Blood leukocytes as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for thyroid nodules: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid nodule (TN) patients in China are subject to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The implementation of existing technologies such as thyroid ultrasonography has indeed contributed to the improved diagnostic accuracy of TNs. However, a significant issue persists, where many patients undergo unnecessary biopsies, and patients with malignant thyroid nodules (MTNs) are advised to undergo surgery therapy. METHODS: This study included a total of 293 patients diagnosed with TNs. Differential methylation haplotype blocks (MHBs) in blood leukocytes between MTNs and benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) were detected using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). Subsequently, an artificial intelligence blood leukocyte DNA methylation (BLDM) model was designed to optimize the management and treatment of patients with TNs for more effective outcomes. RESULTS: The DNA methylation profiles of peripheral blood leukocytes exhibited distinctions between MTNs and BTNs. The BLDM model we developed for diagnosing TNs achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.858 in the validation cohort and 0.863 in the independent test cohort. Its specificity reached 90.91% and 88.68% in the validation and independent test cohorts, respectively, outperforming the specificity of ultrasonography (43.64% in the validation cohort and 47.17% in the independent test cohort), albeit with a slightly lower sensitivity (83.33% in the validation cohort and 82.86% in the independent test cohort) compared to ultrasonography (97.62% in the validation cohort and 100.00% in the independent test cohort). The BLDM model could correctly identify 89.83% patients whose nodules were suspected malignant by ultrasonography but finally histological benign. In micronodules, the model displayed higher specificity (93.33% in the validation cohort and 92.00% in the independent test cohort) and accuracy (88.24% in the validation cohort and 87.50% in the independent test cohort) for diagnosing TNs. This performance surpassed the specificity and accuracy observed with ultrasonography. A TN diagnostic and treatment framework that prioritizes patients is provided, with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy performed only on patients with indications of MTNs in both BLDM and ultrasonography results, thus avoiding unnecessary biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate the potential of non-invasive blood leukocytes in diagnosing TNs, thereby making TN diagnosis and treatment more efficient in China.

Comparison of intraluminal brachytherapy combined with and without stent placement for treatment of obstructive jaundice induced by tumor thrombus.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of intraluminal brachytherapy with iodine-125 (125I) seed strand implantation combined with and without stent placement to treat patients with obstructive jaundice induced by tumor thrombus. METHODS: Between January 2018 and June 2022, 42 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ) induced by tumor thrombus were included. 20 patients received 125I seed strand implantation and stent placement (group A). The remaining 22 patients, implanted 125I seed strands only, served as control (group B). The two groups' overall survival and jaundice-free survival were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, the mean survival time of group A was 38.0 ± 4.1 months (95%CI, 30.0-46.1 months), while that of group B was 25.1 ± 2.8 (95% CI, 19.5-30.6 months) (p = 0.406). The mean survival rates of 12 months for all patients, group A, and group B was 66.7%, 65%, and 68%, respectively. The mean jaundice-free survival of group A and group B were 34.0 ± 3.6 months (95% CI, 27.9-41.2months) and 22.9 ± 2.7 months (95%CI, 17.5-28.2months) (p = 0.254), respectively. Two PTBD drainage tube infection cases occurred in group A and group B separately. CONCLUSIONS: 125I intraluminal brachytherapy is an effective and safe therapy for treating patients with obstructive jaundice induced by tumor thrombus.

The prognostic role of the AST/ALT ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving thermal ablation combined with simultaneous TACE.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prognostic value of the pre-treatment aspartate transaminase (AST)/alanine transaminase (ALT) ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving radiofrequency ablation (RFA)/microwave ablation (MWA) combined with simultaneous TACE. METHODS: The data for 117 patients were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The endpoint of prognosis was overall survival (OS). The Youden index was used to choose the optimal cut-off value of the pre-treatment AST/ALT ratio for OS prediction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify independent risk factors, then integrated to establish the nomogram. RESULTS: The AST/ALT ratio cut-off value for OS prediction was 0.89, and patients with a higher AST/ALT ratio had poorer OS. The median OS for the high-value AST/ALT group was not reached, while the median OS for the low-value AST/ALT group was 48.5 months (P = 0.0047). The univariate and multivariate analysis showed that AST/ALT ratio, AFP, and tumor numbers were independent prognostic indicators for OS. The integrated nomogram showed higher predictive accuracy for OS (C-index 0.674, 95%CI: 0.600-0.748). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative AST/ALT ratio could be a prognostic indicator for HCC patients receiving thermal ablation combined with simultaneous TACE.

Effects of Low-Impact Development Facilities (Water Systems of the Park) on Stormwater Runoff in Shallow Mountainous Areas Based on Dual-Model (SWMM and MIKE21) Simulations.

Rapid urbanization has triggered more serious urban flood risks. Many studies have focused on intra-urban flooding, but less attention has been paid to rainfall and flood risks at the urban fringe. Nowadays, China is vigorously promoting the construction of sponge cities in the whole area. It is important to study the construction of sponge cities in shallow mountainous areas, which are an important barrier between cities and mountains. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of Low-Impact Development (LID) facilities under different rainfall scenarios in developed shallow mountainous areas. The second garden and flower exposition ("the Expo Park") in Hebei Province is used as an example. The SWMM and MIKE21 models were used to simulate the hydrological processes before and after the construction of "the Expo Park", and the models were calibrated with the measured data. Peak flow rate, outflow volume, rainfall-outflow ratio, runoff velocity, and water feature area of the water system were used as indicators to evaluate their effectiveness. The results showed that the placement of LID facilities had a positive impact on the construction of the shallow mountain area. Specifically, (1) LID facilities can reduce the peak flow rate, delayed peak flow time, outflow volume, and rainfall outflow ratio of stormwater runoff in mountainous areas; and (2) they can effectively collect rainwater and become a supplement to the landscape water system of the site. These findings provide a scientific basis for the construction of LID facilities in shallow mountainous areas, which is important for the development and flood management of shallow mountainous areas.

Corrigendum: Comparison of clinical outcomes between cone beam CT-guided thermal ablation and helical tomotherapy in pulmonary metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.947284.].

Comparison of clinical outcomes between cone beam CT-guided thermal ablation and helical tomotherapy in pulmonary metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: This retrospective study compares the clinical results of cone beam CT (CBCT)-guided thermal ablation with those of helical tomotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with pulmonary metastases. Methods: A total of 110 patients undergoing thermal ablation or helical tomotherapy for pulmonary metastases from April 2014 to December 2020 were included in the study. The endpoints were local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS), overall survival (OS), and complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were conducted to identify independent factors (univariate: P < 0.1; multivariate: P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the LTPFS and OS rates. Results: The results of 106 patients were taken into the final analysis. The 1- and 3-year LTPFS rates were 50 and 19% for the thermal ablation group and 65 and 25% for the helical tomotherapy group. The median LTPFS in the thermal ablation group was 12.1 months, while it was 18.8 months in the helical tomotherapy group (P = 0.25). The 1- and 3-year OS rates were 75 and 26% for the thermal ablation group and 77 and 37% for the helical tomotherapy group. The median OS was 18.0 months in the thermal ablation group and 23.4 months in the helical tomotherapy group (P = 0.38). The multivariate analyses found that α-fetoprotein (AFP) at <400 ng/ml (P = 0.003) was significantly associated with better LTPFS. Tumor number <3 and AFP <400 ng/ml were favorable prognostic factors for OS. There were no grades 3-5 adverse events in both groups. Grade 2 was recorded in three patients (4.8%) in the thermal ablation group and two patients (4.7%) in the helical tomotherapy group. Conclusions: For pulmonary metastases from HCC, CBCT-guided thermal ablation and helical tomotherapy provided comparable clinical effects and safety.

ZIP8 mediates the extracellular matrix degradation of nucleus pulposus cells via NF-κB signaling pathway.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) is mainly induced by metalloproteinases (MMPs). Zn2+ is an essential component of MMPs, but the effect of Zn2+ importers in controlling ECM metabolism remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to identify the involvement of Zn2+ importers in ECM degradation induced by inflammatory stimuli and excessive mechanical stressing. In this study, NPCs from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were separated and cultured. FluoZin-3 AM staining was applied to detect [Zn2+]i in NPCs treated with Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) or cyclic tensile strain (CTS) with a Flexcell Strain Unit. We found that intracellular Zn2+ concentration ([Zn2+]i) elevated dramatically, and ZIP8 is the predominant Zn2+ importer among all importers in senescent NPCs. The [Zn2+]i and MMP expression level both increased in IL-1ß and CTS treated NPCs. Furthermore, the expression of ZIP8 was also markedly increased. However, knockdown of ZIP8 with siRNA alleviated ECM degradation induced by inflammatory stimuli and CTS. Both stimuli activated NF-κB signaling pathway, and knockdown of ZIP8 effectively inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation. In conclusion, knockdown of ZIP8 can alleviate NPCs' ECM degradation caused by inflammatory stimuli and excessive mechanical stressing.

Flos lonicerae flavonoids attenuate experimental ulcerative colitis in rats via suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway.

This study sought to isolate active Flos lonicerae flavonoids and evaluate their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects as well as investigate the molecular mechanistic action of these flavonoids in the rat model of ulcerative colitis (UC). Total flavonoids and three flavonoids (hyperoside, lonicerin, and luteolin) were isolated from honeysuckle and purified via column purification. Rat model of UC was established via 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) intoxication. The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the three flavonoids against TNBS-induced UC were evaluated by measuring appropriate biomarkers via assay kit. The effects of hyperoside, lonicerin, and luteolin on the regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were investigated using Western blot (WB) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) while their protective effects on UC were also elucidated. Pretreatment with flavonoids (hyperoside, lonicerin, and luteolin at 25-100 mg/kg) and sulfasalazine (SSZ, positive control at 100 mg/kg) substantially attenuated TBNS-induced UC. Also, the flavonoids significantly reduced the levels of respective serum oxidative and proinflammatory markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-beta (IL-ß), and C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition, the flavonoids remarkably inhibited the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway. F. lonicerae flavonoids (hyperoside, lonicerin, and luteolin) demonstrated potent anti-UC activities in TBNS-induced UC rat model via anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Microfluidic chip for culturing intestinal epithelial cell layers: Characterization and comparison of drug transport between dynamic and static models.

Dynamic flow in vitro models are currently widely explored for their applicability in drug development research. The application of gut-on-chip models in toxicology is lagging behind. Here we report the application of a gut-on-chip model for biokinetic studies and compare the observed biokinetics of reference compounds with those obtained using a conventional static in vitro model. Intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were cultured on a porous membrane assembled between two glass flow chambers for the dynamic model, or on a porous membrane in a Transwell model. Confocal microscopy, lucifer yellow translocation, and alkaline phosphatase activity evaluation revealed that cells cultured in the gut-on-chip model formed tight, differentiated, polarized monolayers like in the static cultures. In the dynamic gut-on-chip model the transport of the high permeability compounds antipyrine, ketoprofen and digoxin was lower (i.e. 4.2-, 2.7- and 1.9-fold respectively) compared to the transport in the static Transwell model. The transport of the low permeability compound, amoxicillin, was similar in both the dynamic and static in vitro model. The obtained transport values of the compounds are in line with the compound Biopharmaceuticals Classification System. It is concluded that the gut-on-chip provides an adequate model for transport studies of chemicals.

Neoproterozoic magmatism in eastern Himalayan terrane.

Geochronological investigation on gneisses of granitic to leucogranitic compositions in Cuona, south Tibet, reveal that their protoliths formed at 808.8±7.9-816.4±3.4Ma and 855.8±7.0Ma, respectively. Zircon rims from the granitic gneiss record a metamorphic age of 739.4±4.3Ma. Lu-Hf isotopic analyses on zircon grains with Neoproterozoic ages yield negative εHf(t) values from -9.0 to -4.2, and the corresponding two-stage Hf model ages are 1965-2228Ma. Whole-rock geochemical data indicate that all granitic gneisses are K-riched calc-alkali series. These new data together with literature data show that (1) the Himalayan terrane experienced an episode of Neoproterozoic magmatism at 850-800Ma; (2) the Neoproterozoic magma of granitic compositions were derived from partial melting of ancient crusts, possibly due to the thermal perturbation related with the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent.

The association between pulmonary function impairment and colon inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients: A scientific basis for exterior-interior correlation between lung and large intestine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigated the involvement of pulmonary function impairment in ulcerative colitis (UC), to explore a scientific basis for the Chinese medicine (CM) theory of exterior-interior correlation between Lung (Fei) and Large intestine (Dachang). METHODS: Totally 120 patients with a diagnosis of UC were recruited and the demographics, clinical data, and blood samples were collected. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) concentrations were measured. Every patient accepted pulmonary function test and took chest radiograph (CXR).> RESULTS: Pulmonary function abnormalities were present in 72 of 120 patients. The median (interquartile range) vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) of lung, total lung capacity (TLC) and functional residual volume (FRV) were decreased in distal UC and pancolitis compared with ulcerative prochitis (P <0.0005). Male patients had increased VC, FEV1/FVC, and residual volume (RV)/TLC compared with female (P <0.0005), but decreased DLCO and carbon monoxide iffusion capacity (KCO) of lung/alveolar ventilation (P <0.0005). Age was strongly correlated with RV (Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rs)=-0.57,P <0.0001), and RV/TLC (rs=0.48,P<0.0001). Age was also correlated with FEV1/FVC (rs=-0.29, P=0.001), forced expiratory flow in 75% vital capacity (FEF75%, rs=-0.20, P=0.03), DLCO (rs=-0.21, P=0.02), TLC (rs=-0.25, P=0.006), and FRV (rs=-0.28, P=0.002). The course of disease was correlated with FEF75% (rs=-0.18, P=0.049) and KCO (rs=-0.19, P=0.036). Chest radiograph abnormalities were presented in 38 of 120. Pulmonary symptoms were presented in 10 of 120. Other extraintestinal complications were presented in 21 of 120. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary function impairment was more frequently than other extraintestinal complications in UC patients, which may be affected by sex, age, extent and course of disease. These results may be a scientific basis for the theory of exterior-interior correlation between Lung and Large intestine.

[Correlation between pulmonary function impairment and levels of alpha1-antitrypsin in serum and colon of ulcerative colitis patients: a clinical research].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of pulmonary involvement in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by observing the correlation between pulmonary functions and levels of alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT) in serum and colon tissue in UC patients. METHODS: Totally 90 patients with confirmed UC were assigned to different groups according to the extent of disease, the disease activity, the staging of severity, and course of disease. The serum level of A1AT in UC patients with different extent of disease, the disease activity, the staging of severity, and course of disease were compared. And 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. The serum renal and hepatic functions, pulmonary functions, and serum levels of A1AT were detected in the UC group and the control group. The correlation between A1AT and each pulmonary function index in UC patients was analyzed. The A1AT content in the colon tissue was detected with immunohistochemical assay in 20 UC patients as well as in 10 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Of the 90 UC patients, 54 patients were accompanied with pulmonary function abnormality (60.0%), and 24 with extraintestinal manifestations (26.7%). Compared with the control group, the serum level of A1AT was significantly lower in the UC group (P < 0.05). The serum level of A1AT was significantly higher in those with proctitis than in those with distal colonitis and pancolitis (P < 0.05). The serum level of A1AT was lower in patients with the course of disease 5 years and more than 5 years than in those with the course of disease less than 5 years (P < 0.05). Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), total lung capacity (TLC), function residual volume (FRV), and the ratio of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of lung (DLCO) were much lower in those with proctitis than in those with distal colonitis and pancolitis (P < 0.05). The ratio of FVC was negatively linear correlated with the course of disease (r = -0.23, P = 0.018). There was a positive correlation between the serum level of A1AT and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (r = 0.22, P = 0.03). The level of A1AT in the colon tissue was obviously lower in the UC patients than in those of the control group (P < 0.05). Mild and moderate UC patients had increased levels of A1AT in the colon tissue, when compared with severe UC patients (P < 0.05). The level of A1AT in the colon tissue was higher in those with proctitis than in those with distal colonitis and pancolitis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pulmonary function impairment was higher than other extraintestinal manifestations in UC patients. The pulmonary function test was helpful to screen the pulmonary impairment of UC patients. The A1AT level in the serum and the colon tissue obviously decreased in UC patients, indicating the pulmonary function impairment of UC patients might manifest as decreased A1AT levels correlated chronic airway inflammation, remodeling of airway, and obstructive changes.

[Study on the correlation between Chinese medicine syndrome and the intestinal mucosal manifestations of 137 patients with active ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the distribution features of Chinese medicine syndrome (CMS) in 137 patients with active ulcerative colitis (AUC), and to analyze the correlation between the intestinal mucosal manifestations and CMS. METHODS: Totally 137 AUC patients were syndrome typed. The intestinal mucosal manifestations were observed under endoscope, thus analyzing the correlation between the intestinal mucosal manifestations and CMS. RESULTS: In the distribution of main syndromes, the case numbers were sequenced as the damp heat of Dachang syndrome > the yang deficiency of Pi-Shen syndrome > the Gan-depression and Pi-deficiency syndrome > the deficiency of Pi-qi syndrome > the blood stasis of the intestine meridian syndrome > the deficiency of blood and yin syndrome. The frequency of intestinal mucosal manifestations more than 50% covered mucosal damage, abnormal mucosa membrane color, congestion, edema, erosion, ulcer, pus tongue fur, and obscure or disappeared blood vessels. The edema, erosion, and ulcer occurred more in the damp-heat of Dachang syndrome, followed by the yang deficiency of Pi-Shen syndrome and the Gan-depression and Pi-deficiency syndrome (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Polypi, abnormal enterokinesia, grainy occurred more in the damp-heat of Dachang syndrome and the Gan-depression and Pi-deficiency syndrome (P = 0.010). Shallower plica or disappeared sacculations of colon occurred more in the yang deficiency of Pi-Shen syndrome and the damp-heat of Dachang syndrome (P = 0.002). The mucosa bridge occurred more in the yang deficiency of Pi-Shen syndrome and Gan-depression and Pi-deficiency syndrome (P = 0.280). Fragility or contact bleeding occurred more in the damp-heat of Dachang syndrome, the deficiency of Pi-qi syndrome, and Gan-depression and Pi-deficiency syndrome (P = 0. 045). Pale blood of the intestinal hemorrhage occurred more in the deficiency of Pi-qi syndrome while dark blood occurred more in the damp-heat of Dachang syndrome (P = 0.017). Pus tongue fur occurred more in the damp-heat of Dachang syndrome, the yang deficiency of Pi-Shen syndrome, and the Gan-depression and Pi-deficiency syndrome. White pus tongue fur occurred more in the yang deficiency of Pi-Shen syndrome while yellow pus tongue fur occurred more in the damp-heat of Dachang syndrome (P < 0.001). Mucus occurred more in the yang deficiency of Pi-Shen syndrome, the Gan-depression and Pi-deficiency syndrome, and the deficiency of Pi-qi syndrome (P = 0.012). Narrow enteric cavity or intestinal canal fibrosis, lead pipe like manifestations occurred more in the blood stasis of the intestine meridian syndrome (P = 0.001). Atrophic mucosa occurred more in the blood stasis of the intestine meridian syndrome and the deficiency of blood and yin syndrome (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal mucosal manifestations of AUC showed certain laws in CMS. The microscopic differences could verify macroscopic CMS to some extent.

[Study on the correlation between the pulmonary injury and the ET-1 serum level in ulcerative colitis patients].

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between the pulmonary injury and the ET-1 serum level in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and to study the mechanism for UC induced pulmonary injury. METHODS: Recruited were 90 UC outpatients from the clinics of Gastroenterology Department, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from Nov. 2009 to Mar. 2011. The course of disease, disease range, serum ET-1 level of UC patients were observed and compared. The correlation between the serum ET-1 level and each pulmonary function index were studied [including vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal mid expiratory flow (MMEF), maximal expiratory flow in 25%, 50%, 75% vital capacity (FEF25%, 50%, 75%), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of lung (DLCO), diffusion constant (KCO), total lung capacity (TLC), alveolar ventilation (VA), residual volume (RV), function residual volume (FRV), and RV/TLC]. Besides, another 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled as the control group. The pulmonary symptoms, chest X-ray, the lung function, the serum ET-1 level, and liver and kidney functions [including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr) were compared between the UC group and the control group. RESULTS: Ten UC patients were accompanied with cough and chest distress (accounting for 11.1%), 25 with abnormal chest films (accounting for 27.8%), and 54 with pulmonary function abnormality (accounting for 60.0%). In the UC group ALT increased in 2 cases (2.2%) and AST increased in 2. They were normal in the control group. The BUN and SCr were normal in the two groups. Compared with the control group, the serum ET-1 level in the UC group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the serum ET-1 level (P > 0.05). There was statistical difference in the serum ET-1 level in the UC group between those with the disease course > or = 5 years and those with the disease course <5 years, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). There was negative correlation between the serum ET-1 level and FEF25% and between the serum ET-1 level and KCO (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum ET-1 level could reflect the pulmonary injury of UC patients earlier. Serum ET-1 level might be a sensitive indicator reflecting the pulmonary injury of UC. The pulmonary injury of UC patients might be correlated with small airway obstruction, reduced lung elasticity, and injured lung diffusion.

[The interior-exterior correlation between fei and dachang from the lung function injury in ulcerative colitis patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the probability of the lung injury and the features of the lung function injury in ulcerative colitis patients, and to preliminarily study the correlation with its severity, and further to analyze the interior-exterior correlation between Fei and Dachang. METHODS: Seventy patients with UC were assigned to the mild group and the moderate-severe group by the severity, 35 cases in each group. Another thirty healthy subjects were recruited as the control group. Relative indices of the lung function in each group were observed and compared. RESULTS: The lung injury occurred in 67. 14% of the UC patients (47 cases). Forced expiratory volume at 1st s/forced volume capacity (FEV1/FVC), maximal expiratory flow in 75% vital capacity (FEF75), total lung capacity (TLC), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of lung (DLCO), and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of lung/alveolar ventilation (DLCO/VA) were lower compared with those of the control group, showing statistical significance (P < 0.05). The ratio of residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC) was lower in the mild group than in the moderate-severe group (P < 0.01). The DLCO was higher in the mild group than in the moderate-severe group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most UC patients were complicated with the lung function injury, mainly featured as middle and small airway obstruction and decreasing diffusing capacity. Besides, along with the aggravation of the disease, the decreasing diffusing capacity and increasing RV/TLC occurred. They provided objective reliance for Fei and Dachang interior-exteriorly correlated.