Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Modulating Effect of Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）， as a progressive lung disease， has a poor prognosis and no reliable and effective therapies. IPF is mainly treated by organ transplantation and administration of chemical drugs， which are ineffective and induce side effects， failing to meet the clinical needs. Therefore， developing safer and more effective drugs has become an urgent task， which necessitates clear understanding of the pathogenesis of IPF. The available studies about the pathogenesis of IPF mainly focus on macrophage polarization， epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT）， oxidative stress， and autophagy， while few studies systematically explain the principles and links of the pathogeneses. According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory， Qi deficiency and blood stasis and Qi-Yang deficiency are the key pathogeneses of IPF. Therefore， the Chinese medicines or compound prescriptions with the effects of replenishing Qi and activating blood， warming Yang and tonifying Qi， and eliminating stasis and resolving phlegm are often used to treat IPF. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that such medicines play a positive role in inhibiting macrophage polarization， restoring redox balance， inhibiting EMT， and regulating cell autophagy. However， few studies report how Chinese medicines regulate the pathways in the treatment of IPF. By reviewing the latest articles in this field， we elaborate on the pathogenesis of IPF and provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanism of the active ingredients or compound prescriptions of Chinese medicines in regulating IPF. Combining the pathogenesis of IPF with the modulating effects of Chinese medicines， we focus on exploring systemic treatment options for IPF， with a view to providing new ideas for the in-depth study of IPF and the research and development of related drugs.

Correlation between lung allocation score and early death risk of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after lung transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze the correlation between the lung allocation score (LAS) and the risk of early death and complications in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 275 patients with IPF were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between LAS and the risk of early death in IPF patients after lung transplantation and the correlation between LAS and complications at postoperative 1 year was assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results Among 275 recipients, 62, 83, 95 and 108 cases died within postoperative 30, 90, 180 and 365 d, respectively. LAS was correlated with 30-, 90-, 180- and 365-d fatality of IPF patients (all P<0.05), whereas it was not correlated with the incidence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) at 365 d after lung transplantation (both P>0.05). Conclusions LAS is correlated with the risk of early death of IPF patients after lung transplantation. While, it is not correlated the incidence of PGD and AKI early after lung transplantation. Special attention should be paid to the effect of comprehensive factors upon PGD and AKI.

Mechanism of Medicated Serum of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Endothelial-to-mesenchymal Transition of Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells Based on Wnt1/β-catenin Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the intervention of medicated serum of Buyang Huanwutang （BYHWT） in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition （EndMT） of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells （HPAECs） as well as its related mechanisms. MethodMedicated serum of BYHWT was prepared by gavage to New Zealand rabbits with a dosage of 53.36 g·kg-1·d-1 after decocting the medicine as usual. In addition， the same volume of normal saline was used to prepare blank serum. The HPAECs were cultured in vitro， and then induced by the transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） to establish the EndMT model. Five groups were established： blank group （10% blank serum）， model group （TGF-β1+10% blank serum）， low-dose BYHWT group （TGF-β1+2.5% medicated serum+7.5% blank serum）， medium-dose BYHWT group （TGF-β1+5% medicated serum+5% blank serum） and high-dose BYHWT group （TGF-β1+10% medicated serum）. Through Western blot， the expressions of Wnt1， β-catenin， and glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β） were detected. In order to further clarify the mechanism of the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the intervention of the medicated serum of BYHWT in inhibiting EndMT， the overexpression of β-catenin was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction after plasmid of overexpression β-catenin was constructed and transfected into the HPAECs. The HPAECs were intervened by 10% medicated serum with the optimal effect in previous studies. Then， they were divided into another five groups： the blank group （10% blank serum）， the model group （TGF-β1+10% blank serum）， the BYHWT group （TGF-β1+10% medicated serum）， the BYHWT+overexpression plasmid control group （TGF-β1+10% medicated serum+blank plasmid） and the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group （TGF-β1+10% medicated serum+β-catenin）. Apart from that， cell proliferation ability was detected by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） method and cell migration ability by scratch assay and Transwell assay together. Immunofluorescence was adopted to detect the expressions of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule （PECAM-1/CD31）， vascular endothelial cadherin （VE-cadherin）， fibroblast-specific protein 1 （FSP1）， and α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）. ResultIn comparison to the blank group， the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin were significantly increased （P<0.01） while the expression of GSK-3β significantly decreased （P<0.01） in the model group. In comparison to the model group， the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin were significantly decreased （P<0.01） while the expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased （P<0.01） in the high-dose BYHWT group. The expression of β-catenin was significantly decreased （P<0.01） while the expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased （P<0.01） in the medium-dose BYHWT group. There was no significant difference in these indexes of the low-dose BYHWT group. In comparison to the blank group， proliferation and migration abilities were remarkably increased （P<0.01） and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were decreased， while those of FSP1 and α-SMA were increased in the model group. In comparison to the model group， proliferation and migration abilities were significantly decreased （P<0.01） and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were increased， while those of FSP1 and α-SMA diminished in the BYHWT group. Beyond that， the change trend of those indexes in the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group was consistent with that in the model group. In comparison to the BYHWT+overexpression plasmid control group， proliferation and migration abilities were significantly increased （P<0.01） and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were decreased， while those of FSP1 and α-SMA were increased in the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group. ConclusionMedicated serum of BYHWT can inhibit EndMT of HPAECs by the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Lung transplantation after paraquat poisoning in an adolescent: one case report and literature review / 器官移植

Objective To summarize the effect of the timing of lung transplantation and related treatment measures on clinical prognosis of patients with paraquat poisoning. Methods Clinical data of a patient with paraquat poisoning undergoing bilateral lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination, diagnosis and treatment of this patient were summarized and analyzed. Results A 17-year-old adolescent was admitted to hospital due to nausea, vomiting, cough and systemic fatigue after oral intake of 20-30 mL of 25% paraquat. After symptomatic support treatment, the oxygen saturation was not improved, and pulmonary fibrosis continued to progress. Therefore, sequential bilateral lung transplantation was performed under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). After postoperative rehabilitation and active prevention and treatment for postoperative complications, the patient was discharged at postoperative 50 d. Conclusions The timing of lung transplantation after paraquat poisoning may be selected when the liver and kidney function start to recover. Active and targeted prevention of potential pathogen infection in perioperative period and early rehabilitation training contribute to improving clinical prognosis of lung transplant recipients.

Relative incidence of interstitial lung diseases in Brazil / Incidência relativa de doenças pulmonares intersticiais no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the relative frequency of incident cases of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective survey of new cases of ILD in six referral centers between January of 2013 and January of 2020. The diagnosis of ILD followed the criteria suggested by international bodies or was made through multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). The condition was characterized as unclassifiable ILD when there was no specific final diagnosis following MDD or when there was disagreement between clinical, radiological, or histological data. Results: The sample comprised 1,406 patients (mean age = 61 ± 14 years), and 764 (54%) were female. Of the 747 cases exposed to hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)-related antigens, 327 (44%) had a final diagnosis of HP. A family history of ILD was reported in 8% of cases. HRCT findings were indicative of fibrosis in 74% of cases, including honeycombing, in 21%. Relevant autoantibodies were detected in 33% of cases. Transbronchial biopsy was performed in 23% of patients, and surgical lung biopsy, in 17%. The final diagnoses were: connective tissue disease-associated ILD (in 27%), HP (in 23%), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (in 14%), unclassifiable ILD (in 10%), and sarcoidosis (in 6%). Diagnoses varied significantly among centers (c2 = 312.4; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings show that connective tissue disease-associated ILD is the most common ILD in Brazil, followed by HP. These results highlight the need for close collaboration between pulmonologists and rheumatologists, the importance of detailed questioning of patients in regard with potential exposure to antigens, and the need for public health campaigns to stress the importance of avoiding such exposure.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência relativa de casos incidentes de doenças pulmonares intersticiais (DPI) no Brasil. Métodos: Levantamento retrospectivo de casos novos de DPI em seis centros de referência entre janeiro de 2013 e janeiro de 2020. O diagnóstico de DPI seguiu os critérios sugeridos por órgãos internacionais ou foi feito por meio de discussão multidisciplinar (DMD). A condição foi caracterizada como DPI não classificável quando não houve um diagnóstico final específico após a DMD ou houve discordância entre dados clínicos, radiológicos ou histológicos. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 1.406 pacientes (média de idade = 61 ± 14 anos), sendo 764 (54%) do sexo feminino. Dos 747 casos expostos a antígenos para pneumonite de hipersensibilidade (PH), 327 (44%) tiveram diagnóstico final de PH. Houve relato de história familiar de DPI em 8% dos casos. Os achados de TCAR foram indicativos de fibrose em 74% dos casos, incluindo faveolamento, em 21%. Autoanticorpos relevantes foram detectados em 33% dos casos. Biópsia transbrônquica foi realizada em 23% dos pacientes, e biópsia pulmonar cirúrgica, em 17%. Os diagnósticos finais foram: DPI associada à doença do tecido conjuntivo (em 27%), PH (em 23%), fibrose pulmonar idiopática (em 14%), DPI não classificável (em 10%) e sarcoidose (em 6%). Os diagnósticos variaram significativamente entre os centros (c2 = 312,4; p < 0,001). Conclusões: Nossos achados mostram que DPI associada à doença do tecido conjuntivo é a DPI mais comum no Brasil, seguida pela PH. Esses resultados destacam a necessidade de uma estreita colaboração entre pneumologistas e reumatologistas, a importância de fazer perguntas detalhadas aos pacientes a respeito da potencial exposição a antígenos e a necessidade de campanhas de saúde pública destinadas a enfatizar a importância de evitar essa exposição.

Riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con esclerosis sistémica / Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Introducción: El riesgo cardiovascular es importante en la evaluación de los pacientes con esclerosis sistémica. Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con esclerosis sistémica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo en pacientes protocolizados del Servicio de Reumatología, en el período de enero 2020 a enero 2022. Se recogieron variables demográficas, clínicas, y se aplicó la calculadora de riesgo cardiovascular Framingham. Resultados: Se incluyeron 105 pacientes con edad media de 48,6 ± 15,3 años, el grupo más frecuente de 50 a 59 años (36,2 por ciento), predominó el sexo femenino 92,2 por ciento el color de piel blanca (74,3 por ciento), el tiempo de evolución fue mayor a 5 años (66,7 por ciento) con una media de 10,5 ± 9,3. El valor promedio de la escala de gravedad modificada de Medsger fue 5,1 ± 2,7 y el 72,4 por ciento con afectación leve. El fenómeno de Raynaud y la fibrosis pulmonar fueron más frecuentes con un 89,5 por ciento y 55,2 por ciento. El índice de Rodnan en promedio fue de 13,1 ± 8,0 y los reactantes de fase aguda normales en la mayoría. Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes fueron la HTA (30,2 por ciento) y dislipidemia (19,9 por ciento). El índice de masa corporal que predominó fue de peso adecuado (54,3 por ciento). Predominó el riesgo cardiovascular bajo según score de Framingham (86 por ciento). Existieron diferencias significativas entre las medias del tiempo de evolución y el riesgo cardiovascular (10 ± 6,9 frente a 9,6 ± 8,8 frente a 16,9 ± 10,8; p = 0,032). Conclusiones: El riesgo cardiovascular en los pacientes con esclerosis sistémica fue bajo(AU)

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk is important in the evaluation of patients with systemic sclerosis. Objective: To determine the cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in protocolized patients of Rheumatology Service, from January 2020 to January 2022. Demographic and clinical variables were collected, and Framingham cardiovascular risk calculator was used. Results: One hundred five patients were included with a mean age of 48.6 ± 15.3 years, the most frequent group was 50 to 59 years (36.2percent), female sex (92.2percent) predominated, as well as white skin color (74.3percent). The evolution time was greater than 5 years (66.7percent) with a mean of 10.5 ± 9.3. The average value of modified Medsger severity scale was 5.1 ± 2.7 and 72.4percent had mild involvement. Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary fibrosis were more common at 89.5percent and 55.2percent. Rodnan index on average was 13.1 ± 8.0 and the acute phase reactants were normal in the majority. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were HBP (30.2percent) and dyslipidemia (19.9percent). The predominant body mass index was adequate weight (54.3percent). Low cardiovascular risk according to Framingham score prevailed (86percent). There were significant differences between the mean duration of evolution and cardiovascular risk (10 ± 6.9 vs. 9.6 ± 8.8 vs. 16.9 ± 10.8; p = 0.032). Conclusions: The cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis was low(AU)

"Interstitial lung abnormalities": translation to and use in Portuguese / Anormalidades pulmonares intersticiais: tradução e uso na língua portuguesa

Abstract Objective: To conduct a survey on the use of the term "interstitial lung abnormalities" in radiology reports in Brazil, propose an appropriate Portuguese-language translation for the term, and provide a brief review of the literature on the topic. Materials and Methods: A survey was sent via electronic message to various radiologists in Brazil, asking about their familiarity with the term, which translation of the term they use in Portuguese, and whether they use the criteria proposed by the Fleischner Society. Results: A total of 163 responses were received, from all regions of Brazil. Although the vast majority (88%) of the respondents stated that they were familiar with the term "interstitial lung abnormalities", there was considerable variation regarding the equivalent term they used in Portuguese. Conclusion: We suggest that the term "anormalidades pulmonares intersticiais" be used in order to standardize radiology reports and disseminate knowledge of these findings in Brazil.

Resumo Objetivo: Fazer um levantamento sobre o uso do termo interstitial lung abnormalities nos laudos radiológicos no Brasil, propor uma tradução para o termo e fazer uma breve revisão sobre o tema. Materiais e Métodos: Foi enviada uma pesquisa, por meio de mensagem eletrônica, para diversos radiologistas de todo o Brasil, questionando sobre a familiarização com o termo, qual tradução em português utilizam e se usam os critérios propostos pela diretriz da Sociedade Fleischner. Resultados: Foram recebidas 163 respostas de todas as regiões do Brasil e a grande maioria dos radiologistas respondeu estar familiarizado com o termo interstitial lung abnormalities (88%), mas houve grande variação em relação ao termo utilizado como tradução para o português. Conclusão: Sugerimos a padronização do termo "anormalidades pulmonares intersticiais", a fim de uniformizar os relatórios radiológicos e difundir esta entidade no País.

AA Amyloidosis Secondary to Horton's Disease Complicated by Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Very Challenging Diagnosis and Therapy

AA amyloidosis is a classic and serious complication of many chronic inflammatory processes, whether of infectious, autoimmune, or neoplastic origin. It is frequently complicated by kidney damage, often in the form of a nephrotic syndrome. Giant cell arteritis is a common inflammatory arteritis in the elderly; however, it rarely causes AA amyloidosis. We report a rare case of Horton disease causing AA amyloidosis in an elderly patient with history of myopericarditis and repeated episodes of congestive heart failure. Patient was treated initially with dual therapy based on corticosteroids and anti TNF therapy (Tocilizumab) associated with heart failure therapy recommended by the European society of cardiology (ESC 2021 guidelines on Heart Failure). The initial outcome was favorable but later complicated by the involvement of the lungs; pulmonary fibrosis, responsible for repeated episodes of pleural effusion non controlled in spite of high dose of loop diuretics and repeated pleural punction. Patient died shortly after her second hospitalization due to respiratory insufficiency.

Rendimiento diagnóstico y morbimortalidad de las biopsias pulmonares quirúrgicas en enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa

Introducción: Se denomina Enfermedad Pulmonar Intersticial Difusa (EPID) a un conjunto heterogéneo de patologías caracterizadas por inflamación y fibrosis pulmonar. El diagnóstico basado en patrones clínicos o radiológicos puede, ocasionalmente, ser insuficiente para iniciar un tratamiento. La biopsia pulmonar quirúrgica es una alternativa cuando se requiere aumentar la precisión diagnóstica luego de discusión multidisciplinaria. Objetivo: Describir el rendimiento diagnóstico, morbilidad y mortalidad de las biopsias quirúrgicas pulmonares en un hospital público chileno. Pacientes y Método: Cohorte retrospectiva de todos los pacientes a quienes se realizó biopsia quirúrgica por diagnóstico de EPID entre los años 2010 y 2020, indicada por un comité multidisciplinario. Se excluyen procedimientos similares o biopsias con diagnóstico de EPID como hallazgo incidental. Resultados: 38 pacientes intervenidos, mediana de edad de 63 años, 47% femenino. Solo 1 (2,6%) paciente operado de urgencia, y 34 (89,5%) por videotoracoscopía. 5 (13,1%) pacientes presentaron morbilidad, en 4 de ellos fuga aérea, ninguno requiriendo intervención adicional. No hubo rehospitalización, reoperación ni mortalidad a 90 días. En el 95% de los casos se alcanzó un diagnóstico preciso de la EPID tras discusión multidisciplinaria. Discusión: Se observa un alto rendimiento diagnóstico y una baja morbimortalidad en los pacientes estudiados. La baja frecuencia de procedimientos de urgencia y la adecuada indicación en comité multidisciplinario puede haber contribuido a la baja morbilidad. Conclusión: La biopsia pulmonar quirúrgica en un hospital general tiene un alto rendimiento diagnóstico cuando se discute en comité multidisciplinario para precisar el diagnostico en EPID, con una baja morbimortalidad si se seleccionan adecuadamente los pacientes.

Background: Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the lung. Diagnosis based exclusively on clinical or radiologic patterns may be inaccurate, and if a reliable diagnosis cannot be made, surgical lung biopsy can be strongly considered to increase the diagnostic yield after multidisciplinary committee. Objective: To review the diagnostic results, morbidity, and mortality of surgical biopsies in a chilean public health institution. Patients and Method: Retrospective cohort of patients operated for diagnostic purposes for ILD between 2010 - 2020. Surgical biopsies done for other diagnoses were excluded. Results: 38 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years, 47% were female. Only 1 patient (2.6%) underwent emergency surgery and 89.5% underwent minimally invasive surgery techniques. 5 patients had some morbidity (13.1%), 4 of them being air leak. All complications were successfully managed conservatively. We had no readmission, reoperations, or 90-day mortality in this cohort. In 95% of the cases an accurate diagnosis of ILD was reached after multidisciplinary discussion. Discussion: In our experience surgical lung biopsy has a high diagnostic yield and a low morbidity and mortality. A low number of emergency procedures and accurate surgical indication by an expert committee could explain the low morbidity. Conclusion: Surgical lung biopsy in a general hospital reach a high diagnostic performance when discussed in a multidisciplinary committee to specify the diagnosis in ILD, with low morbidity and mortality if patients are properly selected.

A review on post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis and the role of nintedanib in its management

Pulmonary fibrosis as a complication of COVID-19 has been widely reported. Several studies have reported prolonged respiratory symptoms in significant numbers of people lasting months after the acute episode of COVID-19 infection. Nintedanib is being explored as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. However, the exact role of nintedanib in the treatment of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis is not clear. Objectives of this article are to perform a scoping review of the literature on the mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis, role of nintedanib in the treatment of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis, and emerging treatments in the treatment of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. The United States Clinical Trials Registry and Clinical Trials Registry of India were searched to identify studies evaluating the role of nintedanib in post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. Embase and PubMed databases were searched and relevant articles were reviewed. Over all 26 article in PubMed and 67 articles in Embase were reviewed. There are several ongoing studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of nintedanib in the treatment of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. Some studies have shown promising results for nintedanib while results from several large ongoing clinical trials are awaited. Use of nintedanib in post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis is promising based on the preliminary evidence from the present studies. However, the current evidence is limited and more evidence is awaited from the ongoing randomized clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of nintedanib in the management of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis.

Mechanism of Active Components of Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） is a progressive interstitial lung disease with unknown etiology and poor prognosis. At present， there are few antifibrotic drugs， which have limited efficacy and cause diverse side effects in the treatment of IPF， failing to meet the clinical needs. Therefore， it is urgent to develop more safe and effective drugs to treat IPF. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has garnered increasing attention in recent years in the treatment of IPF due to its unique advantages. Increasing studies have shown that Chinese medicines have remarkable therapeutic effects on IPF and broad application prospects. However， the unclear material basis and mechanism in treating IPF hinders the modernization， internationalization， and clinical application of Chinese medicines. Therefore， it is essential to decipher the mechanism of the active components in Chinese medicines in treating IPF， which has gradually become a hot spot in the research on IPF. Increasing research results have demonstrated that anti-inflammation， anti-oxidation， inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition are involved in the treatment of IPF with these active components， whereas the systematic research and summary remain to be carried out. By reviewing the articles about the treatment of IPF with the active components in Chinese medicines in recent years， this paper summarizes the mechanism and experimental studies and puts forward the existing problems in the research on the mechanism， aiming to provide references for the further basic research on IPF and the development of targerted drugs.

Research progress on using traditional Chinese medicine and extracts for activating blood circulation in prevention and treatment of silicosis / 中国职业医学

Occupational silicosis features as irreversible pulmonary fibrosis, which is caused by long-term inhalation of free silica dust. The pathogenesis of silicosis is complex and there is no cure at present. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies silicosis fibrosis into the category of diseases as "pulmonary paralysis" and "pulmonary arthralgia", and its treatment is based on promoting blood circulation and activating qi. Traditional Chinese medicine for activating blood circulation is one of the commonly used medications, which has the effects of anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis and immunomodulation, and has broad application prospect in the prevention and treatment of silicosis. At present, animal experiments and clinical studies have been carried out using the single Chinese herbs extracts that could activate blood circulation such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Panax notoginseng, Curcuma longa L., peach kernel and Carthamus tinctorius L. as well as their compound herbs for the prevention and treatment of silicosis. The mechanisms of anti-pulmonary fibrosis and the efficacy and safety of treating silicosis and its complications were explored. There are also scholars studying Salvia miltiorrhiza, Curcuma longa L. and Danhong injection, Taohong Siwu Decoction and others for prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, network pharmacological research, analyzing potential targets and pathways, were carried out to provide scientific rationale for prevention and treatment of silicosis. However, the effectiveness of research is still uncertain, and it cannot meet the clinical needs. In the future, it is necessary to explore the application of more high-quality active components of traditional Chinese medicine monomer or mixture of activating blood circulation in the prevention and treatment of silicosis, to provide new ideas and scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of silicosis using traditional Chinese medicine.

Effect of acute kidney injury on near-term prognosis of the recipients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after lung transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of acute kidney injury(AKI)on near-term survival after lung transplantation(LT)in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF).Methods:Through consulting electronic medical records, anesthetic modes and Chinese Lung Transplant Registration System, clinical data are retrospectively reviewed for 275 IPF patients undergoing LT at Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2017 to April 2021.According to the diagnostic criteria of Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes(KDIGO), they are divided into two groups of AKI(169 cases)and non-AKI(106 cases).Perioperative findings of two groups are recorded.Then univariate and multivariate Cox regression models are employed for determining whether or not inter-group differences existed in survival rates post-LT.Also AKI is staged according to the KDIGO.And the effect of stage 1/2/3 AKI on near-term postoperative prognosis is examined.Results:The differences are significantly different in recipient gender, creatinine, 6-minute walking test, forced vital capacity(FVC), lung allocation score, oxygenation index, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-Pro BNP), preoperative hormone use and volume of crystal infusion( P<0.05).After multivariate Cox regression correcting for covariates, no statistical significance exists in effect of AKI stage 1 on near-term postoperative survival rate( P<0.05).AKI stage 2/3 still has statistical significance in risk of mortality at Day 30/90/180/365 post-operation( P>0.05). Conclusions:As a common complication post-LT, AKI significantly affects near-term postoperative prognosis of transplant IPF patients.Stage 2/3 AKI impacts near-term postoperative survival while stage 1 AKI is not associated with higher mortality.

The role and treatment strategy of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is one of the most serious late complications after nuclear radiation accident, bone marrow transplantation pretreatment and thoracic tumor radiotherapy. The formation process of RIPF is complicated and the pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Recent studies have shown that radiation-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung epithelial cells is an indispensable segment of RIPF. This article reviews the role of radiation-induced lung EMT in the occurrence and development of RIPF and related drugs with EMT as a potential therapeutic target, providing ideas for the development of therapeutic drugs for RIPF in the future.

CEP33779 ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis via the cross-talk between JAK2 and TGF-β 1 signaling pathway / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:Rat model of RA complicated with pulmonary fibrosis were constructed to observe the degree of improvement of pulmonary fibrosis in RA rats by JAK2 inhibitor CEP33779 and the possible mechanisms.Methods:①The RA models were constructed by subcutaneous injection of 0.2 ml (1 mg/ml) of bovine type Ⅱ collagen into the tail of the rats on the day of modeling development (d0); intratracheal injection of 100 μl bleomycin (2.5 mg/kg) was used to induce pulmonary fibrosis model at d13. In vivo study: model rats were randomly divided into the normal group, pulmonary fibrosis group, pulmonary fibrosis CEP treatment group, RA complicated with pulmonary fibrosis group, and RA complicated pulmonary fibrosis CEP treatment group. Rats in the treatment group was given CEP (10 ml/kg) qd by gavage from d14 to week 4. The right hind foot of the rats was measured for joints swelling and the arthritis index score were measured, lung compliance (Cst) and lung specific gravity were measured. In addition, the pathological changes of the left lung were observed by HE and Masson staining, and the extracellular matrix level of the right lung was measured by protein immunoblotting (WB). ② In vitro study: TGF-β 1 (10 ng/ml) was applied to stimulate human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HFL1) for 24 h and 48h, and p-JAK2 expression was detected by immunofluorescence. After HFL1 inoculation of culture plates, the control group, TGF-β 1 stimulation group, TGF-β 1+ LY2109761 (TGFβ-R1/2 inhibitor group, 0.5 mmol/L and 2 mmol/L) group, TGF-β 1+CEP (0.1 mmol/L and 1.0 mmol/L) group were co-incubated for 48 h, and the expression levels of TGFβ-R2, α-SMA, JAK2, and Col 1 were measured by WB. Comparisons between multiple groups were made by Tukey′s test, and comparisons between the two groups were analyzed by independent t-test. Results:① In vivo study, compared with the control group (1.45±0.04), joint swelling was increased at d13 [(2.54±0.16) in RA+PF+Vehicle group, t=16.02, P<0.001], and the mean arthritis index score and toe volume were decreased 3 days after CEP treatment(d16) [(2.89±0.11), t=5.78, P<0.001; (1.92±0.13), t=6.85, P<0.001]. For rats with pulmonary fibrosis, all had different degrees of lung enlargement, increased lung specific gravity, decreased Cst, and increased lung inflammation and fibrosis[(0.96±0.06), t=19.76, P<0.001; (0.26±0.09), t=17.64, P<0.001; (3.63±1.51), t=6.00, P<0.001; (1.75±0.71), t=5.84, P<0.001]. After CEP gavage, rats that had RA complicated with pulmonary fibrosis had reduced lung swelling, decreased lung specific gravity, increased Cst [(0.82±0.05), t=5.76, P<0.001; (0.43±0.18), t=2.31, P=0.038], and the scores of pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation [(3.00±1.00); (1.56±0.52)] all showed a trend of decrease, but did not reach statistical difference CEP inhibited the expression of TGF-β 1, TGFβ-R2, α-SMA, Fn and JAK2 in lung tissue of pulmonary fibrosis rats, and the differences among the five groups were statistically significant ( F=9.02, P=0.017; F=4.86, P=0.048; F=6.57, P=0.032; F=11.26, P=0.010; F=13.32, P=0.007). ② In vitro study, TGF-β 1 stimulated HFL1 showed stronger phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) fluorescent signal WB showed a significant increase in the expression of TGFβ-R2, α-SMA, JAK2 and Col1, and after LY and CEP intervention, the above proteins were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner, with statistically significant differences among all five groups ( F=337.30, P<0.001; F=20.61, P<0.001; F=100.60, P<0.001; F=180.90, P<0.001). Conclusion:JAK2 inhibitors can ameliorate RA-related pulmonary fibrosis, and the mechanism may be through interfering with the "crosstalk" between JAK2 and TGF-β 1 signaling pathway.

Risk factors of early death after lung transplantation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of early death after lung transplantation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 134 patients with IPF and PAH who underwent lung transplantation at Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2017 to December 2020 were collected. The donor's gender, age, duration of mechanical ventilation, and cold ischemia time, the recipient's gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, history of hypertension and diabetes, preoperative usage of hormones, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), cardiac echocardiography and cardiac function, serum creatinine (SCr), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as well as surgical type, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment, duration of operation, and plasma and red blood cell infusion ratio were collected. The cumulative survival rates of patients at 30, 60, and 180 days after lung transplantation were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the effects of donor, recipient, and surgical factors on early survival in donors after lung transplantation.Results:The majority of donors were male (80.6%). There was 63.4% of the donors older than 35 years old, 80.6% of the donors had mechanical ventilation duration less than 10 days, and the median cold ischemia time was 465.00 (369.25, 556.25) minutes. The recipients were mainly males (83.6%). Most of the patients were younger than 65 years old (70.9%). Most of them had no hypertension (75.4%) or diabetes (67.9%). The median mPAP of recipients was 36 (30, 43) mmHg (1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa). There were 73 patients with single lung transplantation (54.5%), and 61 with double lung transplantation (45.5%). The survival rates of 134 IPF patients with PAH at 30, 60, 180 days after lung transplantation were 81.3%, 76.9%, and 67.4%, respectively. Univariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that recipient preoperative use of hormone [hazard ratio ( HR) = 2.079, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.048-4.128], mPAP ≥ 35 mmHg ( HR = 2.136, 95% CI was 1.129-4.044), NT-proBNP ≥ 300 ng/L ( HR = 2.411, 95% CI was 1.323-4.392), New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification Ⅲ-Ⅳ ( HR = 3.021, 95% CI was 1.652-5.523) were the risk factors of early postoperative death in patients with IPF complicated with PAH (all P < 0.05). In the multivariable Cox proportional risk regression analysis, recipient preoperative hormone usage (model 1: HR = 2.072, 95% CI was 1.044-4.114, P = 0.037; model 2: HR = 2.098, 95% CI was 1.057-4.165, P = 0.034), NT-proBNP ≥ 300 ng/L ( HR = 2.246, 95% CI was 1.225-4.116, P = 0.009) and NYHA cardiac function classification Ⅲ-Ⅳ ( HR = 2.771, 95% CI was 1.495-5.134, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors of early postoperative death in patients with IPF. Conclusions:Preoperative hormone usage, NT-proBNP ≥ 300 ng/L, NYHA cardiac function classification Ⅲ-Ⅳ are independent risk factors for early death in patients with IPF and PAH after lung transplantation. For these patients, attention should be paid to optimize their functional status before operation. Preoperative reduction of receptor hormone usage and improvement of cardiac function can improve the early survival rate of such patients after lung transplantation.

Research progress of the regulation effect of traditional Chinese medicine monomer of flavonoids on the pulmonary fibrosis signaling pathway / 中国药房

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic， progressive and irreversible interstitial lung disease. At present， there is no specific drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis， and many TCM monomers have potential therapeutic value for pulmonary fibrosis， among which flavonoids are the main representative. For example， total flavones of Astragalus memeranaceus and scutellarin can reduce inflammatory cell infiltration， lung injury and extracellular matrix （ECM） deposition by interfering with transforming growth factor-β1/drosophila MAD protein signaling pathway. Total flavonoids of Oxytropis falcata Bunge and salidroside can inhibit lung inflammation by mediating JAK/signal transduction and transcriptional activator signaling pathway， and prevent the epithelial interstitial transition （EMT） process. Quercetin and Ginkgo biloba leaf extract can reduce the apoptosis of macrophages by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and play an anti-pulmonary fibrosis role. Urushetin and proanthocyanidins can promote the morphological recovery of myofibroblasts and reduce ECM deposition through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target protein of rapamycin signaling pathway. Naringin and luteolin can inhibit scorch death of macrophage and inflammation response， and improve lung function and lung tissue injury through NOD-like receptor heat protein domain related protein 3 signaling pathway. The ethanol extract of Phyllanthus emblica and calycosin can improve the inflammatory injury and fibrosis of lung tissue by activating the signaling pathway of nuclear transcription factor erythro2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element. Isogliquiritin can inhibit the phenotypic transformation of epithelial cells and reverse EMT progression by inhibiting extracellular signal-regulating kinase signaling pathway. In the future， scholars should consider developing appropriate drug carriers to improve their bioavailability and further study drug targets and pathways， to provide evidence for the development of traditional Chinese medicine monomers of flavonoids into clinical practice.

Sinomenine inhibits oxidative stress and pulmonary fibrosis by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the protective effects of sinomenine (SIN) on oxidative stress and pulmonary fibrosis and its relationship with the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. METHODS: MRC-5 cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to establish the oxidative stress injury model, followed by administration with SIN. Cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 method. The biochemical kits were employed to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities. The protein expression of Keap1 and Nrf2 was examined by western blot. Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, bleomycin A5 (BLM) group and BLM + SIN group, with 10 animals in each group. Bleomycin A5 were intratracheally administered to the rats in BLM group and BLM+SIN group to establish the pulmonary fibrosis model. The rats in control group received the same volume of 9 g/L sodium chloride solution. The second day after model construction, the rats in BLM+SIN group were gavaged with SIN, while the rats in the other two groups were treated with 9 g/L sodium chloride solution. On day 28, all rats were sacrificed. Pulmonary tissue was isolated, and HE and Masson staining was performed to observe the pathological changes. The MDA content and SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities in pulmonary tissue were evaluated. Western blot was used to assay pulmonary tissues Keap1 and Nrf2 protein expression. RESULTS: When compared with H2O2 group, SIN treatment increased cell viability, decreased MDA content, elevated SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities, down-regulated Keap1 expression, and promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in MRC-5 cells. In comparison with BLM group, administration of SIN decreased alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis pathological changes and scores as well as pulmonary tissue MDA content, enhanced pulmonary tissues SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities, down-regulated pulmonary tissues Keap1 expression, and raised Nrf2 levels in the nucleus. CONCLUSION: SIN alleviates oxidative stress and pulmonary fibrosis possibly by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Research progress of metformin in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive and irreversible respiratory disease characterized by hyperposition of extracellular matrix leading to inflammation and extensive lung remodeling. There is currently no effective treatment. Multiple studies have shown that metformin is a classic antiglycemic drug with antifibrotic potential. However, at present, there is no consensus on the specific mechanism of metformin's anti-fibrosis effect, and this paper reviews the research progress of metformin in the field of pulmonary fibrosis in recent years, mainly from IGF-1/IGF-1R/PI3K signaling, AMPK/mTOR signaling, TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, and intervening in myofibroblast proliferation and apoptosis, improving oxidative stress, inhibiting epithelial interstitial transformation and transglutaminase. In order to be able to more deeply and comprehensively understand the antifibrosis mechanism and clinical application scope of metformin in the future, and provide new ideas for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

PDE4 inhibitors serve as therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and ultimately fatal chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by a progressive decline in lung function, and current treatment options are limited. cAMP is one of the most important second messengers and plays a key role in relaxing airway smooth muscle cells and reducing inflammation. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) is a superfamily of enzymes, and PDE4 enzymes dominate 11 PDE superfamily enzymes, available in four isoforms-PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE4C and PDE4D, which selectively decompose cAMP, while PDE4 inhibitors increase cAMP levels by preventing cAMP from breaking down, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-remodeling effects and providing an attractive drug target for the treatment of IPF. This review summarizes knowledge about the association of pulmonary fibrosis with PKE4, as well as emerging preclinical studies and clinical trials regarding PDE4 inhibitors.