1.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
2.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
3.Risk factors for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis and effectiveness of risk assessment models
Liu YANG ; Gang ZHU ; Longfei ZENG ; Benjian GAO ; Bo LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):647-654
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors and independent risk factors for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), to analyze the effectiveness of three commonly used risk assessment models for thrombosis (Caprini score, Padua score, and Wells score), and to provide a reference for clinical identification of high-risk individuals and optimization of prevention and treatment strategies. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 320 patients with ANP who were admitted to Luzhou People’s Hospital and The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from April 2013 to April 2024, and according to the presence or absence of DVT during hospitalization, the patients were divided into thrombosis group with 25 patients and control group with 295 patients. After propensity score matching, the two groups were compared in terms of past history and various examination results during hospitalization. The risk factors for lower extremity DVT in ANP patients during hospitalization were analyzed through univariate and multivariate Logistic regression, and a DVT risk prediction model was established based on independent influencing factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the performance of models, and the DeLong test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAfter matching, the patients were divided into thrombosis group with 24 patients and control group with 112 patients. The clinical characteristics analysis showed that compared with the control group, the thrombosis group had significantly higher degree of pancreatic necrosis, D-dimer level, Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score, and proportion of patients undergoing dialysis (all P<0.05). The multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that BISAP score, degree of pancreatic necrosis, and D-dimer level were independent risk factors for lower extremity DVT in ANP patients during hospitalization (all P<0.05). The BISAP-Caprini score model had an AUC of 0.832 (95% confidence interval: 0.722 — 0.942, P<0.001) in predicting the risk of lower extremity DVT, with a Youden index of 1.661, an optimal cut-off value of 0.26, a sensitivity of 75.0%, and a specificity of 91.1%. ConclusionD-dimer, BISAP score, and the degree of pancreatic necrosis are independent risk factors for lower extremity DVT in patients with ANP during hospitalization, and the BISAP-Caprini score model can effectively predict the risk of DVT in ANP patients.
4.An AI-Driven Research Pathway for Upholding Fundamental Principles and Breaking New Ground of Traditional Chinese Medicine Under the Guidance of Complexity Science
Lijiang REN ; Longfei LI ; Jinkai CHEN ; Qingyong HE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1137-1141
Complexity science and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) share a profound intrinsic compatibility. To address the limitations of reductionist approaches in guiding the dynamically holistic theory and practice of TCM, this paper develops a novel research pathway under the guidance of complexity science, using the open complex giant systems (OCGS) theory as its practical framework, upholding the fundamental principles of TCM and breaking new ground of artificial intelligence (AI). The core tasks of this pathway involve the objectification and structured diagnosis-treatment systems, and the construction of a complex, large-scale TCM model. The paper further delineates the data architecture design and reinforcement learning training pathway. Acknowledging the differences in information processing between the human brain and computers, it proposes a training strategy that minimizes manual labeling of "syndromes" and instead focuses on the training paradigm of "herb-human interaction → syndrome manifestation → dosage adjustment". Under the guidance of complexity science theory, TCM is poised for deep integration with AI technology, driving technological innovation powered by data and computational capabilities.
5.Research progress on the application of artificial intelligence in minimally invasive surgery
Longfei GOU ; Chang CHEN ; Bo′er SU ; Wenhao WU ; Haijun DENG ; Jiang YU ; Guoxin LI ; Yanfeng HU ; Hao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(5):599-608
With the rapid development of minimally invasive techniques in surgery, arti-ficial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, is playing an increasingly important role in mini-mally invasive surgery. By automated analysis of surgical videos, AI can efficiently perform key tasks such as instrument recognition, surgical phase identification, action analysis, anatomical structure recognition, intraoperative diagnosis, adverse event monitoring and smart desmoking. These appli-cations provide essential support for real-time monitoring, surgical navigation and skill assessment during surgery. The authors summarize the current research progress of AI in minimally invasive surgery, including its applications in the fields of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, as well as gastrointestinal surgery. It also explores the potential of AI in enhancing surgical safety, efficiency and skill assessment. By synthesizing the latest research achievements of AI technology in the field of surgery, as well as analyzing its technical challenges and risks, it aims to provide guidance for future innovations and clinical applications, promoting the advancement and implementation of AI in minimally invasive surgery.
6.Fetal heart quantification technology for assessing normal fetal cardiac morphology and function: a prospective cohort study
Qiuyi DI ; Xiangdang LONG ; Jing NING ; Sui YAO ; Qiaorong LI ; Yu ZHUO ; Xuan CHEN ; Longfei SHI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(3):211-218
Objective:To explore the value of fetal heart quantification technology in assessing the morphology and function of the fetal heart during normal pregnancy.Methods:This prospective cohort study selected normal fetuses from healthy pregnant women who underwent prenatal ultrasound examinations at Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2023 to October 2024. Using the GE Voluson E10 color Doppler diasonography, routine obstetric ultrasound and fetal echocardiography were performed to assess fetal growth and development and to exclude intracardiac and extracardiac malformations. Clear four-chamber view (4CV) dynamic images of the heart showing the endocardium (duration ≥3 s) were collected. Speckle-tracking analysis was performed using fetal heart quantification software. The measured indicators included the global spherical index (GSI), end-diastolic length of the heart (L-ED), end-diastolic width of the heart (W-ED), and the global longitudinal strain (GLS), fractional area change (FAC), and 24-segment spherical index (SI) of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV). The cases were divided into five groups based on gestational age at the time of prenatal ultrasound: 20 +0 to 23 +6, 24 +0 to 27 +6, 28 +0 to 31 +6, 32 +0 to 35 +6, and 36 +0 to 40 +6 weeks. One-way analysis of variance, two independent samples t-test, univariate linear regression analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were used to explore the differences in the above indicators among different gestational age groups and their correlation with gestational age. Results:A total of 200 pregnant women were included in the cohort, four cases were excluded due to poor image quality that prevented accurate tracking and measurement of relevant indicators. Ultimately, 196 cases (20 +0 to 23 +6 weeks 40 cases, 24 +0 to 27 +6 weeks 34 cases, 28 +0 to 31 +6 weeks 41 cases, 32 +0 to 35 +6 weeks 48 cases, and 36 +0 to 40 +6 weeks 33 cases) were included in the study, with a successful image analysis rate of 98.0%. (1) There were statistically significant differences in 4CV L-ED, 4CV W-ED, LV-FAC, and RV-FAC among the groups at 20 +0 to 23 +6, 24 +0 to 27 +6, 28 +0 to 31 +6, 32 +0 to 35 +6, and 36 +0 to 40 +6 weeks [4CV L-ED: 28.0±3.0, 32.6±4.3, 40.9±4.3, 46.7±4.8, 53.1±5.8, F=3.72; 4CV W-ED: 21.9±1.8, 25.1±4.2, 31.7±3.0, 37.4±4.0, 42.0±4.9, F=2.61; LV-FAC: (51.4±8.0)%, (49.0±10.4)%, (47.3±7.3)%, (43.1±7.5)%, (40.7±8.2)%, F=2.94; RV-FAC: (49.9±10.8)%, (46.2±12.0)%, (46.3±8.3)%, (43.2±8.0)%, (41.9±5.6)%, F=3.09; all P<0.05].(2) The size of the normal fetal heart gradually increased with gestational age, while the heart morphology remained relatively stable (4CV L-ED and 4CV W-ED were positively correlated with gestational age, with regression coefficients of 1.313 and 1.325, respectively, both P<0.001;LV-FAC and RV-FAC were negatively correlated with gestational age with regression coefficients of -0.783 and -0.552, respectively, both P<0.001; GSI, LV-GLS and RV-GLS had no correlations with gestational age, all P>0.05). (3) The SI of LV segments 1 to 17 were higher than the SI of the corresponding RV segments, and the SI of RV segments 20-24 were higher than that of the corresponding LV segments (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Fetal heart quantification technology has a certain value in the assessment of fetal cardiac morphology and function.
7.Microwave ablation versus hepatic resection in potentially resectable colorectal liver metastasis:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zesong MENG ; Baokun LI ; Longfei CAO ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Guiying WANG
China Oncology 2025;35(10):959-967
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Hepatic resection is the standard treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastasis.Microwave ablation(MWA),as a minimally invasive therapeutic approach,offers an alternative treatment option for these patients.But the clinical efficacy of hepatic resection and MWA in treating colorectal cancer liver metastasis patients is still inconclusive.Literatures were retrieved on comparative studies about the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis with hepatic resection and MWA from multiple databases,including sinoMed,PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,CNKI,Wanfang,etc.The cutoffdate of retrieval was September 2024.Finally,a total of 13 studies comprising 2 057 patients,were included in this study.The papers were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Jadad Scale.All included studies were of high quality.Data extraction focused on postoperative complications,length of hospital stay,surgical duration,hospitalization costs,and patient survival outcomes,including overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software.There were no significant differences in OS(HR=1.03,95%CI:0.85-1.25,P=0.77)and DFS(HR=1.27,95%CI:0.94-1.71,P=0.13)between the MWA group and the hepatic resection group.In the subgroup analysis of patients with≤5 liver metastases and size of metastases≤3 cm,there were no statistically significant differences in OS and DFS between the MWA group and the hepatic resection group.The MWA group exhibited shorter hospital stay,reduced hospitalization costs,decreased surgical duration,less intraoperative blood loss,and lower incidence of complications compared to the hepatic resection group(P<0.05).Therefore,for patients with colorectal liver metastases characterized by a number of liver metastases≤5 and size of metastases≤3 cm,MWA serves as an effective alternative to hepatic resection,with a lower morbidity associated with treatment.Further validation of these findings is warranted through additional randomized controlled trials and cohort studies.The registration number of this Meta-analysis on the PROSPERO platform is CRD42024610278.
8.Exploration and practice of immunology course teaching based on OBE concept
Huifeng LI ; Changfei DUAN ; Nana SUI ; Longfei LI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(11):2748-2751
Based on teaching concept of outcomes-based education(OBE),teaching of immunology was reformed.In terms of theoretical teaching,author adopts diversified teaching method including generative AI-assisted differentiation pedagogy,mind map-ping combined with verbal memorization method,combination of reading literature and experimental teaching and combination of case-based learning(CBL)and problem-based learning(PBL)method.It aims to stimulate students'learning interest and promote stu-dents'active thinking.In practical teaching,validation experiment is reshaped,and practical training is connected with production line,so as to realize deep integration of theory and practice under background of intelligent animal husbandry.Results showed that stu-dents'understanding and application ability of immunology knowledge had been comprehensively improved,which greatly promoted students'subjective initiative and laid a solid foundation for training new veterinary talents with quality and high ability.
9.Microwave ablation versus hepatic resection in potentially resectable colorectal liver metastasis:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zesong MENG ; Baokun LI ; Longfei CAO ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Guiying WANG
China Oncology 2025;35(10):959-967
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Hepatic resection is the standard treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastasis.Microwave ablation(MWA),as a minimally invasive therapeutic approach,offers an alternative treatment option for these patients.But the clinical efficacy of hepatic resection and MWA in treating colorectal cancer liver metastasis patients is still inconclusive.Literatures were retrieved on comparative studies about the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis with hepatic resection and MWA from multiple databases,including sinoMed,PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,CNKI,Wanfang,etc.The cutoffdate of retrieval was September 2024.Finally,a total of 13 studies comprising 2 057 patients,were included in this study.The papers were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Jadad Scale.All included studies were of high quality.Data extraction focused on postoperative complications,length of hospital stay,surgical duration,hospitalization costs,and patient survival outcomes,including overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software.There were no significant differences in OS(HR=1.03,95%CI:0.85-1.25,P=0.77)and DFS(HR=1.27,95%CI:0.94-1.71,P=0.13)between the MWA group and the hepatic resection group.In the subgroup analysis of patients with≤5 liver metastases and size of metastases≤3 cm,there were no statistically significant differences in OS and DFS between the MWA group and the hepatic resection group.The MWA group exhibited shorter hospital stay,reduced hospitalization costs,decreased surgical duration,less intraoperative blood loss,and lower incidence of complications compared to the hepatic resection group(P<0.05).Therefore,for patients with colorectal liver metastases characterized by a number of liver metastases≤5 and size of metastases≤3 cm,MWA serves as an effective alternative to hepatic resection,with a lower morbidity associated with treatment.Further validation of these findings is warranted through additional randomized controlled trials and cohort studies.The registration number of this Meta-analysis on the PROSPERO platform is CRD42024610278.
10.Exploration and practice of immunology course teaching based on OBE concept
Huifeng LI ; Changfei DUAN ; Nana SUI ; Longfei LI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(11):2748-2751
Based on teaching concept of outcomes-based education(OBE),teaching of immunology was reformed.In terms of theoretical teaching,author adopts diversified teaching method including generative AI-assisted differentiation pedagogy,mind map-ping combined with verbal memorization method,combination of reading literature and experimental teaching and combination of case-based learning(CBL)and problem-based learning(PBL)method.It aims to stimulate students'learning interest and promote stu-dents'active thinking.In practical teaching,validation experiment is reshaped,and practical training is connected with production line,so as to realize deep integration of theory and practice under background of intelligent animal husbandry.Results showed that stu-dents'understanding and application ability of immunology knowledge had been comprehensively improved,which greatly promoted students'subjective initiative and laid a solid foundation for training new veterinary talents with quality and high ability.

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