Assessment of the Level of Knowledge about Chronic Renal Failure in 271 Hypertensive Patients in Brazzaville

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now a global public health problem. In low- and middle-income countries such as the Congo, access to dialysis is low and inequitable. The prevention of CKD involves raising awareness among patients at risk, such as those suffering from arterial hypertension (AH), by improving their knowledge of CKD. The objectives of our work were to determine the level of knowledge about CKD among hypertensive patients and to identify the factors associated with a low level of knowledge. Methodology: We conducted a 3-month descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from 1 August to 30 October 2023 in 3 large public hospitals in Brazzaville (capital of the Republic of Congo). We included: hypertensive patients aged 18 and over who had freely consented to participate in our study and were able to answer the questions on the survey form. Patients with known hypertension who had been followed for less than 3 years and those with known chronic renal failure were not included. Results: The mean age was 58.4 ± 14.4 years (29 - 88 years). There were 121 men and 150 women (sex ratio = 0.8). All the patients were educated;37.2% with a higher level of education and 13.6% with primary education. 24 patients (9%) had a good level of knowledge about CKD and 153 (56%) had poor knowledge. A good level of knowledge was associated with the duration of hypertension, intellectual level and the existence of associated heart disease. Conclusion: Our study reveals a significant lack of knowledge about chronic kidney disease among hypertensive patients in Brazzaville.

Comparative efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal injection for chronic renal failure:A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis(NMA) for the comparison of the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal injection(CHI) combined with Western medicine(WM) and WM monotherapy for chronic renal failure(CRF).Methods: Eight databases were searched from inception to August 30, 2022. Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) regarding the comparison of CHI-WM combination therapy and WM monotherapy were included. Literature search, risk-of-bias assessment, and data extraction were conducted by 2 reviewers independently. NMA was performed by Stata 14.0, R 4.0.4 software, and the latest risk of bias assessment tool 2(RoB 2).Results: A total of 53 RCTs were finally included, involving 4445 participants and 16 CHIs. RoB 2 showed that 2 of these studies had a high risk of bias. Tianqi injection(TQ) + WM was the most effective in reducing serum creatinine(Scr) level. Xingding injection(XD) + WM was the most effective in reducing blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and cystatin C(Cys C) levels. Guhong injection(GH) + WM had the highest endogenous creatinine clearance rate(Ccr). Shuxuetong injection(SXT) + WM was the most effective in improving the clinical effective rate. Danhong injection(DH) + WM resulted in the lowest 24-h urinary protein quantity(24 h-UPQ), while Danshen injection(DS) + WM led to the lowest blood uric acid(UA)level. Shenfu injection(SF) + WM was the most effective in increasing hemoglobin(Hb) level.Conclusion: CHIs-WM combination therapy is more effective than WM monotherapy in treating CRF.Considering all of the indicators, SK + WM may be the optimal treatment option for improving renal function in patients with CRF.

Efficacy and safety of Nafamostat mesylate in patients with endstage renal failure

BACKGROUND Recent studies on dialysis anticoagulation therapy in patients with renal failure have shown that Nafamostat mesylate,a broad-spectrum potent serine protease inhibitor,has strong anticoagulation and anti-fiber activity.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nafamostat mesylate in patients with end-stage renal failure.METHODS Seventy-five patients with end-stage renal failure who received hemodialysis at our hospital between January 2020 and August 2021 were selected and divided into the observation group(Nafamostat mesylate for injection,n=33)and control group(heparin sodium injection,n=32).General patient data,indicators of clinical efficacy,dialyzer hemocoagulation parameters,coagulation function indices,and hemoglobin concentration and platelet count before and after treatment,and the occurrence of adverse reactions after treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The two groups showed no significant differences in general patient data(P>0.05).The post-treatment effectiveness rate in the control group was lower than that in the observation group(P<0.05).The two groups showed no significant difference in the number of patients in grade I(P>0.05),while the number of patients in grade 0 was lower in the control group,and the number of patients in grades II and III was higher in the control group(P<0.05).The post-treatment prothrombin time,activated partial thromboplastin time,thrombin time,and international normalized ratio values in the control group were higher than those in the observation group,while the fibrinogen level in the control group was lower than that in the observation group(P<0.05).The two groups showed no significant difference in the platelet count and hemoglobin level before and after treatment(P>0.05).The total number of post-treatment adverse reactions in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Treatment of patients showing end-stage renal failure with Nafamostat mesylate can significantly improve therapeutic efficacy and has high safety and clinical value.

A Chinese Multi-Specialty Delphi Consensus to Optimize RAASi Usage and Hyperkalaemia Management in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure

Objective Variations are present in common clinical practices regarding best practice in managing hyperkalaemia(HK),there is therefore a need to establish a multi-specialty approach to optimal renin angiotension-aldosterone system inhibitors(RAASi)usage and HK management in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)&heart failure(HF).This study aimed to establish a multi-speciality approach to the optimal use of RAASi and the management of HK in patients with CKD and HF.Methods A steering expert group of cardiology and nephrology experts across China were convened to discuss challenges to HK management through a nominal group technique.The group then created a list of 41 statements for a consensus questionnaire,which was distributed for a further survey in extended panel group of cardiologists and nephrologists across China.Consensus was assessed using a modified Delphi technique,with agreement defined as"strong"(≥75%and<90%)and"very strong"(≥90%).The steering group,data collection,and analysis were aided by an independent facilitator.Results A total of 150 responses from 21 provinces across China were recruited in the survey.Respondents were comprised of an even split(n=75,50%)between cardiologists and nephrologists.All 41 statements achieved the 75%consensus agreement threshold,of which 27 statements attained very strong consensus(≥90%agreement)and 14 attained strong consensus(agreement between 75%and 90%).Conclusion Based on the agreement levels from respondents,the steering group agreed a set of recommendations intended to improve patient outcomes in the use of RAASi therapy and HK management in China.

Factors Associated with Renal Impairment in Patients on Tenofovir for Chronic Hepatitis B in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Background: Tenofovir (TFV) is widely used to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. But kidney abnormalities are the main concern using this drug. Few studies have described the renal impairment due to the TFV in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective was to evaluate factors associated with renal impairment observed in patients on TFV for CHB. Method: It was a hospital based cross sectional prospective study carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and included any patient treated with TFV for CHB during at least a period of 6 months. For each participant, we collected in the medical report socio-demographic data, clinical data, baseline creatinine, treatment information (type of TFV which was Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) or Alafenamide (TAF), duration). Then, we collected blood samples to measure serum creatinine and phosphate levels and urine dipstick analysis. Factors associated with renal impairment were assessed with the Odds Ratio. A p value of Results: A total of 60 participants were included. The median age was 44 years [36-55] and median duration of TFV therapy was 17.5 months [11.7-25.7]. The prevalence of reduced eGFR (Conclusion: Kidney function was impaired in some patients receiving TFV for CHB. It should be monitored, particularly after 36 months and for those receiving TDF prodrug.

Predictive Effect of CA125 on Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Objective: To study the expression of CA125 in the serum of patients with CHF and the relationship between CA125 level and the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events. Methods: The clinical data of 132 patients with CHF admitted to Shizuishan Second People’s Hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were collected and divided into heart function II group, heart function III group, heart function IV group according to cardiac function. 44 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The clinical data of CA125, NT-proBNP, echocardiography and other clinical data of the four groups were compared, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was followed up for 12 months. Results: Compared with the control group, the CA125 level in the CHF group was significantly increased (P Conclusion: Serum CA125 level is related to the cardiac function level in CHF patients and increases with the deterioration of cardiac function. The increase of the index is related to the mortality rate and re-hospitalization rate, suggesting that CA125 can be used as an indicator to reflect the severity of heart failure and prognosis monitoring.

Occult Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Chronic Renal Disease

Background: Addison’s disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal cortex that leads to inadequate production of cortisol initially followed by aldosterone and androgens. Its manifestations are usually slow and non-specific with potential for life-threatening adrenal crisis following hypermetabolic demands (infection, trauma, surgery). Patients: Over the past 10 years, 19 CRD-patients were diagnosed with occult PAI in our center. Results: Unprovoked hypotension was the most common manifestations of occult PAI and was the unmasking event in 11 (58%). It was without significant cardiac and/or severe systemic sepsis and was refractory to isotonic saline infusions. Equal number of the remaining patients (n = 2) presented with persistent and inexplicable electrolytes abnormalities viz. 1) hyponatremia despite restricted oral fluid intake, lack of dehydration and massive fluid overload, as well as 2) hyperkalemia despite potassium-restricted diet, hyperkalemic drugs and adequate therapy with Furosemide and low-potassium dialysis-baths. On the other hand, similar proportions presented with unprovoked 3) progressive weight loss, decrease appetite and cachexia as well as 4) frequent hypoglycemic attacks. All patients were treated and were medically stable after 29 (2 - 60) months of follow up. Autoantibodies to 21-hydroxylase enzyme were positive in 16 (90%). At diagnosis, and subsequent follow up, only 7 patients (37%) had multi-endocrine dysfunction of whom 2 with type 1 and 5 with type 2. Conclusion: High index of suspicion should be exerted in diagnosis of PAI in patients with CRD, since its clinical picture is similar to CRD manifestations and complications. In those patients, confirmatory tests and specific management can save their lives. .

Effect of Luhong formula on the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND Current treatments for chronic heart failure(CHF)are therapeutically ineffective.The optimization of treatments for this disease needs to be explored and analyzed.AIM To analyze the effect of using Luhong Formula in the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with CHF and its influence on cardiopulmonary function(CPF)and prognosis.METHODS In total,160 patients with CHF admitted between June 2022 and June 2023 were selected,including 75 receiving perindopril(control group)and 85 receiving Luhong Formula(research group).We conducted comparative analyses on the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes and cardiac function,CPF[oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold(VO2 AT)and at peak exercise(peak VO2)],echocardiographic indexes[left atrial volume index(LAVI),left ventricular muscle mass index(LVMI),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)],and prognosis[major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)at 6 months follow-up].RESULTS The research group showed markedly higher curative effects of TCM syndromes and cardiac function than the control group.In addition,post-treatment VO2 AT,peak VO2,LVMI and LVEF in the research group were significantly higher,whereas LAVI was significantly lower,than those of the control group.Furthermore,fewer patients in the research group developed MACEs at the 6-month follow-up.CONCLUSION Luhong Formula is more therapeutically effective than perindopril for the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with CHF,specifically in enhancing CPF and prognosis.

Efficacy and safety of Yangxinshi tablet for chronic heart failure:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The specific benefits of Yangxinshi tablet(YXST)in the treating chronic heart failure(CHF)remain uncertain.AIM To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of YXST in the treatment of CHF.METHODS Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)investigating YXST for CHF treatment were retrieved from eight public databases up to November 2023.Meta-analyses of the included clinical studies were conducted using Review Manager 5.3.RESULTS Twenty RCTs and 1845 patients were included.The meta-analysis results showed that the YXST combination group,compared to the conventional drug group,significantly increased the clinical efficacy rate by 23%[relative risk(RR)=1.23,95%CI:1.17-1.29],(P<0.00001),left ventricular ejection fraction by 6.69%[mean difference(MD)=6.69,95%CI:4.42-8.95,P<0.00001]and 6-min walk test by 49.82 m(MD=49.82,95%C:38.84-60.80,P<0.00001),and reduced N-terminal pro-Btype natriuretic peptide by 1.03 ng/L[standardized MD(SMD)=-1.03,95%CI:-1.32 to-0.74,P<0.00001],brain natriuretic peptide by 80.95 ng/L(MD=-80.95,95%CI:-143.31 to-18.59,P=0.01),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter by 3.92 mm(MD=-3.92,95%CI:-5.06 to-2.78,P<0.00001),and left ventricular endsystolic diameter by 4.34 mm(MD=-4.34,95%CI:-6.22 to-2.47,P<0.00001).Regarding safety,neither group reported any serious adverse events during treatment(RR=0.54,95%CI:0.15-1.90,P=0.33).In addition,Egger's test results indicated no significant publication bias(P=0.557).CONCLUSION YXST effectively improves clinical symptoms and cardiac function in patients with CHF while maintaining a favorable safety profile,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for CHF.

Assessing myocardial indices and inflammatory factors to determine anxiety and depression severity in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)have a progressive disease that is associated with poor quality of life and high mortality.Many patients experience anxiety and depression(A&D)symptoms,which can further accelerate disease progression.We hypothesized that indicators of myocardial function and inflammatory stress may reflect the severity of A&D symptoms in patients with CHF.Changes in these biomarkers could potentially predict whether A&D symptoms will deteriorate further in these individuals.AIM To measure changes in cardiac and inflammatory markers in patients with CHF to determine A&D severity and predict outcomes.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients with CHF treated at the Jingzhou Hospital,Yangtze University between 2018-2022 and grouped them according to Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)scores.We compared clinical data in the no-A&D,mild-A&D,moderate-A&D,and severe-A&D groups,the SAS and SDS scores with the New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional classification,and cardiac markers and inflammatory factors between the no/mild-A&D and moderate/severe-A&D groups.Regression analysis was performed on the markers with P<0.05 to determine their ability to predict A&D severity in patients and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC)was used to evaluate their accuracy.RESULTS In the inter-group comparison,the following variables had an effect on A&D severity in patients with CHF:NYHA class,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(P<0.05).Other variables did not differ significantly between the A&D groups(P>0.05).In addition,we found that higher NYHA classes were associated with higher the SAS and SDS scores(P<0.05).Regression analysis showed that LVEF,NTproBNP,and IL-6 were independent risk factors for A&D severity(P<0.05).Among them,NT-proBNP had the best predictive ability as a single indicator(AUROC=0.781).Furthermore,the combination of these three indicators exhibited a good predictive effect toward discriminating the extent of A&D severity among patients(AUROC=0.875).CONCLUSION Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers,such as LVEF,NT-proBNP,and IL-6,are correlated with A&D severity in patients with CHF and have predictive value.

Hepatic amyloidosis in a patient with chronic liver failure:A case report

BACKGROUND Amyloidosis is a rare disorder that can be classified into various types,and the most common type is the systemic light chain type.The prognosis of this disease is extremely poor.In general,amyloidosis mainly affects the kidneys and heart and manifests as abnormal proliferation of clonal plasma cells.Cases in which the liver is the primary organ affected by amyloidosis,as in this report,are less common in clinical practice.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old man was admitted with persistent liver dysfunction of unknown cause and poor treatment outcomes.His condition persisted,and he developed chronic liver failure,with severe cholestasis in the later stage that was gradually accompanied by renal injury.Ultimately,he was diagnosed with hepatic amyloidosis through liver biopsy and pathological examination.CONCLUSION Hepatic amyloidosis rarely occurs in the clinic,and liver biopsy and pathological examination can assist in the accurate and effective diagnosis of this condition.

Effect of dapagliflozin on uric acid in patients with chronic heart failure and hyperuricemia

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)frequently develop hyperuricemia,an elevated serum uric acid level,associated with adverse outcomes.Dapagliflozin,a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor,demonstrates reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization in patients with CHF and ejection fraction(HFrEF),irrespective of diabetes.However,dapagliflozin’s effect on the uric acid levels in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia remain unclear.AIM To investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on uric acid levels in CHF patients with hyperuricemia.METHODS We conducted a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial in 200 patients with CHF and hyperuricemia,with HFrEF and serum uric acid levels≥7 mg/dL(≥416μmol/L).The participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 10 mg dapagliflozin or placebo for 24 months.The primary endpoint was the change in serum uric acid level from baseline to 24 months.Secondary endpoints included changes in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),Nterminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),and quality of life(QoL)scores,as well as the incidence of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.RESULTS At 24 months,dapagliflozin significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by 1.2 mg/dL(71μmol/L)compared with placebo(95%CI:-1.5 to-0.9;P<0.001).Dapagliflozin also significantly improved LVEF by 3.5%(95%CI:2.1-4.9;P<0.001),NT-proBNP by 25%(95%CI:18-32;P<0.001),and QoL scores by 10 points(95%CI:7-13;P<0.001)and reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure by 35%(95%CI:15–50;P=0.002)compared with the placebo.Adverse events were similar between the two groups,except for a higher rate of genital infections in the dapagliflozin group(10%vs 2%,P=0.01).CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin significantly lowered serum uric acid levels and improved the clinical outcomes in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia.Therefore,dapagliflozin may be a useful therapeutic option for this high-risk population.

Clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on chronic heart failure complicated with depression

BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)is challenging,with no ideal treatment at present.AIM To analyze the clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction(XFZYD)on CHF complicated with depression.METHODS The study cohort comprised 116 patients with CHF complicated with depression who received treatment from July 2020 to July 2023,of which 55 received Western medicine(control group)and 61 received XFZYD(research group).Data on clinical effectiveness,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,cardiac function,negative emotions,and serum inflammatory factors,were collected for comparative analyses.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the research group had an evidently higher total effective rate.Furthermore,there were marked reductions in TCM symptom score,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,left ventricular end-systolic diameter,Self-Rating Depression Scale,Hamilton Depression Scale,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the research group after treatment,and these were lower than the corresponding values in the control group.Left ventricular ejection fraction was increased and higher in the research group compared with the control group after treatment.CONCLUSION Our findings conclusively proved that XFZYD was considerably superior to Western medicine for treating CHF complicated with depression because it significantly alleviated patients’symptoms,improved cardiac function,relieved negative emotions,and reduced the levels of serum inflammatory factors.

Predictive Factors of Renal Failure in COVID-19 Patients at the Anti-COVID Center in Lome, Togo

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 has been identified as the receptor that allows the entry of SarsCov2 into the human cell. Its expression in the kidney is 100 times higher than in the lung;thus, making the kidney an excellent target for SarsCov2 infection manifesting as renal failure (RF). The objective of this study was to determine the predictive factors of RF during COVID-19 in the Togolese context. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study conducted at the Lomé Anti-COVID Center including the records of patients hospitalized for COVID-19, of age ≥ 18 years and having performed a creatinemia. RF was defined by a GFR 2 calculated according to the MDRD formula. Patients were randomized into 2 groups according to GFRResults: 482 patients were selected for this study with a mean age of 58.02 years. Sixty-five percent of the patients were men, i.e., a sex ratio of 1.88. Fifty-two patients had RF, i.e., a frequency of 10.8%.There were 65% men (315 cases), for a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.88. Risk factors for renal failure in COVID-19 were age ≥ 65 years (ORa 2.42;CIa95% [1.17 - 4.95];p = 0.016), anemia (ORa 2.49;CIa95% [1.21 - 5.26];p = 0.015), moderate (ORa 13;CIa95% [2.30 - 2.44];p = 0.017), severe (ORa 26.2;CIa95% [4.85 - 4.93];p = 0.002) and critical (ORa 108;CIa95% [16.5 - 21.76];p Conclusion: Renal failure would therefore be related to the severity of COVID-19 and is the most formidable factor, conditioning the course of the disease and the patient’s vital prognosis.

Causes and Prognosis of Cases of Acute Obstructive Renal Failure Managed at the Donka National Hemodialysis Center

Introduction: Acute obstructive renal failure (AORF) is a frequent clinical situation, secondary to obstruction of the urinary excretory tract. Whatever the cause, urinary tract obstruction suddenly opposes glomerular filtration and is responsible for tubulointerstitial lesions. It accounts for 10% of acute renal failure (ARF). The aim of this study was to identify the causes and prognosis of cases of acute obstructive renal failure managed at the Centre National d’hémodialyse Donka. Material and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months, from September 1, 2022 to February 29, 2023. All patients undergoing haemodialysis for acute obstructive renal failure who agreed to participate in the study and whose medical records were complete were included. Results: During the course of the study, we registered 97 haemodialysis patients, including 20 cases (20.62%) of acute obstructive renal failure. The mean age of the patients was 57.8 ± 10.54 years, with a male predominance of 11 cases (55%) and a sex ratio of 1.22. The reasons for consultation were dominated by physical asthenia 11 cases (55%), lumbar pain 9 cases (50%), vomiting 6 cases (30%) and acute urine retention 6 cases (30%). Arterial hypertension 16 cases (80%) and urinary tract infection 10 cases (50%) were the most common antecedents. The etiologies of RAOI were dominated by lithiasis 10 cases (50%), neoplasia 6 cases (30%) and benign prostatic hypertrophy 3 cases (15%). mean creatinine was 1267.60 ± 710.76 μmol/l with extremes of 243 μmol/l and 2822 μmol/l, mean urea was 39.56 ± 18.36, hyperkalemia in 14 cases (70%) and hyponatremia in 8 cases (40%). After hemodialysis, 9 cases (45%) recovered renal function, 4 cases (20%) became chronic and 7 cases (35%) died. Conclusion: The frequency of AKI remains non-negligible in our department, and early detection and prompt management would considerably reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this pathology.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the Relationship between Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Chronic Heart Failure

Objective: To screen and analyze the differentially expressed genes between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and chronic heart failure (CHF) based on bioinformatics methods. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used for data retrieval, and the chip data GSE3585 was downloaded, which was the original data of DCM and normal control group. At the same time, the chip data GSE76701 was downloaded, which was the original data of CHF and control group. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were screened by R language limma package, the data were standardized, and the common differentially expressed genes were screened. GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the common differentially expressed genes. String11.0 online tool was used for data analysis to obtain differentially expressed genes, and the results were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. The results were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 software, and the common expression gene module was obtained by MOCDE algorithm. Nine Hub genes were obtained by 10 algorithms such as MCC. Results: A total of 248 differentially expressed genes were screened. GO analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in 9 different physiological and pathological processes. KEGG analysis showed that the main signaling pathways involved in differentially expressed genes were 2, and 9 key differentially expressed genes were predicted: NPPB, NPPA, MYH6, FRZB, ASPN, SFRP4, RPS4Y1, DDX3Y. Conclusion: This study preliminarily explored the molecular mechanism of DCM and CHF, and obtained the common differentially expressed genes of the two diseases. Further experimental studies are needed to verify the correlation between gene expression and clinicopathological features. Provide new ideas for clinical drug treatment research.

Network pharmacology-based exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome.The Chinese herbal compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe has been used to treat chronic heart failure;however,the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear.AIM To identify the effective active ingredients of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe and explore its molecular mechanism in the treatment of chronic heart failure.METHODS The effective active ingredients of eight herbs composing Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform.The target genes of chronic heart failure were searched in the Genecards database.The target proteins of active ingredients were mapped to chronic heart failure target genes to obtain the common drugdisease targets,which were then used to construct a key chemical componenttarget network using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the String database.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed through the Metascape database.Finally,our previously published relevant articles were searched to verify the results obtained via network pharmacology.RESULTS A total of 227 effective active ingredients for Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified,of which quercetin,kaempferol,7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone,formononetin,and isorhamnetin may be key active ingredients and involved in the therapeutic effects of TCM by acting on STAT3,MAPK3,AKT1,JUN,MAPK1,TP53,TNF,HSP90AA1,p65,MAPK8,MAPK14,IL6,EGFR,EDN1,FOS,and other proteins.The pathways identified by KEGG enrichment analysis include pathways in cancer,IL-17 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,cAMP signaling pathway,NF-kappaB signaling pathway,AMPK signaling pathway,etc.Previous studies on Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe suggested that this Chinese compound preparation can regulate the TNF-α,IL-6,MAPK,cAMP,and AMPK pathways to affect the mitochondrial structure of myocardial cells,oxidative stress,and energy metabolism,thus achieving the therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure.CONCLUSION The Chinese medicine compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe exerts therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure possibly by influencing the mitochondrial structure of cardiomyocytes,oxidative stress,energy metabolism,and other processes.Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of the IL-17 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,and other pathways in mediating the therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure.

Investigation on the mechanism of Qiangxinhuoli prescription in the treatment of chronic heart failure based on p38-MAPK signaling pathway

Background:The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of the national patent Chinese medicine compound“Qiangxinhuoli prescription(QXHLF)”on chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:In vitro,the H_(9)C_(2) cell model was induced by ANGII,and cell proliferation and related protein expression were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Western blot.In vivo,A rat model of CHF was prepared by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.The effects of QXHLF on cardiac function in CHF rats were evaluated by cardiac index,hemodynamic changes,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,Western blot and RT-PCR.The expression of pro-apoptotic factors and anti-apoptotic factors,as well as TGFβ1,p-p38,TAK 1 mRNA,and protein,were detected.Results:In vitro,QXHLF has a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H_(9)C_(2) cells.QXHLF can reduce the expression levels of TAK 1,TGFβ1,p-p38,Caspase3 and BAX proteins in H_(9)C_(2) cells,and increase the expression level of BCL_(2) protein.In vivo,QXHLF has the potential to increase left ventricular systolic pressure,m aximum rate of change in left ventricular pressure while decreasing left ventricular end diastolic pressure,and inhibiting the serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide.Moreover,QXHLF exhibits significant improvements in the pathological alterations of myocardial cells and fibers in CHF rats,leading to enhanced myocardial tissue morphology and notable advantages in combating myocardial fibrosis.QXHLF can reduce the levels of BAX and Caspase3 and up-regulate the expression of BCL_(2),thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Furthermore,QXHLF demonstrates inhibitory effects on the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGFβ_(1),TAK_(1),and p-p38 in the heart tissue of the CHF rat model.Conclusion:These findings indicate that QXHLF has a therapeutic effect on CHF by inhibiting the p38-MAPK signaling pathway,reducing myocardial fibrosis,preventing apoptosis,inhibiting cell proliferation,and restoring myocardial injury.

High Urine Retention: Experience in a Series of Patients with Renal Failure Patients

Purpose: High urinary retention (HUR) can negatively impact renal function. Our study aimed to present the epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of HUR in a Senegalese academic hospital. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 70 patients with HUR associated with renal failure from January 2017 to December 2020. Parameters examined included: age, sex, coexisting conditions affecting renal function, clinical symptoms, diagnostic tests, causes of HUR, urinary diversion, and patient outcomes. Results: The average age was 66, with a majority of male patients (87%). Twenty-three patients had pre-existing medical conditions. Oligo-anuria was the most common reason for detecting HUR (70%). Half of the patients had an ECOG score ≥ 2. The mean creatinine level was 50.7 mg/l. Nineteen patients exhibited hydroelectrolytic disorders. Bacterial colonization was observed in 25 patients. Ultrasound and computed tomography were the most frequently performed imaging tests (100% and 62.8%, respectively). Sixty-seven patients had ureterohydronephrosis (UHN), with bilateral UHN in 88.6% of cases. Pelvic cancers (47.1%) were the primary cause of HUR, primarily bladder cancers (27.1%). Nephrostomy was the most common urinary drainage method (50%), particularly for obstructions due to pelvic cancer (88.6%). The majority of patients (52.8%) regained normal renal function after drainage. Nineteen deaths occurred among elderly patients with compromised general health. Conclusion: Urinary drainage significantly improved renal function for most patients. Pelvic cancer emerged as the leading cause of HUR. Nephrostomy was the predominant drainage method.

Palliative care for end-stage liver disease and acute on chronic liver failure:A systematic review

BACKGROUND End stage liver disease(ESLD)represents a growing health concern characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality,particularly among individual ineligible for liver transplantation.The demand for palliative care(PC)is pronounced in patients grappling with ESLD and acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF).Unfortunately,the historical underutilization of PC in ESLD patients,despite their substantial needs and those of their family caregivers,underscores the imperative of seamlessly integrating PC principles into routine healthcare practices across the entire disease spectrum.AIM To comprehensively investigate the evidence surrounding the benefits of incorporating PC into the comprehensive care plan for individuals confronting ESLD and/or ACLF.METHODS A systematic search in the Medline(PubMed)database was performed using a predetermined search command,encompassing studies published in English without any restrictions on the publication date.Subsequently,the retrieved studies were manually examined.Simple descriptive analyses were employed to summarize the results.RESULTS The search strategies yielded 721 references.Following the final analysis,32 fulllength references met the inclusion criteria and were consequently incorporated into the study.Meticulous data extraction from these 32 studies was undertaken,leading to the execution of a comprehensive narrative systematic review.The review found that PC provides significant benefits,reducing symptom burden,depressive symptoms,readmission rates,and hospital stays.Yet,barriers like the appeal of transplants and misconceptions about PC hinder optimal utilization.Integrating PC early,upon the diagnosis of ESLD and ACLF,regardless of transplant eligibility and availability,improves the quality of life for these patients.CONCLUSION Despite the substantial suffering and poor prognosis associated with ESLD and ACLF,where liver transplantation stands as the only curative treatment,albeit largely inaccessible,PC services have been overtly provided too late in the course of the illness.A comprehensive understanding of PC's pivotal role in treating ESLD and ACLF is crucial for overcoming these barriers,involving healthcare providers,patients,and caregivers.