Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approxi-mately 0.46%of the global population.Conventional therapeutics for RA,including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs(DMARDs),nonsteroidal a...Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approxi-mately 0.46%of the global population.Conventional therapeutics for RA,including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs(DMARDs),nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),and corticosteroids,frequently result in unintended adverse effects.Dexamethasone(DEX)is a potent glucocorticoid used to treat RA due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.Liposomal delivery of DEX,particu-larly when liposomes are surface-modified with targeting ligands like peptides or sialic acid,can improve drug efficacy by enhancing its distribution to inflamed joints and minimizing toxicity.This study investigates the potential of liposomal drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and targeting of DEX in the treatment of RA.Results from various studies demonstrate that liposomal DEX significantly inhibits arthritis progression in animal models,reduces joint inflammation and damage,and alleviates cartilage destruction compared to free DEX.The liposomal formulation also shows better hemocompatibility,fewer adverse effects on body weight and immune organ index,and a longer circulation time with higher bioavailability.The anti-inflammatory mechanism is associated with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and B-cell-activating factor(BAFF),which are key players in the pathogenesis of RA.Additionally,liposomal DEX can induce the expres-sion of anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10(IL-10),which has significant anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.The findings suggest that lipo-somal DEX represents a promising candidate for effective and safe RA therapy,with the potential to improve the management of this debilitating disease by providing targeted delivery and sustained release of the drug.展开更多
Although microglial polarization and neuroinflammation are crucial cellular responses after traumatic brain injury,the fundamental regulatory and functional mechanisms remain insufficiently understood.As potent anti-i...Although microglial polarization and neuroinflammation are crucial cellular responses after traumatic brain injury,the fundamental regulatory and functional mechanisms remain insufficiently understood.As potent anti-inflammato ry agents,the use of glucoco rticoids in traumatic brain injury is still controversial,and their regulatory effects on microglial polarization are not yet known.In the present study,we sought to determine whether exacerbation of traumatic brain injury caused by high-dose dexamethasone is related to its regulatory effects on microglial polarization and its mechanisms of action.In vitro cultured BV2 cells and primary microglia and a controlled cortical impact mouse model were used to investigate the effects of dexamethasone on microglial polarization.Lipopolysaccharide,dexamethasone,RU486(a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist),and ruxolitinib(a Janus kinase 1 antagonist)were administered.RNA-sequencing data obtained from a C57BL/6 mouse model of traumatic brain injury were used to identify potential targets of dexamethasone.The Morris water maze,quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy analysis,and TUNEL,Nissl,and Golgi staining were performed to investigate our hypothesis.High-throughput sequencing results showed that arginase 1,a marker of M2 microglia,was significantly downregulated in the dexamethasone group compared with the traumatic brain injury group at3 days post-traumatic brain injury.Thus dexamethasone inhibited M1 and M2 microglia,with a more pronounced inhibitory effect on M2microglia in vitro and in vivo.Glucocorticoid receptor plays an indispensable role in microglial polarization after dexamethasone treatment following traumatic brain injury.Additionally,glucocorticoid receptor activation increased the number of apoptotic cells and neuronal death,and also decreased the density of dendritic spines.A possible downstream receptor signaling mechanism is the GR/JAK1/STAT3 pathway.Overactivation of glucocorticoid receptor by high-dose dexamethasone reduced the expression of M2 microglia,which plays an antiinflammatory role.In contrast,inhibiting the activation of glucocorticoid receptor reduced the number of apoptotic glia and neurons and decreased the loss of dendritic spines after traumatic brain injury.Dexamethasone may exe rt its neurotoxic effects by inhibiting M2 microglia through the GR/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.展开更多
Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.It was declared a global pandemic on March 11,2020,by the World Health Organization.An excessive infl...Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.It was declared a global pandemic on March 11,2020,by the World Health Organization.An excessive inflammatory response is a severe respiratory manifestation of COVID-19,which becomes predominant in later stages.Due to its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties,dexamethasone is the first systemic glucocorticoid to treat severe COVID-19 patients.This editorial reviews the efficacy and safety of highdose vs low-dose dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19.Findings indicate that using low-dose dexamethasone is beneficial and emphasize the need for additional research on the use of high-dose dexamethasone.While the study provides a robust evidence base,it is limited by the lack of long-term data,focus on specific outcomes and heterogeneity of the included studies.Future research should focus on the long-term effects of dexamethasone and its impact across varying disease severities and patient populations to refine treatment strategies and improve patient care.展开更多
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has necessitated rapid advancements in therapeutic strategies,with dexamethasone emerging as a key treatment for severe cases.This editorial discusses the systema...The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has necessitated rapid advancements in therapeutic strategies,with dexamethasone emerging as a key treatment for severe cases.This editorial discusses the systematic review conducted by Sethi et al,published in the World Journal of Virology.The review critically examines the efficacy and safety of varying dosages of dexamethasone in severe COVID-19 patients,providing a comprehensive meta-analysis that underscores the current clinical recommendations favoring a low-dose regimen.Despite these findings,the review highlights the potential benefits of tailored dosages for specific patient subgroups,suggesting a need for personalized treatment approaches.This editorial expands on the implications of these findings,advocating for the integration of evolving clinical data into treatment protocols and calling for further research into patient-specific responses to therapy.It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and precision in pandemic response,urging the medical community to consider both the robustness of existing evidence and the potential for innovative approaches to enhance patient outcomes in the face of global health challenges.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a major health concern in Thailand,with most patients diagnosed at the intermediate stage.Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the standard treatment;however,postembolizat...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a major health concern in Thailand,with most patients diagnosed at the intermediate stage.Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the standard treatment;however,postembolization syndrome(PES)remains a common complication.Although both dexamethasone(DEXA)and N-acetylcysteine(NAC)have shown efficacy in reducing PES,no study has directly compared their effects.AIM To compare the incidence of PES between DEXA and NAC in intermediate-stage HCC patients undergoing conventional TACE(cTACE).METHODS A randomized,double-blind,controlled trial was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Thailand from November 2024 to April 2025.Eligible HCC patients(aged 18-70 years)were randomized(1:1)to receive either NAC(150 mg/kg/hour loading dose,followed by 50 mg/kg over 4 hours,then 6.25 mg/kg/hour for 48 hours post-cTACE)or DEXA(8 mg IV 1 hour before cTACE).cTACE was performed by blinded interventional radiologists.The primary outcome was PES occurrence within 48 hours,assessed using South West Oncology Group toxicity coding and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.The secondary outcomes were post-cTACE liver decompensation and the dynamic changes in the albumin-bilirubin(ALBI)score.RESULTS A total of 56 intermediate-stage HCC patients were included(DEXA,n=28;NAC,n=28).Most had preserved liver function,with 92.9%classified as Child-Pugh A.The maximum tumor size was 6.2 cm,and 85.7%had multiple lesions.Additionally,39 patients(69.6%)met the beyond up-to-7 criteria.Overall,27 patients(48.2%)developed PES.After adjusting for confounding factors,the NAC group had a significantly lower incidence of PES than the DEXA group(32.1%vs 64.3%;adjusted odds ratio=0.17,95%confidence interval:0.03-0.87,P=0.033).Only two patients(3.6%)developed post-cTACE liver decompensation.Furthermore,51.8%patients experienced worsening ALBI scores within 48 hours post-procedure;however,the rate of ALBI score worsening did not significantly differ between the groups.CONCLUSION Compared with DEXA,NAC significantly reduces the incidence of PES,regardless of its impact on liver function recovery.Therefore,NAC is a preferable option for reducing PES in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer-B stage HCC patients with preserved liver function.展开更多
Glucocorticoids are widely utilized for treating various immune and inflammation-related diseases,prompting significant interest in their potential application for COVID-19 treatment.This study explored the efficacy a...Glucocorticoids are widely utilized for treating various immune and inflammation-related diseases,prompting significant interest in their potential application for COVID-19 treatment.This study explored the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone(DEX)and methylprednisolone(MP)in treating severe COVID-19.A cohort of 94 adult patients,aged 18 years and older,with severe COVID-19 was recruited.They received intravenous MP(40-80 mg/d)or DEX(5-10 mg/d)for 7-10 d.The primary objective was to assess the effects of these treatments on mortality rates.Additionally,the study aimed to compare the impact of these medications on various parameters,including the oxygenation index,inflammatory index,fungal infections,and hyperglycemia,serving as secondary endpoints.The findings revealed no fatalities in either group.However,there was one case of pulmonary fibrosis and Aspergillus fumigatus infection in the DEX group,and two cases of Aspergillus infection in the MP group.Although the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05),the MP group showed a faster improvement in blood oxygen saturation compared to the DEX group,with a median time of 5 d vs 7 d.No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding improvement in C-reactive protein levels(P>0.05).Notably,DEX was associated with a higher incidence of hyperglycemia compared to MP(P<0.05).Both DEX and MP significantly reduced mortality rates among patients with severe COVID-19 and improved blood oxygen saturation and inflammatory markers.However,MP exhibited a more rapid onset of efficacy and fewer adverse reactions.展开更多
Background:Glucocorticoids are used as anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of various diseases,however,their side effects on normal brain tissue remain underinvestigated.Objectives:The study aimed to investigate...Background:Glucocorticoids are used as anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of various diseases,however,their side effects on normal brain tissue remain underinvestigated.Objectives:The study aimed to investigate dexamethasone(DXM)effects on cell composition and myelin content in the mouse brain tissue.Methods:C57Bl/6 male mice(n 60)received single and ten multiple intraperitoneal DXM injections(2.5 mg/kg),and the studied=parameters were analysed at 1,3,7,10 days after a single DXM injection and 15,30,60,and 90 days after the multiple injections.Oligodendrocytes,microglia,and astrocytes were assayed by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies(Olig2,CD68,and GFAP,respectively)in the corpus callosum of the normal brain tissue.The myelin content was estimated by staining with LuxolFastBlue.The presence of GFAP isoforms was determined by western blotting.Results:DXM administration did not affect oligodendrocytes in the mouse brain but temporarily significantly decreased myelin content(1.2-fold,p 0.0058;1.4-fold,p 0.0001)at 3–15 days time points.At the same time,DXM significantly=<decreased the number of microglial cells(1.5–3.5-fold,p 0.0001)and significantly increased astrocytes(1.8-fold,p<<0.0001).Prolonged administration of DXM resulted in the decrease of the main GFAPα-isoform(50 kDa)and the appearance of shorter GFAP isoforms(30 kDa,42 kDa,44 kDa)similar to that in some neurodegenerative animal models.Conclusion:DXM can modify the cell composition of the normal mouse brain tissue by decreasing microglial cells and increasing astrocytes.Long-term use of DXM results in the inhibition of myelin formation and the appearance of truncated GFAP isoforms,suggesting its ability to induce neurodegeneration-like changes in the normal mouse brain.展开更多
Background: Intraperitoneal instillation (IPI) of local anesthesia was reported to reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgeries. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of IPI of bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine v...Background: Intraperitoneal instillation (IPI) of local anesthesia was reported to reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgeries. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of IPI of bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine versus bupivacaine + dexamethasone on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: This randomized clinical trial was carried out on one hundred patients who underwent LC under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into: Group (Dexa): IPI of bupivacaine with dexamethasone and Group (Dexmed): IPI of bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine. Results: The first time to request analgesia was significantly delayed in the dexmed group (P value Conclusions: Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine + Dexmedetomidine provided longer pain-free postoperative duration lower pain score over time, and lesser analgesic consumption.展开更多
Dexamethasone is a common glucocorticoid medication with adverse effects that can cause muscle atrophy,but no drug intervention has been approved or recommended for this condition.KF-8 is a rice bran-derived anti-oxid...Dexamethasone is a common glucocorticoid medication with adverse effects that can cause muscle atrophy,but no drug intervention has been approved or recommended for this condition.KF-8 is a rice bran-derived anti-oxidant peptide that extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans.We established a C.elegans model of dexamethasone-induced myopathy to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of KF-8 in this model.C.elegans muscle function was assessed in terms of locomotory behaviors including crawling,swimming,burrowing,pharyngeal pumping,and head swing.Muscle actin filament integrity was evaluated using fluorescence imaging.The molecular mechanisms of KF-8 were investigated using transcriptome sequencing,quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR),RNA interference,and Western blot analysis.Dexamethasone disrupted actin filaments in the striated muscles of the body wall and inhibited C.elegans crawling,swimming,burrowing,pharyngeal pumping,and head swing.KF-8 reversed the actin filament disruption and locomotor dysfunction induced by dexamethasone.Transcriptome sequencing,pathway enrichment,and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that KF-8 regulated the locomotion-related genes W04G5.10,vha-12,and ddr-1,as well as age-1(the catalytic subunit ortholog of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)),and akt1.RNA interference,conducted using a genetically engineered Escherichia coli HT115 strain as a food source,confirmed age-1 as a key regulator of locomotor function of C.elegans.Further mechanistic studies with C2C12 myotubes showed that KF-8 regulated the IRS-PI3K-Akt pathway,the master regulator of protein synthesis and degradation.Together,these findings suggest that KF-8 protects against dexamethasoneinduced myopathy in C.elegans by regulating locomotion-related genes and the IRS-PI3K-Akt pathway.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of concurrent intravitreal ranibizumab(IVR)and extended-release dexamethasone injections(Dex-I)in naïve and refractory patients with retinal vein occlusion macular edema(RV...AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of concurrent intravitreal ranibizumab(IVR)and extended-release dexamethasone injections(Dex-I)in naïve and refractory patients with retinal vein occlusion macular edema(RVO-ME).METHODS:This was a prospective,interventional,and open-label clinical trial.There were two groups:naïve and refractory patients(received≥5 times of previous IVR within one year prior to enrollment)enrolled.Patients received IVR and Dex-I concurrently and re-combination therapy was required if one or more retreatment criteria were met.IVR and Dex-I were given pro re nata(PRN).The mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central macular thickness(CMT)were measured as main outcomes.RESULTS:Totally 63 patients(63 eyes)completed the entire follow-up(31 naïve and 32 refractory patients).At month 12,the change in BCVA was greater in the naïve group than in the refractory group[19.67±11.7(95%CI:15.03,24.31)letters vs 11.74±11.18(95%CI:7.32,16.16)letters,P=0.014].There was no difference between the two groups of mean macular thickness reduction[364.26±215.29(95%CI:279.09,449.43)μm vs 410.19±204.34(95%CI:329.35,491.02)μm,P=0.43].The mean co-injection numbers were 2.52±0.58(95%CI:2.29,2.75)and 2.33±0.55(95%CI:2.11,2.55)in both groups(P=0.24),respectively.The retreatment interval was 115.81±13.79 d(95%CI:110.36,121.27)and 122.74±14.06 d(95%CI:119.93,133.56)in both groups(P=0.073).There was no significant difference in the incidence of glaucoma or the progression of cataracts between the two groups.CONCLUSION:In both naïve and refractory RVO-ME patients,IVR combined with Dex-I is effective.The initial combination therapy for naïve patients demonstrates more efficient improvement in BCVA and may reduce total injection numbers compared to refractory patients.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated dexamethasone implants with real-life data in eyes with naive retinal vein occlusion(RVO)with macular edema(ME)at a minimum of 60mo follow-up.METHODS:In this retr...AIM:To investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated dexamethasone implants with real-life data in eyes with naive retinal vein occlusion(RVO)with macular edema(ME)at a minimum of 60mo follow-up.METHODS:In this retrospective cohort study,the data about best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central macular thickness(CMT),serous macular detachment(SMD),hard exudate,hyperreflective foci(HRF),cystoid degeneration,pearl necklace sign,epiretinal membrane(ERM),disorganization of retinal inner layers(DRIL),ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane(EZ-ELM)integrity,intraocular pressure(IOP)and lens condition were recorded.RESULTS:Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients were included in the study.Thirteen patients presented with central RVO(CRVO)and 25 with branch RVO(BRVO).The mean follow-up time was 69.9±15.8mo,and the mean number of injections was 7.9±4.0.The mean BCVA gain was 25.0±36 letters,and this difference was statistically significant(P=0.021).The BCVA gain was 19.4±20.4 letters in the CRVO group,and 26.5±38.6 letters in the BRVO group(P=0.763).Besides,21(55.2%)of the patients achieved≥15 letters improvement.At the end of the follow-up period,SMD was not observed in any of the patients(P=0.016).Hard exudate,HRF number were decreased;while DRIL,ERM and EZ-ELM defects were increased but not significantly.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal dexamethasone monotherapy is an effective and safe treatment option for the treatment-naive RVO-ME patients in the long-term follow-up.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the efficacy,timing of retreatment and safety of dexamethasone(DEX)implant on macular edema(ME)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DME)and retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME)patients who were refractory to an...AIM:To evaluate the efficacy,timing of retreatment and safety of dexamethasone(DEX)implant on macular edema(ME)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DME)and retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME)patients who were refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment.METHODS:This retrospective study included 37 eyes received at least one DEX implant treatment for DME or RVO-ME between January 1,2019,and January 1,2023.These refractory DME and RVO-ME cases received at least 5 anti-VEGF injections and failure to gain more than 5 letters or a significant reduction in central retinal thickness(CRT).The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and CRT were measured at baseline,and at 1,3,4 and 6mo post-DEX implant injection.Adverse events such as elevated intraocular pressure(IOP)and cataract were recorded.RESULTS:For RVO cases(n=22),there was a significant increase in BCVA from 0.27±0.19 to 0.35±0.20 at 6mo post-DEX injection(P<0.05)and CRT decreased from 472.1±90.6 to 240.5±39.0μm at 6mo(P<0.0001).DME cases(n=15)experienced an improvement in BCVA from 0.26±0.15 to 0.43±0.20 at 6mo post-DEX implant injection(P=0.0098),with CRT reducing from 445.7±55.7 to 271.7±34.1μm at 6mo(P<0.0001).Elevated IOP occurred in 45.9% of patients but was well-controlled with topical medications.No cases of cataract or other adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION:DEX implants effectively improve BCVA and reduce CRT in refractory DME and RVO-ME.Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.展开更多
This article explores the integration of Eastern and Western perspectives on the use of dexamethasone and N-acetylcysteine as premedications in transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).By exam...This article explores the integration of Eastern and Western perspectives on the use of dexamethasone and N-acetylcysteine as premedications in transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).By examining key concerns raised by Western researchers,particularly regarding the different etiologies of liver cirrhosis,and contrasting them with robust clinical data from Asia,this article highlights the necessity for region-specific research and proposes future directions for global HCC management.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intravitreal dexamethasone implant in naive and refractory patients with diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS:PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Medline databases were searc...AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intravitreal dexamethasone implant in naive and refractory patients with diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS:PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Medline databases were searched.The main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central retinal thickness(CRT).The secondary outcomes included mean number of injections,intraoperative or postoperative complications including intraocular pressure(IOP)elevation and cataract.RESULTS:Ten comparative studies involving a total of 1000 DME eyes including 402 naive eyes and 598 refractory eyes were selected.The postoperative BCVA in the naive group was significantly better than in the refractory group[mean difference(MD)-0.11,95% confidence interval(CI)-0.17 to-0.05,P=0.0003;MD 8.69,95%CI 5.08 to 12.30,P<0.00001].Additionally,the naive group got greater improvement of BCVA change as well as more gains of BCVA letters than the refractory group[MD 7.71,95%CI 2.02 to 13.40,P=0.008;odds ratio(OR)2.99,95%CI 2.05 to 4.37,P<0.00001].The subgroup analysis revealed that the naive group had significantly higher BCVA gains of≥5,≥10,and≥15 letters compared to the refractory group(P=0.002,0.0001,0.003,respectively).No significant difference was detected between the two groups in either postoperative CRT(MD-22.36,95%CI-46.39 to 1.66,P=0.07)or the overall mean number of injections(MD-0.08,95%CI-0.38 to 0.22,P=0.61).Intraoperative and postoperative complications including the elevation of IOP(OR 0.47,95%CI 0.20 to 1.13,P=0.09)and cataract(OR 1.78,95%CI 0.97 to 3.24,P=0.06)showed no significant differences between the two groups during the follow-up time.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal dexamethasone implants for DME can improve anatomical and functional outcomes in both naive and refractory eyes and have a well-acceptable safety profile.Moreover,naive eyes maintain better visual outcomes than refractory eyes.It provides further evidence of better visual response when used for naive eyes as firstline therapy.展开更多
Objective To investigate the protective effects of naringenin(NRG)against dexamethasone(DEX)-induced osteoporosis(OP)in rats.Methods Molecular docking of NRG was done with AutoDock Vina 1.2.0 software.Forty-eight fema...Objective To investigate the protective effects of naringenin(NRG)against dexamethasone(DEX)-induced osteoporosis(OP)in rats.Methods Molecular docking of NRG was done with AutoDock Vina 1.2.0 software.Forty-eight female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=8 each):normal control(NC),DEX(7 mg/kg,i.m.),NRG-low(NRG-L;25 mg/kg,i.g.),NRG-medium(NRG-M;50 mg/kg,i.g.),NRG-high(NRG-H;100 mg/kg,i.g.),and alendronate(ALN;0.25 mg/d,i.g.)groups.OP was induced by administering DEX once a week for five weeks in all groups except NC group.Begining in the third week after the initial DEX administration,the rats in NRG-L,NRG-M,NRG-H,and ALN groups received the corresponding treatments daily for three weeks,while NC and DEX groups received no additional treatment.Serum samples were collected at the end of the experiment for biochemical,bone turnover,antioxidant,lipid profile,and inflammatory cytokine analyses.Femur bones underwent physical parameter testing and histopathological examination.Results The molecular docking results illustrated that NRG docked with calcitonin(CT),lowdensity lipoprotein(LDL),bone morphogenetic protein(BMP),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)receptor,forkhead transcription factors,and osteoprogenitor cells showed good binding energy.In rats administered with 25,50,and 100 mg/kg NRG,there was a significant enhancement in serum biochemical indices,characterized by a reduction in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP),parathyroid hormone(PTH),and an elevation in osteocalcin(OC)and CT levels(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Despite no significant changes in thickness,weight,and length(P>0.05),there was a marked increase in bone mineral density(BMD)(P<0.01,P<0.001,and P<0.001,respectively).Antioxidant enzyme markers showed significant upregulation,with higher glutathione,superoxide dismutase,and catalase,and a concurrent decrease in malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).The lipid profile also improved significantly,with lower cholesterol(CH),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein(LDL)levels,and an increase in high-density lipoprotein(HDL)level(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Inflammatory cytokine levels were reduced,as evidenced by decreases in tumor necrosis factor(TNF),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Furthermore,histological alterations revealed obvious improvements,and the body weight of rats treated with NRG showed an increase compared with DEX group.Conclusion These findings imply that NRG exhibited a protective effect against DEX-induced OP in rats as it promotes the bone formation process by increasing the number of bone turnover markers including OC and CT,and restoring of antioxidant status,lipid metabolism,and inflammatory markers.展开更多
This paper raises the question if intravitreal dexamethasone implant deserves to be utilized more effectively in a select subset of eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). If so, what is the OCT morphology of such eye...This paper raises the question if intravitreal dexamethasone implant deserves to be utilized more effectively in a select subset of eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). If so, what is the OCT morphology of such eyes? A retrospective consecutive case series is employed to answer these questions. Twenty consecutive eyes were studied: ten that have been treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF (Group A) injections and ten which have been treated with the steroidal implant (Group O) because they failed or were slow to respond to multiple injections of anti-VEGF medications. Specifically, 1) macular edema in the eyes were categorized for the type of OCT morphology and 2) their response to the respective treatments in terms of the resolution of the OCT morphology was determined. Results show that the OCT morphology of eyes that were in Group O predominantly (7/10) had the feature of posterior retinal leakage (subretinal fluid and large outer retinal cysts);this feature was rare in Group A (2/10). Further, each of these eyes (7/7) in Group O had a complete resolution of the macular edema after a single treatment with the dexamethasone intravitreal implant whereas neither eye with this feature (0/2) responded to the (anti-VEGF) treatment in Group A. This leads to the conclusion that there exists an OCT Feature that Identifies a Niche for Dexamethasone Intravitreal implant (FIND) in the treatment of anti-VEGF slow responders in DME. The clinical significance of the study is that selecting eyes with a priori FIND morphology on the OCT for treatment with dexamethasone implant prior to, or at the outset of, a series of anti-VEGF treatment may resolve DME promptly and lower the treatment burden for patients and cost to society.展开更多
Objective:To analyze the effect of bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma.Methods:60 cases of multiple myeloma patients admitted to our hospital from January 2022 ...Objective:To analyze the effect of bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma.Methods:60 cases of multiple myeloma patients admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected randomly,with 30 cases in each group.Bortezomib combined with dexamethasone was administered in the control group,and bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide was given to the observation group,and the treatment effect was analyzed.Results:After treatment,CD^(3+)and CD^(4+)of the observation group were higher than that of the control group,CD^(8+)was lower than that of the control group,and the total treatment efficiency was higher,which was statistically significant(P<0.05),and there was no difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide is effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma as it regulates the immune function and is safe,thus it can be promoted in clinical practice.展开更多
Introduction:Dexamethasone(Dex)caused impaired osteoblast differentiation and oxidative stress(OS)in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).This work sought to elucidate the precise molecular pathway through which ...Introduction:Dexamethasone(Dex)caused impaired osteoblast differentiation and oxidative stress(OS)in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).This work sought to elucidate the precise molecular pathway through which Dex influences osteogenic differentiation(OD)and OS in BMSCs.Methods:The expression of Runt-related transcription factor 1(RUNX1)and alpha-2 macroglobulin(A2M)was assessed in Dex-treated BMSCs using qRTPCR and Western Blot.Following the functional rescue experiments,cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay,reactive oxygen species(ROS)expression by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and glutathione peroxidase(Gpx)expression by kits,OD by alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining and activity quantification,and the expression of OD-related proteins RUNX2,collagen type 1 alpha 1(COL1A1),and osteocalcin(OCN)by qRT-PCR and Western Blot.The binding of RUNX1 to A2M was initially analyzed through Jaspar website and subsequently verified by dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP assays.Results:Dextreated BMSCs had low RUNX1 and A2M expression.Dex treatment apparently elevated ROS and LDH levels,diminished cell proliferation rate and SOD,CAT,and Gpx expression,lightened intensity of ALP staining,and declined calcified nodules,ALP activity,and RUNX2,COL1A1,and OCN expression in BMSCs,which was counterweighed by RUNX1 or A2M overexpression.RUNX1 positively targeted A2M.A2M knockdown effectively nullified the ameliorative effects of RUNX1 overexpression on impaired OD and OS injury in Dex-induced BMSCs.Conclusions:Overexpression of RUNX1 attenuated Dex-induced impaired OD and OS injury in BMSCs by promoting A2M transcription.展开更多
Using splenic cells of BALB/c mice infected with Friend Leukemia Virus (FVA) as a model of erythroid cells, we investigated the action of dexamethasone (Dex) to induce apoptosis of the cells in the presence of erythro...Using splenic cells of BALB/c mice infected with Friend Leukemia Virus (FVA) as a model of erythroid cells, we investigated the action of dexamethasone (Dex) to induce apoptosis of the cells in the presence of erythropoietin (EPO)——an apoptotic inhibitor in developing erythroid cells. The result indicated that after treatment with a certain range of Dex concentrations and prolonged incubation, the cells were characterized by the occurrence of DNA ladders which appeared on agarose electrophoresis. Transmission electron microscopy showed that karyopyknosis, chromatin condensation, dilatation of the perinuclear space, karyorrhexis, cytoplasmic vacuolization and cell fragmentation appeared in the cells depending on the dose of Dex and the treatment time. These results suggest that Dex could induce apoptosis in the developing erythroid cells as in other cells so far reported.展开更多
AIM: To observe the therapeutic effects of dexamethasone on rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and investigate the influences of dexamethasone on the inflammatory mediators and NF-κB expression in multiple org...AIM: To observe the therapeutic effects of dexamethasone on rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and investigate the influences of dexamethasone on the inflammatory mediators and NF-κB expression in multiple organs of SAP rats as well as the mechanisms involved. METHODS: Ninety Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with SAP were randomly divided into the model group (n = 45) and dexamethasone treatment group (n = 45), and another 45 rats were selected for the sham operation group. All groups were randomly subdivided into the 3 h, 6 h and 12 h groups, each group containing 15 rats. The survival of all groups and pathological changes of multiple organs (liver, kidney and lung) were observed at different time points after the operation. The pathologicalscore of multiple organs was carried out, followed by the determination of amylase, endotoxin and TNF-α contents in blood. The tissue microarray was used to detect the expression levels of NF-κB p65 protein in multiple organs. RESULTS: There was no marked difference between the model group and treatment group in the survival rate. The amylase content of the treatment group was significantly lower compared to the model group at 12 h (P < 0.01, 7791.00 vs 9195.00). Moreover, the endotoxin and TNF-α levels of the treatment group were significantly lower than that of the model group at 6 h and 12 h (P < 0.01, 0.040 vs 0.055, 0.042 vs 0.059 and P < 0.05, 58.30 vs 77.54, 38.70 vs 67.30, respectively). Regarding the changes in liver NF-κB expression, the model group significantly exceeded the sham operation group at 3 h (P < 0.01, 1.00 vs 0.00), and the treatment group significantly exceeded the sham operation group at 12 h (P < 0.01, 1.00 vs 0.00), whereas no marked difference was observed between the model group and treatment group at all time points. The kidney NF-κB expression level in the treatment group significantly exceeded the model group (P < 0.05, 2.00 vs 0.00) and the sham operation group (P < 0.01, 2.00 vs 0.00) at 12 h. No NF-κB expression in the lung was found in any group. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone can lower the amylase, endotoxin and TNF-α levels as well as mortality of SAP rats. NF-κB plays an important role in multiple organ injury. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether dexamethasone can ameliorate the pathological changes of multiple organs by reducing the NF-κB expression in the liver and kidney. The advantages of tissue microarrays in pancreatitis pathological examination include time- and energy- saving, and are highly efficient and representative. The restriction of tissue microarrays on the representation of tissues to various extents due to small diameter may lead to the deviation of analysis.展开更多
文摘Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approxi-mately 0.46%of the global population.Conventional therapeutics for RA,including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs(DMARDs),nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),and corticosteroids,frequently result in unintended adverse effects.Dexamethasone(DEX)is a potent glucocorticoid used to treat RA due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.Liposomal delivery of DEX,particu-larly when liposomes are surface-modified with targeting ligands like peptides or sialic acid,can improve drug efficacy by enhancing its distribution to inflamed joints and minimizing toxicity.This study investigates the potential of liposomal drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and targeting of DEX in the treatment of RA.Results from various studies demonstrate that liposomal DEX significantly inhibits arthritis progression in animal models,reduces joint inflammation and damage,and alleviates cartilage destruction compared to free DEX.The liposomal formulation also shows better hemocompatibility,fewer adverse effects on body weight and immune organ index,and a longer circulation time with higher bioavailability.The anti-inflammatory mechanism is associated with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and B-cell-activating factor(BAFF),which are key players in the pathogenesis of RA.Additionally,liposomal DEX can induce the expres-sion of anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10(IL-10),which has significant anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.The findings suggest that lipo-somal DEX represents a promising candidate for effective and safe RA therapy,with the potential to improve the management of this debilitating disease by providing targeted delivery and sustained release of the drug.
基金supported by research grants from the Ningbo Science and Technology Plan Project,No.2022Z143hezuo(to BL)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82201520(to XD)。
文摘Although microglial polarization and neuroinflammation are crucial cellular responses after traumatic brain injury,the fundamental regulatory and functional mechanisms remain insufficiently understood.As potent anti-inflammato ry agents,the use of glucoco rticoids in traumatic brain injury is still controversial,and their regulatory effects on microglial polarization are not yet known.In the present study,we sought to determine whether exacerbation of traumatic brain injury caused by high-dose dexamethasone is related to its regulatory effects on microglial polarization and its mechanisms of action.In vitro cultured BV2 cells and primary microglia and a controlled cortical impact mouse model were used to investigate the effects of dexamethasone on microglial polarization.Lipopolysaccharide,dexamethasone,RU486(a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist),and ruxolitinib(a Janus kinase 1 antagonist)were administered.RNA-sequencing data obtained from a C57BL/6 mouse model of traumatic brain injury were used to identify potential targets of dexamethasone.The Morris water maze,quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy analysis,and TUNEL,Nissl,and Golgi staining were performed to investigate our hypothesis.High-throughput sequencing results showed that arginase 1,a marker of M2 microglia,was significantly downregulated in the dexamethasone group compared with the traumatic brain injury group at3 days post-traumatic brain injury.Thus dexamethasone inhibited M1 and M2 microglia,with a more pronounced inhibitory effect on M2microglia in vitro and in vivo.Glucocorticoid receptor plays an indispensable role in microglial polarization after dexamethasone treatment following traumatic brain injury.Additionally,glucocorticoid receptor activation increased the number of apoptotic cells and neuronal death,and also decreased the density of dendritic spines.A possible downstream receptor signaling mechanism is the GR/JAK1/STAT3 pathway.Overactivation of glucocorticoid receptor by high-dose dexamethasone reduced the expression of M2 microglia,which plays an antiinflammatory role.In contrast,inhibiting the activation of glucocorticoid receptor reduced the number of apoptotic glia and neurons and decreased the loss of dendritic spines after traumatic brain injury.Dexamethasone may exe rt its neurotoxic effects by inhibiting M2 microglia through the GR/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.
文摘Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.It was declared a global pandemic on March 11,2020,by the World Health Organization.An excessive inflammatory response is a severe respiratory manifestation of COVID-19,which becomes predominant in later stages.Due to its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties,dexamethasone is the first systemic glucocorticoid to treat severe COVID-19 patients.This editorial reviews the efficacy and safety of highdose vs low-dose dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19.Findings indicate that using low-dose dexamethasone is beneficial and emphasize the need for additional research on the use of high-dose dexamethasone.While the study provides a robust evidence base,it is limited by the lack of long-term data,focus on specific outcomes and heterogeneity of the included studies.Future research should focus on the long-term effects of dexamethasone and its impact across varying disease severities and patient populations to refine treatment strategies and improve patient care.
文摘The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has necessitated rapid advancements in therapeutic strategies,with dexamethasone emerging as a key treatment for severe cases.This editorial discusses the systematic review conducted by Sethi et al,published in the World Journal of Virology.The review critically examines the efficacy and safety of varying dosages of dexamethasone in severe COVID-19 patients,providing a comprehensive meta-analysis that underscores the current clinical recommendations favoring a low-dose regimen.Despite these findings,the review highlights the potential benefits of tailored dosages for specific patient subgroups,suggesting a need for personalized treatment approaches.This editorial expands on the implications of these findings,advocating for the integration of evolving clinical data into treatment protocols and calling for further research into patient-specific responses to therapy.It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and precision in pandemic response,urging the medical community to consider both the robustness of existing evidence and the potential for innovative approaches to enhance patient outcomes in the face of global health challenges.
基金Supported by Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital,Navamindradhiraj University Research Fund,No.1-67.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a major health concern in Thailand,with most patients diagnosed at the intermediate stage.Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the standard treatment;however,postembolization syndrome(PES)remains a common complication.Although both dexamethasone(DEXA)and N-acetylcysteine(NAC)have shown efficacy in reducing PES,no study has directly compared their effects.AIM To compare the incidence of PES between DEXA and NAC in intermediate-stage HCC patients undergoing conventional TACE(cTACE).METHODS A randomized,double-blind,controlled trial was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Thailand from November 2024 to April 2025.Eligible HCC patients(aged 18-70 years)were randomized(1:1)to receive either NAC(150 mg/kg/hour loading dose,followed by 50 mg/kg over 4 hours,then 6.25 mg/kg/hour for 48 hours post-cTACE)or DEXA(8 mg IV 1 hour before cTACE).cTACE was performed by blinded interventional radiologists.The primary outcome was PES occurrence within 48 hours,assessed using South West Oncology Group toxicity coding and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.The secondary outcomes were post-cTACE liver decompensation and the dynamic changes in the albumin-bilirubin(ALBI)score.RESULTS A total of 56 intermediate-stage HCC patients were included(DEXA,n=28;NAC,n=28).Most had preserved liver function,with 92.9%classified as Child-Pugh A.The maximum tumor size was 6.2 cm,and 85.7%had multiple lesions.Additionally,39 patients(69.6%)met the beyond up-to-7 criteria.Overall,27 patients(48.2%)developed PES.After adjusting for confounding factors,the NAC group had a significantly lower incidence of PES than the DEXA group(32.1%vs 64.3%;adjusted odds ratio=0.17,95%confidence interval:0.03-0.87,P=0.033).Only two patients(3.6%)developed post-cTACE liver decompensation.Furthermore,51.8%patients experienced worsening ALBI scores within 48 hours post-procedure;however,the rate of ALBI score worsening did not significantly differ between the groups.CONCLUSION Compared with DEXA,NAC significantly reduces the incidence of PES,regardless of its impact on liver function recovery.Therefore,NAC is a preferable option for reducing PES in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer-B stage HCC patients with preserved liver function.
基金Cultivation fund in Second Hospital of Shandong University(Grant No.2023YP11).
文摘Glucocorticoids are widely utilized for treating various immune and inflammation-related diseases,prompting significant interest in their potential application for COVID-19 treatment.This study explored the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone(DEX)and methylprednisolone(MP)in treating severe COVID-19.A cohort of 94 adult patients,aged 18 years and older,with severe COVID-19 was recruited.They received intravenous MP(40-80 mg/d)or DEX(5-10 mg/d)for 7-10 d.The primary objective was to assess the effects of these treatments on mortality rates.Additionally,the study aimed to compare the impact of these medications on various parameters,including the oxygenation index,inflammatory index,fungal infections,and hyperglycemia,serving as secondary endpoints.The findings revealed no fatalities in either group.However,there was one case of pulmonary fibrosis and Aspergillus fumigatus infection in the DEX group,and two cases of Aspergillus infection in the MP group.Although the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05),the MP group showed a faster improvement in blood oxygen saturation compared to the DEX group,with a median time of 5 d vs 7 d.No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding improvement in C-reactive protein levels(P>0.05).Notably,DEX was associated with a higher incidence of hyperglycemia compared to MP(P<0.05).Both DEX and MP significantly reduced mortality rates among patients with severe COVID-19 and improved blood oxygen saturation and inflammatory markers.However,MP exhibited a more rapid onset of efficacy and fewer adverse reactions.
基金funded by the budgetary funding to FRC FTM for the project“Post-Genomic High-Tech Research on the Mechanisms of Development of Socially Significant Diseases and Stress-Induced Conditions”(Grant No.125031203556-7).
文摘Background:Glucocorticoids are used as anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of various diseases,however,their side effects on normal brain tissue remain underinvestigated.Objectives:The study aimed to investigate dexamethasone(DXM)effects on cell composition and myelin content in the mouse brain tissue.Methods:C57Bl/6 male mice(n 60)received single and ten multiple intraperitoneal DXM injections(2.5 mg/kg),and the studied=parameters were analysed at 1,3,7,10 days after a single DXM injection and 15,30,60,and 90 days after the multiple injections.Oligodendrocytes,microglia,and astrocytes were assayed by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies(Olig2,CD68,and GFAP,respectively)in the corpus callosum of the normal brain tissue.The myelin content was estimated by staining with LuxolFastBlue.The presence of GFAP isoforms was determined by western blotting.Results:DXM administration did not affect oligodendrocytes in the mouse brain but temporarily significantly decreased myelin content(1.2-fold,p 0.0058;1.4-fold,p 0.0001)at 3–15 days time points.At the same time,DXM significantly=<decreased the number of microglial cells(1.5–3.5-fold,p 0.0001)and significantly increased astrocytes(1.8-fold,p<<0.0001).Prolonged administration of DXM resulted in the decrease of the main GFAPα-isoform(50 kDa)and the appearance of shorter GFAP isoforms(30 kDa,42 kDa,44 kDa)similar to that in some neurodegenerative animal models.Conclusion:DXM can modify the cell composition of the normal mouse brain tissue by decreasing microglial cells and increasing astrocytes.Long-term use of DXM results in the inhibition of myelin formation and the appearance of truncated GFAP isoforms,suggesting its ability to induce neurodegeneration-like changes in the normal mouse brain.
文摘Background: Intraperitoneal instillation (IPI) of local anesthesia was reported to reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgeries. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of IPI of bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine versus bupivacaine + dexamethasone on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: This randomized clinical trial was carried out on one hundred patients who underwent LC under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into: Group (Dexa): IPI of bupivacaine with dexamethasone and Group (Dexmed): IPI of bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine. Results: The first time to request analgesia was significantly delayed in the dexmed group (P value Conclusions: Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine + Dexmedetomidine provided longer pain-free postoperative duration lower pain score over time, and lesser analgesic consumption.
基金supported by funding from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFF1100203)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32372349)+1 种基金Science and Technology Innovation Talent Project of Hunan Province(2022RC3056)Key Research and Development Program of Hunan Province(2024AQ2020)。
文摘Dexamethasone is a common glucocorticoid medication with adverse effects that can cause muscle atrophy,but no drug intervention has been approved or recommended for this condition.KF-8 is a rice bran-derived anti-oxidant peptide that extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans.We established a C.elegans model of dexamethasone-induced myopathy to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of KF-8 in this model.C.elegans muscle function was assessed in terms of locomotory behaviors including crawling,swimming,burrowing,pharyngeal pumping,and head swing.Muscle actin filament integrity was evaluated using fluorescence imaging.The molecular mechanisms of KF-8 were investigated using transcriptome sequencing,quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR),RNA interference,and Western blot analysis.Dexamethasone disrupted actin filaments in the striated muscles of the body wall and inhibited C.elegans crawling,swimming,burrowing,pharyngeal pumping,and head swing.KF-8 reversed the actin filament disruption and locomotor dysfunction induced by dexamethasone.Transcriptome sequencing,pathway enrichment,and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that KF-8 regulated the locomotion-related genes W04G5.10,vha-12,and ddr-1,as well as age-1(the catalytic subunit ortholog of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)),and akt1.RNA interference,conducted using a genetically engineered Escherichia coli HT115 strain as a food source,confirmed age-1 as a key regulator of locomotor function of C.elegans.Further mechanistic studies with C2C12 myotubes showed that KF-8 regulated the IRS-PI3K-Akt pathway,the master regulator of protein synthesis and degradation.Together,these findings suggest that KF-8 protects against dexamethasoneinduced myopathy in C.elegans by regulating locomotion-related genes and the IRS-PI3K-Akt pathway.
基金Supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.82301211)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(No.J230028).
文摘AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of concurrent intravitreal ranibizumab(IVR)and extended-release dexamethasone injections(Dex-I)in naïve and refractory patients with retinal vein occlusion macular edema(RVO-ME).METHODS:This was a prospective,interventional,and open-label clinical trial.There were two groups:naïve and refractory patients(received≥5 times of previous IVR within one year prior to enrollment)enrolled.Patients received IVR and Dex-I concurrently and re-combination therapy was required if one or more retreatment criteria were met.IVR and Dex-I were given pro re nata(PRN).The mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central macular thickness(CMT)were measured as main outcomes.RESULTS:Totally 63 patients(63 eyes)completed the entire follow-up(31 naïve and 32 refractory patients).At month 12,the change in BCVA was greater in the naïve group than in the refractory group[19.67±11.7(95%CI:15.03,24.31)letters vs 11.74±11.18(95%CI:7.32,16.16)letters,P=0.014].There was no difference between the two groups of mean macular thickness reduction[364.26±215.29(95%CI:279.09,449.43)μm vs 410.19±204.34(95%CI:329.35,491.02)μm,P=0.43].The mean co-injection numbers were 2.52±0.58(95%CI:2.29,2.75)and 2.33±0.55(95%CI:2.11,2.55)in both groups(P=0.24),respectively.The retreatment interval was 115.81±13.79 d(95%CI:110.36,121.27)and 122.74±14.06 d(95%CI:119.93,133.56)in both groups(P=0.073).There was no significant difference in the incidence of glaucoma or the progression of cataracts between the two groups.CONCLUSION:In both naïve and refractory RVO-ME patients,IVR combined with Dex-I is effective.The initial combination therapy for naïve patients demonstrates more efficient improvement in BCVA and may reduce total injection numbers compared to refractory patients.
文摘AIM:To investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated dexamethasone implants with real-life data in eyes with naive retinal vein occlusion(RVO)with macular edema(ME)at a minimum of 60mo follow-up.METHODS:In this retrospective cohort study,the data about best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central macular thickness(CMT),serous macular detachment(SMD),hard exudate,hyperreflective foci(HRF),cystoid degeneration,pearl necklace sign,epiretinal membrane(ERM),disorganization of retinal inner layers(DRIL),ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane(EZ-ELM)integrity,intraocular pressure(IOP)and lens condition were recorded.RESULTS:Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients were included in the study.Thirteen patients presented with central RVO(CRVO)and 25 with branch RVO(BRVO).The mean follow-up time was 69.9±15.8mo,and the mean number of injections was 7.9±4.0.The mean BCVA gain was 25.0±36 letters,and this difference was statistically significant(P=0.021).The BCVA gain was 19.4±20.4 letters in the CRVO group,and 26.5±38.6 letters in the BRVO group(P=0.763).Besides,21(55.2%)of the patients achieved≥15 letters improvement.At the end of the follow-up period,SMD was not observed in any of the patients(P=0.016).Hard exudate,HRF number were decreased;while DRIL,ERM and EZ-ELM defects were increased but not significantly.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal dexamethasone monotherapy is an effective and safe treatment option for the treatment-naive RVO-ME patients in the long-term follow-up.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Found of China(No.81870673,No.81800814,No.82201168).
文摘AIM:To evaluate the efficacy,timing of retreatment and safety of dexamethasone(DEX)implant on macular edema(ME)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DME)and retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME)patients who were refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment.METHODS:This retrospective study included 37 eyes received at least one DEX implant treatment for DME or RVO-ME between January 1,2019,and January 1,2023.These refractory DME and RVO-ME cases received at least 5 anti-VEGF injections and failure to gain more than 5 letters or a significant reduction in central retinal thickness(CRT).The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and CRT were measured at baseline,and at 1,3,4 and 6mo post-DEX implant injection.Adverse events such as elevated intraocular pressure(IOP)and cataract were recorded.RESULTS:For RVO cases(n=22),there was a significant increase in BCVA from 0.27±0.19 to 0.35±0.20 at 6mo post-DEX injection(P<0.05)and CRT decreased from 472.1±90.6 to 240.5±39.0μm at 6mo(P<0.0001).DME cases(n=15)experienced an improvement in BCVA from 0.26±0.15 to 0.43±0.20 at 6mo post-DEX implant injection(P=0.0098),with CRT reducing from 445.7±55.7 to 271.7±34.1μm at 6mo(P<0.0001).Elevated IOP occurred in 45.9% of patients but was well-controlled with topical medications.No cases of cataract or other adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION:DEX implants effectively improve BCVA and reduce CRT in refractory DME and RVO-ME.Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.
文摘This article explores the integration of Eastern and Western perspectives on the use of dexamethasone and N-acetylcysteine as premedications in transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).By examining key concerns raised by Western researchers,particularly regarding the different etiologies of liver cirrhosis,and contrasting them with robust clinical data from Asia,this article highlights the necessity for region-specific research and proposes future directions for global HCC management.
基金Supported by Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University,Jiangsu Province High-Level Hospital Construction Funds(No.CZXM-GSP-KY).
文摘AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intravitreal dexamethasone implant in naive and refractory patients with diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS:PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Medline databases were searched.The main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central retinal thickness(CRT).The secondary outcomes included mean number of injections,intraoperative or postoperative complications including intraocular pressure(IOP)elevation and cataract.RESULTS:Ten comparative studies involving a total of 1000 DME eyes including 402 naive eyes and 598 refractory eyes were selected.The postoperative BCVA in the naive group was significantly better than in the refractory group[mean difference(MD)-0.11,95% confidence interval(CI)-0.17 to-0.05,P=0.0003;MD 8.69,95%CI 5.08 to 12.30,P<0.00001].Additionally,the naive group got greater improvement of BCVA change as well as more gains of BCVA letters than the refractory group[MD 7.71,95%CI 2.02 to 13.40,P=0.008;odds ratio(OR)2.99,95%CI 2.05 to 4.37,P<0.00001].The subgroup analysis revealed that the naive group had significantly higher BCVA gains of≥5,≥10,and≥15 letters compared to the refractory group(P=0.002,0.0001,0.003,respectively).No significant difference was detected between the two groups in either postoperative CRT(MD-22.36,95%CI-46.39 to 1.66,P=0.07)or the overall mean number of injections(MD-0.08,95%CI-0.38 to 0.22,P=0.61).Intraoperative and postoperative complications including the elevation of IOP(OR 0.47,95%CI 0.20 to 1.13,P=0.09)and cataract(OR 1.78,95%CI 0.97 to 3.24,P=0.06)showed no significant differences between the two groups during the follow-up time.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal dexamethasone implants for DME can improve anatomical and functional outcomes in both naive and refractory eyes and have a well-acceptable safety profile.Moreover,naive eyes maintain better visual outcomes than refractory eyes.It provides further evidence of better visual response when used for naive eyes as firstline therapy.
文摘Objective To investigate the protective effects of naringenin(NRG)against dexamethasone(DEX)-induced osteoporosis(OP)in rats.Methods Molecular docking of NRG was done with AutoDock Vina 1.2.0 software.Forty-eight female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=8 each):normal control(NC),DEX(7 mg/kg,i.m.),NRG-low(NRG-L;25 mg/kg,i.g.),NRG-medium(NRG-M;50 mg/kg,i.g.),NRG-high(NRG-H;100 mg/kg,i.g.),and alendronate(ALN;0.25 mg/d,i.g.)groups.OP was induced by administering DEX once a week for five weeks in all groups except NC group.Begining in the third week after the initial DEX administration,the rats in NRG-L,NRG-M,NRG-H,and ALN groups received the corresponding treatments daily for three weeks,while NC and DEX groups received no additional treatment.Serum samples were collected at the end of the experiment for biochemical,bone turnover,antioxidant,lipid profile,and inflammatory cytokine analyses.Femur bones underwent physical parameter testing and histopathological examination.Results The molecular docking results illustrated that NRG docked with calcitonin(CT),lowdensity lipoprotein(LDL),bone morphogenetic protein(BMP),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)receptor,forkhead transcription factors,and osteoprogenitor cells showed good binding energy.In rats administered with 25,50,and 100 mg/kg NRG,there was a significant enhancement in serum biochemical indices,characterized by a reduction in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP),parathyroid hormone(PTH),and an elevation in osteocalcin(OC)and CT levels(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Despite no significant changes in thickness,weight,and length(P>0.05),there was a marked increase in bone mineral density(BMD)(P<0.01,P<0.001,and P<0.001,respectively).Antioxidant enzyme markers showed significant upregulation,with higher glutathione,superoxide dismutase,and catalase,and a concurrent decrease in malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).The lipid profile also improved significantly,with lower cholesterol(CH),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein(LDL)levels,and an increase in high-density lipoprotein(HDL)level(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Inflammatory cytokine levels were reduced,as evidenced by decreases in tumor necrosis factor(TNF),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.001,respectively).Furthermore,histological alterations revealed obvious improvements,and the body weight of rats treated with NRG showed an increase compared with DEX group.Conclusion These findings imply that NRG exhibited a protective effect against DEX-induced OP in rats as it promotes the bone formation process by increasing the number of bone turnover markers including OC and CT,and restoring of antioxidant status,lipid metabolism,and inflammatory markers.
文摘This paper raises the question if intravitreal dexamethasone implant deserves to be utilized more effectively in a select subset of eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). If so, what is the OCT morphology of such eyes? A retrospective consecutive case series is employed to answer these questions. Twenty consecutive eyes were studied: ten that have been treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF (Group A) injections and ten which have been treated with the steroidal implant (Group O) because they failed or were slow to respond to multiple injections of anti-VEGF medications. Specifically, 1) macular edema in the eyes were categorized for the type of OCT morphology and 2) their response to the respective treatments in terms of the resolution of the OCT morphology was determined. Results show that the OCT morphology of eyes that were in Group O predominantly (7/10) had the feature of posterior retinal leakage (subretinal fluid and large outer retinal cysts);this feature was rare in Group A (2/10). Further, each of these eyes (7/7) in Group O had a complete resolution of the macular edema after a single treatment with the dexamethasone intravitreal implant whereas neither eye with this feature (0/2) responded to the (anti-VEGF) treatment in Group A. This leads to the conclusion that there exists an OCT Feature that Identifies a Niche for Dexamethasone Intravitreal implant (FIND) in the treatment of anti-VEGF slow responders in DME. The clinical significance of the study is that selecting eyes with a priori FIND morphology on the OCT for treatment with dexamethasone implant prior to, or at the outset of, a series of anti-VEGF treatment may resolve DME promptly and lower the treatment burden for patients and cost to society.
基金Shandong Medical Association Clinical Research Specialization(YXH2022ZX03231)。
文摘Objective:To analyze the effect of bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma.Methods:60 cases of multiple myeloma patients admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected randomly,with 30 cases in each group.Bortezomib combined with dexamethasone was administered in the control group,and bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide was given to the observation group,and the treatment effect was analyzed.Results:After treatment,CD^(3+)and CD^(4+)of the observation group were higher than that of the control group,CD^(8+)was lower than that of the control group,and the total treatment efficiency was higher,which was statistically significant(P<0.05),and there was no difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide is effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma as it regulates the immune function and is safe,thus it can be promoted in clinical practice.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2023J011558)the Innovation of Science and Technology of Fujian Province(No.2021Y9098)Fujian Provincial Finance Project(No.BPB-2022FSH).
文摘Introduction:Dexamethasone(Dex)caused impaired osteoblast differentiation and oxidative stress(OS)in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).This work sought to elucidate the precise molecular pathway through which Dex influences osteogenic differentiation(OD)and OS in BMSCs.Methods:The expression of Runt-related transcription factor 1(RUNX1)and alpha-2 macroglobulin(A2M)was assessed in Dex-treated BMSCs using qRTPCR and Western Blot.Following the functional rescue experiments,cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay,reactive oxygen species(ROS)expression by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and glutathione peroxidase(Gpx)expression by kits,OD by alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining and activity quantification,and the expression of OD-related proteins RUNX2,collagen type 1 alpha 1(COL1A1),and osteocalcin(OCN)by qRT-PCR and Western Blot.The binding of RUNX1 to A2M was initially analyzed through Jaspar website and subsequently verified by dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP assays.Results:Dextreated BMSCs had low RUNX1 and A2M expression.Dex treatment apparently elevated ROS and LDH levels,diminished cell proliferation rate and SOD,CAT,and Gpx expression,lightened intensity of ALP staining,and declined calcified nodules,ALP activity,and RUNX2,COL1A1,and OCN expression in BMSCs,which was counterweighed by RUNX1 or A2M overexpression.RUNX1 positively targeted A2M.A2M knockdown effectively nullified the ameliorative effects of RUNX1 overexpression on impaired OD and OS injury in Dex-induced BMSCs.Conclusions:Overexpression of RUNX1 attenuated Dex-induced impaired OD and OS injury in BMSCs by promoting A2M transcription.
文摘Using splenic cells of BALB/c mice infected with Friend Leukemia Virus (FVA) as a model of erythroid cells, we investigated the action of dexamethasone (Dex) to induce apoptosis of the cells in the presence of erythropoietin (EPO)——an apoptotic inhibitor in developing erythroid cells. The result indicated that after treatment with a certain range of Dex concentrations and prolonged incubation, the cells were characterized by the occurrence of DNA ladders which appeared on agarose electrophoresis. Transmission electron microscopy showed that karyopyknosis, chromatin condensation, dilatation of the perinuclear space, karyorrhexis, cytoplasmic vacuolization and cell fragmentation appeared in the cells depending on the dose of Dex and the treatment time. These results suggest that Dex could induce apoptosis in the developing erythroid cells as in other cells so far reported.
基金Technological Foundation Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science of Zhejiang Province, NO. 2003C130 and NO. 2004C142 Foundation Project for Medical Science and Technology of Zhejiang province, No. 2003B134+3 种基金 Grave Foundation Project for Technological and Development of Hangzhou, No. 2003123B19 Intensive Foundation Project for Technology of Hangzhou, NO. 2004Z006 Foundation Project for Medical Science and Technology of Hangzhou, No. 2003A004 and Foundation Project for Technology of Hangzhou, No. 2005224
文摘AIM: To observe the therapeutic effects of dexamethasone on rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and investigate the influences of dexamethasone on the inflammatory mediators and NF-κB expression in multiple organs of SAP rats as well as the mechanisms involved. METHODS: Ninety Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with SAP were randomly divided into the model group (n = 45) and dexamethasone treatment group (n = 45), and another 45 rats were selected for the sham operation group. All groups were randomly subdivided into the 3 h, 6 h and 12 h groups, each group containing 15 rats. The survival of all groups and pathological changes of multiple organs (liver, kidney and lung) were observed at different time points after the operation. The pathologicalscore of multiple organs was carried out, followed by the determination of amylase, endotoxin and TNF-α contents in blood. The tissue microarray was used to detect the expression levels of NF-κB p65 protein in multiple organs. RESULTS: There was no marked difference between the model group and treatment group in the survival rate. The amylase content of the treatment group was significantly lower compared to the model group at 12 h (P < 0.01, 7791.00 vs 9195.00). Moreover, the endotoxin and TNF-α levels of the treatment group were significantly lower than that of the model group at 6 h and 12 h (P < 0.01, 0.040 vs 0.055, 0.042 vs 0.059 and P < 0.05, 58.30 vs 77.54, 38.70 vs 67.30, respectively). Regarding the changes in liver NF-κB expression, the model group significantly exceeded the sham operation group at 3 h (P < 0.01, 1.00 vs 0.00), and the treatment group significantly exceeded the sham operation group at 12 h (P < 0.01, 1.00 vs 0.00), whereas no marked difference was observed between the model group and treatment group at all time points. The kidney NF-κB expression level in the treatment group significantly exceeded the model group (P < 0.05, 2.00 vs 0.00) and the sham operation group (P < 0.01, 2.00 vs 0.00) at 12 h. No NF-κB expression in the lung was found in any group. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone can lower the amylase, endotoxin and TNF-α levels as well as mortality of SAP rats. NF-κB plays an important role in multiple organ injury. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether dexamethasone can ameliorate the pathological changes of multiple organs by reducing the NF-κB expression in the liver and kidney. The advantages of tissue microarrays in pancreatitis pathological examination include time- and energy- saving, and are highly efficient and representative. The restriction of tissue microarrays on the representation of tissues to various extents due to small diameter may lead to the deviation of analysis.