debajo del límite inferior, 11 gr/dl para menores entre 6 a 59 meses. La OMS calcula que a nivel mundial la anemia presenta una prevalencia del 42% en los niños menores de 5 años. Objetivos: Realizar una revisión panorámica de diversas publicaciones científicas acerca de los factores asociados a la anemia ferropénica en preescolares. Materiales y métodos: La revisión se realizó a través de la búsqueda electrónica de diversos artículos científicos relacionados con el tema. Se utilizó la pregunta PEO: ¿Cuáles son los factores asociados a anemia ferropénica en lactantes y preescolares? Se seleccionaron los artículos publicados desde el 2017 hasta el 2022. Resultados: De los 48 artículos encontrados en la revisión, 33 fueron descartados por no cumplir con nuestros criterios de selección, quedando 15 artículos para esta revisión. Basado en 12 artículos revisados, se halló que los factores que se asocian a anemia en menores de 5 años eran por problemas socioeconómicos, déficit de micronutrientes altos en hierro en dieta, madre con antecedente de anemia, la edad materna, falta de educación, entre otros. Conclusión: Los factores predisponentes para la presencia de anemia ferropénica en los menores de 5 años más importantes fueron los relacionados con la edad materna, el nivel socioeconómico y educativo de la madre que conllevan el déficit de hierro del menor.

Introduction: Anemia is defined as a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells is below the lower limit, 11 g/dL for children aged 6-59 months. The WHO estimates that worldwide anemia has a prevalence of 42% in children under 5 years of age. Objectives: To perform an overview review of various scientific publications on the factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in preschoolers. Materials and methods: The review was carried out through an electronic search of various scientific articles related to the subject. The PEO question was used: What are the factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in infants and preschoolers? Articles published from 2017 to 2022 were selected. Results: Of the 48 articles found in the review, 33 were discarded for not meeting our selection criteria, leaving 15 articles for this review. Based on 12 articles reviewed, it was found that the factors associated with anemia in children under 5 years of age were socioeconomic problems, deficiency of micronutrients high in iron in the diet, mothers with a history of anemia, maternal age, lack of education, among others. Conclusion: The most important predisposing factors for the presence of iron deficiency anemia in children under 5 years of age were those related to maternal age, socioeconomic and educational level of the mother that lead to iron deficiency in the child.

Hepcidin and inflammation associated with iron deficiency in childhood obesity - A systematic review

Abstract Objectives: This paper aims to review data on the association of obesity and iron deficiency in children and adolescents, exposing the possible involvement of hepcidin and interleukin-6 (IL-6), obesity's inflammation biomarkers. Data source: Articles from PUBMED and WEB OF SCIENCE database with no chronological limit were reviewed to write this systematic review. Keywords such as children, obesity, iron deficiency, and hepcidin were used. After deleting duplicated and review articles, 91 were screened, and 39 were selected as eligible. Sixteen articles were included because they involved serum hepcidin levels in obese children and adolescents as outcomes. Summary of findings: Finally, those 16 articles were organized in two tables: one includes therapeutic interventions, and the other does not. As hepcidin was discovered in 2000, the first articles that presented serum hepcidin's quantification in obese children and adolescents, homeostasis iron markers, and their possible association with obesity's inflammatory environment began to be published in 2008. Conclusions: Obesity's chronic inflammation state leads to the production of IL-6, which acts as a signaling molecule for hepcidin synthesis, resulting in iron deficiency, which is common in obese children and adolescents who respond inadequately to iron supplementation. On the other hand, that population responds adequately to therapeutic intervention programs that lead to weight loss, guaranteeing iron homeostasis improvement. Therefore, perhaps it is time to discuss serum hepcidin level quantification as part of evaluating children and adolescents with iron deficiency, which could guide clinical choices that might lead to better therapeutic outcomes.

Riesgos y beneficios de la profilaxis con sulfato ferroso en lactantes nacidos a término con niveles de hemoglobina y ferremia desconocidos / Risks and benefits of iron supplementation in full-term infants with unknown hemoglobin and ferritin levels

La seguridad y eficacia de los programas de suplementación con hierro a lactantes, está actualmente en discusión. El objetivo de esta revisión fue identificar estudios sobre riesgos y beneficios de la suplementación con hierro profiláctico en lactantes menores de un año, nacidos a término, con niveles de hemoglobina (Hb) y ferremia desconocidos. Se realizó una búsqueda en Pubmed y Cochrane, identificando 3 revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis. Estos estudios arrojaron resultados que indican mejoras en los niveles séricos de hierro y hemoglobina como resultado de la suplementación con hierro. Sin embargo, no se observó un beneficio significativo en el desarrollo cognitivo de los lactantes. Los efectos adversos más reportados son los gastrointestinales, efectos en el crecimiento (menor ganancia de talla y peso) y menor absorción de zinc. En resumen, la evidencia en cuanto a la profilaxis con hierro en lactantes es limitada, lo que nos lleva a recomendar un seguimiento cercano de los lactantes que reciben suplementos de hierro, con el objetivo de detectar posibles eventos adversos. Es fundamental evaluar cuidadosamente los riesgos y beneficios de esta intervención antes de su implementación (AU)

The safety and efficacy of iron supplementation programs for infants are currently under discussion. The objective of this review was to identify studies on the risks and benefits of prophylactic iron supplementation in infants under one year of age, born at term, with unknown hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron levels. The search was conducted on Pubmed and Cochrane, identifying three systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The results indicate improvements in serum iron and hemoglobin levels as a result of iron supplementation. However, a significant benefit in infant cognitive development was not observed. The most reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal, effects on growth (reduced height and weight gain), and reduced zinc absorption. In summary, the evidence regarding iron prophylaxis in infants is limited, leading us to recommend close monitoring of infants receiving iron supplements to detect potential adverse events. It is crucial to carefully assess the risks and benefits of this intervention before implementation (AU)

Utilidad de los anticuerpos anti-células parietales gástricas y anti-factor intrínseco en el estudio de la deficiencia de vitamina B12 asociada a gastritis autoinmune y anemia perniciosa / Usefulness of anti-gastric parietal cell and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies in the study of vitamin B12 deficiency associated with autoimmune gastritis and pernicious anemia / Utilidade de anticorpos anti-células parietais gástricas e anti-fator intrínseco no estudo da deficiência de vitamina B12 associada à gastrite autoimune e à anemia perniciosa

Resumen La gastritis autoinmune (GAI) es una afección inflamatoria progresiva de la mucosa oxíntica caracterizada por la destrucción de células parietales, pérdida de factor intrínseco, malabsorción de vitamina B12 (cobalamina), hierro y otros micronutrientes y puede progresar hacia un estado avanzado de anemia megaloblástica conocida como anemia perniciosa (AP). El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la deficiencia de vitamina B12 debida a malabsorción utilizando la detección de anticuerpos anti-células parietales gástricas (ACPG) y anti-factor intrínseco (AFI). Se analizaron 2050 sueros de pacientes con un inmunoanálisis quimioluminiscente para vitamina B12 total y 2,8% de éstos con las pruebas de inmunofluorescencia indirecta para ACPG y enzimoinmunoanálisis para AFI. La deficiencia de vitamina B12 (<200 ng/mL) fue del 13,1%. En la detección de anticuerpos se encontró: 2 doble positivos ACPG/AFI, 17 simple positivos ACPG y 4 simple positivos AFI. Todas las muestras ACPG y/o AFI positivas tuvieron valores de vitamina B12 total <200 ng/mL. En 5 pacientes con ACPG positivos se diagnosticó gastritis crónica confirmada por biopsia. En los 6 pacientes AFI positivos se realizó el diagnóstico de AP y en 2 de ellos se confirmó por histopatología. La positividad de ACPG y/o AFI permitió la clasificación de pacientes con sospecha de GAI en candidatos para la examinación histológica y la aplicación de esquemas terapéuticos adecuados. Se destaca la importancia de las pruebas de laboratorio como parte de una estrategia de diagnóstico temprano y vigilancia endoscópica, para evitar las manifestaciones relacionadas con la deficiencia de hierro y vitamina B12 y las complicaciones de la enfermedad avanzada.

Abstract Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a progressive inflammatory condition of the oxyntic mucosa, characterised by gastric parietal cell destruction, loss of intrinsic factor, and malabsorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), iron and other micronutrients; conditioning progress to a state of megaloblastic anemia known as pernicious anemia (PA). The aim of this study was to determine vitamin B12 deficiency due to malabsorption utilizing anti-parietal cell (APCA) and anti-intrinsic factor (IFA) antibodies detection. 2050 patient serum samples were analised by chemiluminescent immunoassay for vitamin B12. A total of 2.8% of them were tested for APCA by indirect immunofluorescence and for IFA by enzyme immunoessay. Vitamin B12 deficiency (<200 ng/mL) was 13.1%. Regarding antibody detection: 2 APCA/IFA double positives, 17 APCA simple positives and 4 IFA simple positives were found. APCA and/or IFA positive samples had total vitamin B12 values <200 ng/mL. Chronic gastritis confirmed by biopsy was diagnosed in 5 patients with positive ACPG antibodies. All 6 IFA positive patients were diagnosed with PA, while 2 of them also received histopatologic confirmation. APCA and/or IFA confirmation allowed for the classification of patients with suspicion of AIG as possible candidates for histologic examination and application of appropriate therapeutic schemes. Importance of laboratory testing is to be noted; as part of a strategy that enables early diagnosis and adequate endoscopic surveillance, to avoid manifestations related to iron and vitamin B12 deficiency and the complications of advanced disease.

Resumo A gastrite autoimune (GAI) é uma doença inflamatória progressiva da mucosa oxíntica, caracterizada pela destruição das células parietais gástricas, perda do fator intrínseco, má absorção de vitamina B12 (cobalamina), ferro e outros micronutrientes pode progredir para um estado avançado de anemia megaloblástica conhecida como anemia perniciosa (AP). O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a deficiência de vitamina B12 por má absorção usando a detecção de anticorpos anti-células parietais gástricas (ACPG) e anti-fator intrínseco (AFI). Foram analisados 2050 soros de pacientes com um imunoensaio quimioluminiscente para vitamina B12 total, 2,8% deles com testes de imunofluorescência indireta para ACPG e enzimaimunoensaio para AFI. A deficiência de vitamina B12 (<200 ng/mL) foi de 13,1%. Na detecção de anticorpos foram encontrados: 2 duplo positivos ACPG/AFI, 17 simples positivos ACPG e 4 simples positivos AFI. Todas as amostras ACPG e/ou AFI positivas apresentaram valores de vitamina B12 total <200 ng/mL. Gastrite crônica confirmada por biópsia foi diagnosticada em 5 pacientes positivos para ACPG. Nos 6 pacientes AFI positivos o diagnóstico de AP foi feito e em 2 deles foi confirmado por histopatologia. A positividade para ACPG e/ou AFI permitiu a classificação de pacientes com suspeita de GAI em candidatos para exame histológico e a aplicação de esquemas terapêuticos adequados. Destaca-se a importancia dos testes laboratoriais, como parte de uma estratégia de diagnóstico precoce e vigilância endoscópica, para evitar manifestações relacionadas à deficiência de ferro e vitamina B12 e complicações da doença avançada.

Clinical, biochemical, and radiologic profiles of Filipino patients with 6-Pyruvoyl-Tetrahydrobiopterin Synthase (6-PTPS) deficiency and their neurodevelopmental outcomes

Background@#Six-pyruvoyl-tetrahydrobiopterin synthase (6-PTPS) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder which results in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency causing hyperphenylalaninemia.@*Objective@#This study aimed to describe the clinical, biochemical, and radiologic profiles, and neurologic and developmental outcomes of patients diagnosed with 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydrobiopterin (PTPS) deficiency through newborn screening and confirmed by BH4 loading test, pterin analysis, and gene sequencing who were following-up with the metabolic team.@*Methods@#The research was a single-center descriptive case series study design that was done at the Philippine General Hospital, a tertiary government hospital. The clinical, biochemical, radiologic profiles and neurodevelopmental evaluation of each patient were described.@*Results@#Nine patients from 1 year 2 months to 14 years 5 months of age were enrolled in the study. Clinical manifestations before treatment were hypotonia, poor suck, and seizure. The most common clinical manifestation even after treatment initiation was seizure. The mean phenylalanine level on newborn screening was 990.68 umol/L, but after treatment was started, mean levels ranged from 75.69 to 385.09 umol/L. Two of the patients had focal atrophy of the posterior lobe on brain imaging. Pathogenic variants on molecular analysis were all missense, with two predominant variants, c.155A>G and c.58T>C. Eight of the nine patients had varying degrees of developmental delay or intellectual disability, while the remaining patient had signs of a learning disorder. @*Conclusion@#Newborn screening has played a crucial role in the early identification and management of patients with hyperphenylalaninemia due to 6-PTPS deficiency. Confirmation of diagnosis through determination of DHPR activity, urine pterins and/or molecular analysis is necessary for appropriate management. However, despite early initiation of treatment, neurodevelopmental findings of patients with 6-PTPS deficiency were still unsatisfactory.

Clinical Efficacy of Fuzheng Huaji Longbi Decoction in Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Syndrome of Healthy Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Fuzheng Huaji Longbi decoction in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） in the patients with the syndrome of healthy Qi deficiency and blood stasis. MethodA total of 94 BPH patients were randomized into control and observation groups， with 47 patients in each group. The control group was treated with doxazosin mesylate sustained-release tablets， and the observation group with Fuzheng Huaji Longbi decoction on the basis of the therapy in the control group. After eight weeks， the international prostate symptom score （IPSS）， quality of life （QOL） score， residual urine volume （RUV）， maximum urinary flow rate （Qmax）， TCM syndrome score， TCM symptom score， electrocardiogram， and liver and kidney function were determined to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups. ResultAfter 8 weeks of treatment， the total response rate in the control group was 63.64% （28/44）， which was lower than that （84.44%， 38/45） in the observation group （χ2=5.026， P<0.05）. The clinical efficacy in the observation group was higher than that in the control group （Z=-2.17， P=0.030）. The treatment in both groups decreased the IPSS， QOL score， RUV， and TCM syndrome scores and increased the Qmax （P<0.05）. Moreover， the observation group had lower IPSS， QOL score， RUV， and TCM syndrome score （P<0.05） and higher Qmax than the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. The treatment in the observation group decreased all the TCM symptom scores （P<0.05）， while that in the control group only decreased the frequency of urination at night and the scores of dysuria， weak urine stream， and post-urinary drainage （P<0.05）. After treatment， the observation group had lower frequency of urination at night and lower scores of mental fatigue， cold limbs， lower abdominal discomfort， and loose stool than the control group （P<0.05）. No adverse events associated with the administration of Fuzheng Huaji Longbi decoction were observed during the treatment period. ConclusionFuzheng Huaji Longbi decoction is effective in treating BPH in the patients with the syndrome of healthy qi deficiency and blood stasis. It can relieve the clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life， being a safe and reliable choice for clinical application.

Staging Sequential Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Based on Syndrome Differentiation of Deficiency and Excess in Eight Principles / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The core of diagnosing and treating diseases in traditional Chinese medicine lies in syndrome differentiation. The eight principles of syndrome differentiation serve as guidance for syndrome differentiation. As one of the eight principles of syndrome differentiation， the differentiation of deficiency and excess is the basic and critical method. Ischemic stroke is currently the leading cause harming the health of Chinese residents. Although the hypotheses about the cause of ischemic stroke have evolved from external wind to the later internal wind and to the modern theory of toxin damaging the brain collaterals， they all believe that this disease is rooted in internal deficiency and external excess. According to available studies， although stroke is characterized by complex pathogenesis and rapid progression of syndromes， the key cause evolution has a regularity， that is， from excess to deficiency. This article analyzes the historical evolution of the etiology， pathogenesis， and syndrome differentiation schemes of stroke. There are diverse schemes for the syndrome differentiation of stroke， which make it difficult to choose in clinical practice. In view of this problem， this paper puts forward a new approach of staging sequential treatment of ischemic stroke based on the differentiation of deficiency and excess according to the evolution law of the key cause of stroke. Furthermore， we conducted a randomized controlled study on 100 patients with ischemic stroke to evaluate this new approach. The results showed that the staging sequential treatment of ischemic stroke based on the differentiation of deficiency and excess demonstrated definite clinical efficacy. In addition， this article reviews the previous research results of our team and the research achievements of other teams to preliminarily explore the relationship between stroke syndromes and biomarkers， aiming to provide an objective basis for unveiling the pathogenesis of stroke. In summary， according to the key cause evolution （from excess to deficiency）， the treatment of ischemic stroke by stages based on differentiation of deficiency and excess can facilitate the rapid intervention and improve the clinical efficacy on ischemic stroke.

Mitochondrial Quality Control Affects Diabetic Cardiomyopathy：Based on Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in recent years， cardiomyopathy caused by diabetes mellitus has aroused wide concern and this disease is characterized by high insidiousness and high mortality. The early pathological changes of diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM） are mitochondrial structural disorders and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility. The turbulence of mitochondrial quality control （MQC） is a key mechanism leading to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility， which， together with elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation， trigger changes in myocardial structure and function. Qi deficiency and stagnation is caused by the loss of healthy Qi， and the dysfunction of Qi transformation results in the accumulation of pathogenic Qi， which further triggers injuries. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， DCM is rooted in Qi deficiency of the heart， spleen， and kidney. The dysfunction of Qi transformation leads to the generation and lingering of turbidity， stasis， and toxin in the nutrient-blood and vessels， ultimately damaging the heart. Therefore， Qi deficiency and stagnation is the basic pathologic mechanism of DCM. Mitochondria， similar to Qi in substance and function， are one of the microscopic manifestations of Qi. The role of MQC is consistent with the defense function of Qi. In the case of MQC turbulence， mitochondrial structure and function are impaired. As a result， Qi deficiency gradually emerges and triggers pathological changes， which make it difficult to remove the stagnant pathogenic factor and aggravates the MQC turbulence. Ultimately， DCM occurs. Targeting MQC to treat DCM has become the focus of current research， and TCM has the advantages of acting on multiple targets and pathways. According to the pathogenesis of Qi deficiency and stagnation in DCM and the modern medical understanding of MQC， the treatment should follow the principles of invigorating healthy Qi， tonifying deficiency， and regulating Qi movement. This paper aims to provide ideas for formulating prescriptions and clinical references for the TCM treatment of DCM by targeting MQC.

Clinical Observation on Rongjin Tongbi Decoction in Treating Sciatica Caused by Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation with Liver and Kidney Deficiency Type / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Rongjin Tongbi decoction on sciatica caused by lumbar intervertebral disc herniation with liver and kidney deficiency type based on a randomized controlled study. MethodFrom January 2019 to July 2022， 90 patients in the department of Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital who met the inclusion criteria were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table， with 45 patients in each group. During the study， 19 cases dropped out， with 41 cases included in the final observation group and 30 cases in the control group. The observation group was given Rongjin Tongbi decoction orally， and the control group was given Loxoprofen Sodium Tablets orally for 28 days. The differences in the visual analog scale （VAS） scores， the Japanese Orthopaedic Association （JOA） scores， activities of daily living （ADL） assessments， TCM clinical symptoms， subjective symptoms， and clinical signs scores between two groups before and after treatment were observed. Liver and kidney functions and gastrointestinal adverse reactions were detected for safety evaluation. ResultBefore treatment， there was no statistically significant difference in scores between the observation group and the control group. After treatment， the absolute values of the differences in VAS and ADL scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in the absolute value of the difference in JOA scores between two groups. The absolute value of the difference in TCM clinical symptom scores in the observation group was higher than that in the control group （P<0.01）. There was no statistically significant difference in the absolute values of the differences in subjective symptom and clinical sign scores between two groups. The levels of liver and kidney function indicators in both groups before and after the experiment were normal， and there was no significant difference in gastrointestinal reactions. ConclusionRongjin Tongbi decoction can significantly improve the symptoms of sciatica patients caused by lumbar intervertebral disc herniation with liver and kidney deficiency type. After treatment， the patients exhibited significant improvements in pain， activity and other aspects， and it is proven to be safe and reliable， which is conducive to the recovery of physical function.

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency after kidney transplantation: a case report and literature review / 器官移植

Objective To summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency after kidney transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 1 patient with adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency after kidney transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency were summarized by literature review. Results Renal biopsy showed that salt crystallization was found in most renal tubule lumen and positive results were observed under polarized light microscopy. After allopurinol, hemodialysis and anti-crystallization treatment, the graft function was gradually recovered. After postoperative 1-year follow-up, the patient's renal function was properly recovered. Conclusions Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency after kidney transplantation may lead to delayed graft function or graft dysfunction. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment may delay disease progression and improve renal function.

Sishenwan Combined with Tongxie Yaofang Treats Ulcerative Colitis with Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency and Liver Depression / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo induce the rat model of ulcerative colitis （UC） with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency and liver depression， and explore the efficacy and mechanism of Sishenwan combined with Tongxie Yaofang （SSW&TXYF） based on the therapeutic principles of tonifying spleen， soothing liver， warming kidney， and astringing intestine. MethodSixty male SD rats were randomized into normal， model， mesalazine， and high-， medium-， and low-dose SSW&TXYF groups. The rats in other groups except the normal group were administrated with Sennae Folium decoction and hydrocortisone and received tail clamping for 14 days. On day 14， rats received enema with TNBS-ethanol solution to induce UC. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs from day 15 of modeling， and the body weight and mental state were observed and recorded. The sucrose preference test was performed from day 25. On day 28， the rectal temperature was measured， and the rats were administrated with 3% D-xylose solution at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 by gavage. Blood was sampled 1 h later， from which the serum was collected for measurement of the D-xylose content. The serum， hippocampus， and colorectum samples of rats were collected on day 29. The levels of gastrin （GAS）， adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH）， corticosterone （CORT）， cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）， cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP）， interleukin （IL）-4， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and interferon （IFN）-γ in the serum and 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） in the hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to reveal the colonic lesions. The mRNA and protein levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）， and c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） in the colon tissue were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot， respectively. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed decreased body weight， anal temperature， and D-xylose content in the serum and increased GAS content （P<0.01）. The modeling led to cAMP/cGMP unbalance and decreased the ACTH and CORT content in the serum （P<0.01）， the preference for sucrose water， and the 5-HT content in the hippocampus （P<0.01）. Moreover， it shortened the colorectal length and caused massive infiltration of inflammatory cells and severe structural damage in the colon tissue. High， medium， and low doses of SSW&TXYF improved above indicators （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced inflammatory infiltration， and repaired the pathological damage of the tissue. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed lowered IL-4 level （P<0.01） and elevated TNF-α and IFN-γ levels （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the serum， as well as up-regulated expression of p38 MAPK， ERK， and JNK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， SSW&TXYF elevated the IL-4 level （P<0.01）， lowered the TNF-α and IFN-γ levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of p38 MAPK， ERK， and JNK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionA rat model of UC with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency and liver depression was successfully established. SSW&TXYF can significantly mitigate this syndrome by reducing the inflammatory response in the colon and inhibiting the MAPK pathway.

Identification of banana ADA1 gene family members and their expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses / 生物工程学报

The Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) is an ancillary transcription initiation complex which is highly conserved. The ADA1 (alteration/deficiency in activation 1, also called histone H2A functional interactor 1, HFI1) is a subunit in the core module of the SAGA protein complex. ADA1 plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as stress resistance. In this paper, we performed genome-wide identification of banana ADA1 gene family members based on banana genomic data, and analyzed the basic physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, selection pressure, promoter cis-acting elements, and its expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses. The results showed that there were 10, 6, and 7 family members in Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana and Musa itinerans. The members were all unstable and hydrophilic proteins, and only contained the conservative SAGA-Tad1 domain. Both MaADA1 and MbADA1 have interactive relationship with Sgf11 (SAGA-associated factor 11) of core module in SAGA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that banana ADA1 gene family members could be divided into 3 classes. The evolution of ADA1 gene family members was mostly influenced by purifying selection. There were large differences among the gene structure of banana ADA1 gene family members. ADA1 gene family members contained plenty of hormonal elements. MaADA1-1 may play a prominent role in the resistance of banana to cold stress, while MaADA1 may respond to the Panama disease of banana. In conclusion, this study suggested ADA1 gene family members are highly conserved in banana, and may respond to biotic and abiotic stress.

Functions of HIV-1 Tat and its association with diseases / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Acquired immune deficiency syndrome,or AIDS,has been a major infectious disease that troubles the public health in a global scale. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1)is the causative reagent responsible for AIDS development. Even though the highly active anti-retroviral therapy(HAART,or the cocktail therapy)that has been widely applied could effectively suppress the infection and replication of HIV-1,the infected people suffer from other related diseases,such as the HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder(HAND). This paper mainly focused on the function of an important regulatory protein of HIV-1,trans-activator of transcription(Tat),and its correlation with HIV-1 replication and HAND development,so as to clarify the importance of developing anti-AIDS drugs targeting Tat protein

Yunkang Oral Liquid Promotes Restoration of Mice from Postpartum Kidney Deficiency via TGF-β/Smads Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yunkang oral liquid on postpartum kidney deficiency in mice. MethodPostpartum mice were randomized into model and low-dose （6 mL·kg-1）， medium-dose （9 mL·kg-1）， and high-dose （12 mL·kg-1） Yunkang oral liquid groups. The mouse model of postpartum kidney deficiency was established by sleep deprivation combined with forced swimming. Another 9 female ICR mice were selected as the normal control group. The mice were administrated with Yunkang oral liquid during the period of modeling. The levels of estradiol （E2）， progesterone （P）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， and luteinizing hormone （LH） in the serum were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes of ovaries and uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the expression of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β and Smad2/3 was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. ResultThe mice in the model group showed prolonged estrous cycle， reduced voluntary activity， dorsal temperature， grip strength， and bone strength， and whitening tongue coating. Compared with the model group， Yunkang oral liquid shortened the estrous cycle， increased the voluntary activity， dorsal temperature， grip strength， and bone strength， and alleviated the whitening of tongue coating. Moreover， it elevated the E2 and P levels and lowered the FSH and LH levels in the serum， decreased ovarian follicular atresia rate， promoted uterine repair， and down-regulated the expression of TGF-β and Smad2/3 in the ovarian and uterine tissues. ConclusionYunkang oral liquid can ameliorate postpartum kidney deficiency in mice by regulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.

Syndromes and Mechanisms of Depression Induced by Second Hit in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the syndromes and mechanisms of depression induced by maternal separation （MS） combined with chronic restraint stress （RS） in mice. MethodOn postnatal day 0 （PD0）， the offspring mice were randomized into a blank group （NC） and a modeling group. The mouse model of depression was established by MS+RS for 21 days. After removal of female mice on PD21， the modeled mice were randomized into model， Wenyang， Jieyu， Wenyang Jieyu， and fluoxetine groups， with 15 mice in each group. The sucrose preference， tail suspension， and open field tests were carried out to evaluate the anxiety and depression-like behavior in mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the adrenocorticotrophic hormone （ACTH） and corticosterone （CORT） levels in mouse plasma. High performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector was used to determine the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of genes in the 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） system， hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis， and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression levels of proteins in the 5-HT system and HPA axis in the hippocampus. The Simple Western system was used to determine the protein levels of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the NC group， the model group exhibited depression-like behavior， which was significantly relieved by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine. Compared with the NC group， the model group showed elevated levels of CORT and ACTH in the plasma （P<0.01）， which， however， were lowered by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the NC group， the model group showed inhibited expression of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine restored the expression of neurotransmitters （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with NC group， the model group showed inhibition of the 5-HTergic nerve and abnormal activation of the HPA axis， and Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine regulated the abnormal state of the 5-HTergic nerve and HPA axis. Compared with NC group， the modeling down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）， which， however， were recovered in Wenyang， Jieyu， Wenyang Jieyu， and fluoxetine groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe mouse model of depression induced by MS+RS may present the syndrome of Yang deficiency and liver depression. Wenyang Jieyu prescription may increase the content of hippocampal neurotransmitters by regulating the 5-HT system and the BDNF signaling pathway mediated by the HPA axis， thereby alleviating depression-like behavior in mice.

Mechanism of Bushen Yijing Method in Treatment of Oligoasthenozoospermia Based on Intestinal Microbiota / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Oligoasthenozoospermia is the main cause of male infertility， with complex and diverse causes. Currently， there are still some unclear causes of oligoasthenozoospermia in clinical practice， known as idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology， it has been found that intestinal microbiota disorder may be an important promoting factor for the onset of oligoasthenozoospermia. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "deficiency of kidney essence" is the core pathogenesis of oligoasthenozoospermia. In clinical practice， the method of tonifying the kidney and strengthening the essence has a significant therapeutic effect on oligoasthenozoospermia， but its mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. Based on the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine and molecular biology research， it has been found that there is a similarity between "kidney essence" and intestinal microbiota. During the onset of oligoasthenozoospermia， the disorder of intestinal microbiota has similarities with the pathogenesis of "deficiency of kidney essence" in traditional Chinese medicine. Moreover， traditional Chinese medicine for tonifying the kidney and strengthening the essence can regulate the disorder of intestinal microbiota， which may be one of the effective mechanisms for the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia with the Bushen Yijing method. Based on this， this article explored the mechanism of Bushen Yijing method of traditional Chinese medicine in treating oligoasthenozoospermia from the perspective of intestinal microbiota， so as to provide new ideas for the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia with traditional Chinese medicine.

Evaluation of A Liver Yin Deficiency Mouse Model Based on Untargeted Metabolomics / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）， to evaluate the establishment of a mouse model of liver Yin deficiency by thyroid tablet suspension combined with 10% carbon tetrachloride（CCl4） from the perspective of non-targeted metabolomics， in order to lay the foundation for the establishment of a traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome model. MethodA total of 24 mice were randomly divided into blank group and model group. The model group was given thyroid tablet suspension（0.003 2 g·kg-1） by gavage for 14 consecutive days， and 10% CCl4（5 mL·kg-1） was intraperitoneally injected once a week to establish a liver Yin deficiency model， while the blank group was injected with an equal amount of olive oil intraperitoneally and gavaged with an equal amount of distilled water， and was fed with normal feed. After the modeling was completed， 6 mice in each group were randomly selected， the levels of alanine aminotransferase（ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase（AST）， cyclic adenosine monophosphate（cAMP）， cyclic guanosine monophosphate（cGMP）， interleukin（IL）-6， IL-10， tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）were measured in the mice serum， and malondialdehyde（MDA）， superoxide dismutase（SOD）， total protein（TP）， hydroxyproline（HYP） and other indicators were measured in the mice liver. Liver tissue sections were taken for hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining and observing pathological changes. The remaining 6 mice in each group were subjected to UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with principal component analysis（PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） were used to screen differential metabolites in the liver Yin deficiency mouse model， Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG） database was used to analyze the corresponding metabolic pathways of differential metabolites. ResultCompared with the blank group， mice in the model group showed liver Yin deficiency manifestations such as reduced body weight， fatigue and sleepiness， disheveled and lusterless hair， irritability. The levels of ALT， cAMP/cGMP， IL-6， AST， MDA， cAMP， TNF-α significantly increased（P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the levels of SOD， IL-10 and cGMP significantly decreased（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the changes of HYP and TP were not statistically significant. Hepatic steatosis and distortion of the radial arrangement of the liver plate cells were seen in the section images of the model group， endogenous substances were clearly separated， and 252 differential metabolites were identified in the serum samples， which were mainly involved in the metabolic pathways of purine metabolism， steroid hormone biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism. A total of 229 differential metabolites were identified in the liver samples， mainly involving nucleotide metabolism， purine metabolism， steroid hormone biosynthesis， pyrimidine metabolism， antifolate resistance， insulin resistance， primary bile acid biosynthesis， prostate cancer， sulfur relay system， arachidonic acid metabolism and other metabolic pathways. ConclusionThe successful establishment of liver Yin deficiency model in mice by CCl4 combined with thyroid hormone is evaluated through the investigation of serum and liver metabolomics， combined with biochemical indicators， which provides a biological basis and experimental foundation for the Yin deficiency syndrome model of TCM.

She Medicine （畲药） Diren Zishen Formula （地稔滋肾方） Combined with Acupuncture as Adjunctive Treatment for 32 Cases of Primary Biliary Cholangitis with Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of She medicine （畲药） Diren Zishen Formula（地稔滋肾方） combined with acupuncture as adjunctive treatment for primary biliary cholangitis with liver and kidney yin deficiency syndrome. MethodsSeventy patients of primary biliary cholangitis with liver and kidney yin deficiency syndrome were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group， with 35 patients in each group. The control group received oral ursodeoxycholic acid capsules （250 mg per dose， three times daily）. The treatment group received She medicine Diren Zishen Formula oral decoction （one dose daily， 200 ml per dose in the morning and evening， served warm） and acupuncture ［bilateral Sanyingjiao （SP6）， Taichong （LR3）， Ganshu （BL18）， Zusanli （ST36）， Fenglong （ST17）， once daily， 5 consecutive days per week］ in addition to the same treatment as the control group. The treatment duration was three months for both groups. Comparisons were made between the two groups before and after treatment for the following parameters， which were four traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptoms scores （skin itching， fatigue， jaundice， and flank pain）， TCM syndrome scores， liver function indicators including aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， gamma-glutamyl transferase （GGT） and total bilirubin （TBiL）， liver fibrosis markers including serum laminin （LN）， serum hyaluronic acid （HA）， serum type Ⅳ collagen （Ⅳ-C） and serum type Ⅲ procollagen （PC-Ⅲ）， and inflammatory factor indicators including serum interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）. The effectiveness of TCM syndrome between the two groups was compared and safety evaluations were also conducted after treatment. ResultsA total of 32 cases were finally analyzed in the treatment group， while the control group had 31 cases. The total effective rate of TCM syndrome in the treatment group （87.50%， 28/32） was higher than that in the control group （67.74%， 20/31） （P＜0.05）. After treatment， the TCM symptom scores， syndrome scores， liver function， and liver fibrosis markers in both groups signi-ficantly decreased， while in the treatment group， the inflammatory factor indicators decreased after treatment， and more decreases were found than those in the control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Both groups had good safety， and no adverse reactions were observed. ConclusionThe combination of She medicine Diren Zishen Formula and acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for primary biliary cholangitis can significantly improve the clinical effectiveness， improve liver function， reduce inflammatory response， and alleviate liver fibrosis， with good safety.

Clinical Study of Modified Shenqi Pill （肾气丸） Plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （通督调神针刺） for Neurogenic Bladder After Spinal Cord Injury of Kidney-Yang Deficiency Syndrome / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of modified Shenqi Pill （肾气丸） plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （通督调神针刺） in the treatment of neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome. MethodsForty-six patients were randomly divided into 23 cases each in the control group and the treatment group. Both groups were given conventional treatment， i.e. oral methylcobalamin tablets （0.5 mg each time， 3 times a day） and paraplegic conventional acupuncture （once a day， 6 consecutive days a week）. The control group was given simple bladder function rehabilitation training on the basis of the conventional treatment； and the treatment group was given modified Shenqi Pill orally （1 dose a day， 150 ml each time， taken warmly in morning and evening） and Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （once a day， 6 consecutive days per week） in addition to what were given to the control group. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks. The 24 h urination frequency， 24 h urine leakage frequency， 24 h single urine volume， bladder residual urine volume， international lower urinary tract symptom （LUTS） score， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score were compared between the two groups， and clinical effectiveness and TCM syndrome effectiveness were compared between the two groups after treatment. ResultsTwenty patients in each group were finally analyzed in this study. The number of 24 h urination， the number of 24 h urine leakage， bladder residual urine volume， LUTS score， and the TCM syndrome scores decreased after treatment in both groups， and the 24 h single urine volume increased （P＜0.01）； and much more improvement was found of each index in the treatment group than in the control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The total clinical effectiveness and TCM syndrome effectiveness in the treatment group was 85.00% （17/20） respectively， which were statistically significantly higher than 45.00% （the total clinical effectiveness， 9/20） and 60.00% （TCM syndrome effectiveness， 12/20） in the control group （P＜0.01）. ConclusionModified Shenqi Pill plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture can signi-ficantly improve the clinical symptoms of neurogenic bladder patients after spinal cord injury of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome， having better effectiveness than simple bladder function rehabilitation training， and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of the injured nerve function innervating the bladder.