1.Exploring Biological Characteristics of Rat Model of Atrial Fibrillation with Phlegm-heat and Blood Stasis Pattern Based on Metabolomics
Ailin HOU ; Yuxuan LIU ; Wenxi YU ; Xing JI ; Chan WU ; Dazhuo SHI ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):245-255
ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of atrial fibrillation(AF) that accurately reflects the phlegm-heat and blood stasis(TRYZ) pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned using a random number table to the following groups:the control group, the TRYZ+AF group,the AF group and the TRYZ group, with ten rats in each group. The TRYZ+AF and TRYZ groups underwent a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide(LPS) injection to simulate the pathological alterations of TRYZ syndrome. Groups TRYZ+AF and AF were induced with acetylcholine-calcium chloride(Ach-CaCl2) via caudal vein injection to induce AF. The control group received no intervention and was maintained under normal conditions. The modeling period lasted 3 weeks. Electrocardiography was used to assess AF episodes and duration, echocardiography evaluated left atrial dimensions and cardiac function, fully automated biochemical analyzer measured the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), hemoreometer analyzed the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and whole blood reduced viscosity, a coagulation analyzer assessed prothrombin time(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), thrombin time(TT), and fibrinogen(FIB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), galectin-3(Gal-3), Collagen Ⅰ, and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to analyze pathological changes in atrial myocardium, Western blot was employed to detect MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA protein expression in myocardial tissue, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) evaluated fibrous factor gene expression levels. Changes in the TRYZ syndrome were assessed via body weight, tongue color[red(R), green(G), and blue(B)], and rectal temperature. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to detect differential metabolites between the control group and the TRYZ+AF group. ResultsFollowing three weeks of sustained modeling, compared with the control group, rats in the TRYZ+AF and the TRYZ groups exhibited reduced body weight, dry faeces, elevated rectal temperature, dark red tongue, decreased RGB values on the tongue surface, and markedly elevated TC and LDL-C levels(P<0.05, P<0.01). The TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups exhibited significantly decreased TT, APTT and PT, along with markedly elevated whole blood viscosity and FIB(P<0.05, P<0.01). Rats in the TRYZ+AF and AF groups exhibited AF rhythm, markedly decreased heart rate, prolonged RR intervals, enlarged left atrium, and significantly reduced ejection fraction and shortening fraction(P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum levels of CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, MMP-9, Gal-3, Collagen Ⅰ, and α-SMA were elevated in rats from the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups compared to the control group, with the most pronounced increase observed in the TRYZ+AF group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology revealed that the collagen fiber deposition in the atrial of rats in the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ and AF groups was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot and Real-time PCR results further demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in the myocardial tissue of the TRYZ+AF group were higher than those in the other three groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed 173 differentially expressed metabolites in the TRYZ+AF group and the control group, primarily enriched in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThis study successfully establishes a rat model of AF integrated with the TRYZ syndrome, demonstrating the pathological process where the interactions of phlegm, heat and stasis jointly trigger tremor, this provides a reliable experimental tool for in-depth research into the biological basis of this disease syndrome.
2.Analysis of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease among individuals aged≥60 years globally and in China from 1990 to 2021
Jiali LI ; Chunzhen REN ; Fan LIU ; Keyan WANG ; Zhijiang BI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Lixin KE ; Haibo WANG ; Wenxi PENG ; Zhifei WANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Peng XU ; Yingdong LI ; Xiuxiu DENG ; Xinke ZHAO ; Cuncun LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):281-290
Objective To systematically analyze the characteristics of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the elderly (≥60 years) globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict its future trends from 2022 to 2040, with the aim of providing data support for optimizing comprehensive prevention and control strategies for HHD. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the number of prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of HHD in the elderly were extracted for the world, China, and five regions categorized by sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of HHD in the elderly. A three-factor decomposition method was applied to evaluate the relative contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes to the variations in the elderly HHD burden. Additionally, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the elderly HHD burden from 2022 to 2040. Results In 2021, the number of prevalent elderly HHD cases reached 10 283 000 globally and 3 412 400 in China, representing increases of 179.20% and 159.20% respectively, compared with 1990. The DALYs of elderly HHD were 18 812 700 person-years globally and 4 731 400 person-years in China, rising by 76.08% and 29.45% respectively from 1990. Meanwhile, the growth rates of the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD varied across different SDI regions. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate of elderly HHD in China, as well as the age-standardized DALYs rate of elderly HHD both globally and in China, showed significant downward trends (all average annual percentage changes<0, all P<0.001). In 2021, the 70-74 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD, both globally and in China. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth was the dominant factor driving the increase in the elderly HHD burden across all regions. The prediction model results indicated that the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD would continue to rise globally and in China from 2022 to 2040, with the growth rate of the elderly HHD burden in China between 2021 and 2040 expected to exceed the global average. Conclusion Over the past 32 years, although the age-standardized disease rates of elderly HHD have mainly shown a downward trend globally and in China, the absolute number of the disease burden has increased substantially. The projection model indicates a continued upward trajectory, with the growth rate in China higher than the global average. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement precise prevention and control strategies to effectively mitigate the disease burden of elderly HHD.
3.Forskolin promotes C2C12 myoblast differentiation via regulating the ERK and Akt signaling pathways
Liuyan HUANG ; Wenxi ZHANG ; Shuwen CHEN ; Shimei YU ; Zhong DAI ; Changqing ZUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1114-1121
BACKGROUND:Forskolin,a diterpenoid natural compound extracted from Coleus forskohlii,has a crucial regulatory role in skeletal muscle repair.However,the regulatory role of forskolin on myogenic differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells has not been fully explored.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of forskolin on the differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cell line and probe into the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:C2C12 cells were treated with 0,0.1,0.25,0.5,1,5,10 and 20 μmol/L forskolin during growth,and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 and qRT-PCR.C2C12 cells were treated with 0,0.25,0.5 and 1 μmol/L forskolin during the induction of myogenic differentiation.Immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR were used to detect C2C12 cells differentiation.Western blot was used to detect the expression level of myogenic differentiation-related signaling pathway proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The viability of C2C12 cells was decreased and cell proliferation was inhibited after treatment with high concentrations(>1 μmol/L)of forskolin.(2)The qRT-PCR results showed that forskolin up-regulated the expression of Myh2,Myh4,Myomaker,but down-regulated the expression of Myh7 compared with the 0 μmol/L group,when C2C12 cells were differentiated for 4 days.Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the fusion index and myotube diameter of C2C12 cells were increased after forskolin treatment,and the number of myotubes was also increased.(3)Western blot results showed that the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 expression was inhibited;however,the phosphorylated protein kinase B was promoted after treatment with forskolin.The protein expression level of the myogenic differentiation transcription factor Myogenin was significantly up-regulated after treatment with forskolin.The above results demonstrate that forskolin may promote myogenic differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B signaling pathway.
4.Forskolin promotes C2C12 myoblast differentiation via regulating the ERK and Akt signaling pathways
Liuyan HUANG ; Wenxi ZHANG ; Shuwen CHEN ; Shimei YU ; Zhong DAI ; Changqing ZUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1114-1121
BACKGROUND:Forskolin,a diterpenoid natural compound extracted from Coleus forskohlii,has a crucial regulatory role in skeletal muscle repair.However,the regulatory role of forskolin on myogenic differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells has not been fully explored.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of forskolin on the differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cell line and probe into the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:C2C12 cells were treated with 0,0.1,0.25,0.5,1,5,10 and 20 μmol/L forskolin during growth,and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 and qRT-PCR.C2C12 cells were treated with 0,0.25,0.5 and 1 μmol/L forskolin during the induction of myogenic differentiation.Immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR were used to detect C2C12 cells differentiation.Western blot was used to detect the expression level of myogenic differentiation-related signaling pathway proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The viability of C2C12 cells was decreased and cell proliferation was inhibited after treatment with high concentrations(>1 μmol/L)of forskolin.(2)The qRT-PCR results showed that forskolin up-regulated the expression of Myh2,Myh4,Myomaker,but down-regulated the expression of Myh7 compared with the 0 μmol/L group,when C2C12 cells were differentiated for 4 days.Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the fusion index and myotube diameter of C2C12 cells were increased after forskolin treatment,and the number of myotubes was also increased.(3)Western blot results showed that the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 expression was inhibited;however,the phosphorylated protein kinase B was promoted after treatment with forskolin.The protein expression level of the myogenic differentiation transcription factor Myogenin was significantly up-regulated after treatment with forskolin.The above results demonstrate that forskolin may promote myogenic differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B signaling pathway.
5.Textual Research of Key Information of Classic Formula Xieqingwan Based on Ancient and Modern Literature
Yujie CHANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Xinghang LYU ; Wenxi WEI ; Xiaofang WANG ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Sai REN ; Mengqi WANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):226-234
ObjectiveThis paper aims to systematically collect and organize ancient and modern clauses and studies containing Xieqingwan, excavate and analyze the key information of Xieqingwan, and provide a reference for facilitating the development of the classic formula Xieqingwan. MethodsThe composition, dosage, decocting methods, usage, and other key information of Xieqingwan in ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected and analyzed by means of literature research and metrological methods. The modern clinical application of Xieqingwan was summarized. ResultsA total of 42 pieces of effective data involving 32 ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected. Xieqingwan was first recorded in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue. The drug origin of this formula is basically clear in the ancient traditional Chinese medicine books. The modern drug usage and decocting method were as follows: Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Gardenia seeds, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, and Saposhnikoviae Radix were grounded to fine powder, decocted with honey, and finally formed into pills with the size of a chicken head (1.5 g). It was suggested that half a pill or one pill were taken for one dose with warm Lophatheri decoction and sugar. The indications and clinical application had developed from the recordings in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue and evolved from pediatrics to ophthalmic otolaryngology, neurology, dermatology, digestion, and respiratory diseases. The main pathogenesis of these diseases is heat in the liver meridian and is treated. The effect of Xieqingwan is "clearing away heat and toxicity, removing fire and relaxing the bowels, and dispersing swelling and relieving pain". It is recommended to use the corresponding preparation methods in the 2020 Edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Modern clinical studies are centered around the clinical application of Xieqingwan, which is often modified and used in treating Tourette syndrome, herpes, febrile convulsion, sleepwalking, and insomnia. ConclusionThis paper conducts a thorough textual research of the key information of Xieqingwan, induces its historic evolution, and confirms its key information, so as to provide a reference for the future development of Xieqingwan.
6.Research on the value of different calcification conditions in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases
Wenxi YU ; Xianji WU ; Siqi XIAO ; Chengcheng DUAN ; Jingyue ZHONG ; Xinran WEI ; Guang ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(1):68-72
The incidence rate of thyroid cancer has been rising in recent years. How to accurately distinguish malignant and benign thyroid nodules before surgery has become an important research direction. Ultrasound, as a non-invasive and fast examination method, has been widely used in clinical practice. Some typical ultrasound features, such as calcification, unclear boundaries, multiple lesions, low echo, and aspect ratio>1, can indicate the occurrence of thyroid cancer before surgery. Further analysis of these ultrasound features is still a focus of current research. This article will review the expression and distribution of calcification, a typical ultrasound feature, in benign and malignant thyroid nodules, in order to provide a basis for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules based on the characteristics of calcification under preoperative ultrasound.
7.Expert consensus on pulpotomy in the management of mature permanent teeth with pulpitis.
Lu ZHANG ; Chen LIN ; Zhuo CHEN ; Lin YUE ; Qing YU ; Benxiang HOU ; Junqi LING ; Jingping LIANG ; Xi WEI ; Wenxia CHEN ; Lihong QIU ; Jiyao LI ; Yumei NIU ; Zhengmei LIN ; Lei CHENG ; Wenxi HE ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Dingming HUANG ; Zhengwei HUANG ; Weidong NIU ; Qi ZHANG ; Chen ZHANG ; Deqin YANG ; Jinhua YU ; Jin ZHAO ; Yihuai PAN ; Jingzhi MA ; Shuli DENG ; Xiaoli XIE ; Xiuping MENG ; Jian YANG ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Zhi CHEN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):4-4
Pulpotomy, which belongs to vital pulp therapy, has become a strategy for managing pulpitis in recent decades. This minimally invasive treatment reflects the recognition of preserving healthy dental pulp and optimizing long-term patient-centered outcomes. Pulpotomy is categorized into partial pulpotomy (PP), the removal of a partial segment of the coronal pulp tissue, and full pulpotomy (FP), the removal of whole coronal pulp, which is followed by applying the biomaterials onto the remaining pulp tissue and ultimately restoring the tooth. Procedural decisions for the amount of pulp tissue removal or retention depend on the diagnostic of pulp vitality, the overall treatment plan, the patient's general health status, and pulp inflammation reassessment during operation. This statement represents the consensus of an expert committee convened by the Society of Cariology and Endodontics, Chinese Stomatological Association. It addresses the current evidence to support the application of pulpotomy as a potential alternative to root canal treatment (RCT) on mature permanent teeth with pulpitis from a biological basis, the development of capping biomaterial, and the diagnostic considerations to evidence-based medicine. This expert statement intends to provide a clinical protocol of pulpotomy, which facilitates practitioners in choosing the optimal procedure and increasing their confidence in this rapidly evolving field.
Humans
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Calcium Compounds/therapeutic use*
;
Consensus
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Dental Pulp
;
Dentition, Permanent
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Oxides/therapeutic use*
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Pulpitis/therapy*
;
Pulpotomy/standards*
8.Latent profile analysis of self-acceptance in newly diagnosed young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Wenxi GE ; Shumin AN ; Haohao ZHANG ; Gaofei REN ; Lingjiao MENG ; Yueqiao GAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(23):3142-3148
Objective:To identify latent profile types of self-acceptance among newly diagnosed young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to analyze the influencing factors.Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 162 patients with T2DM who visited the Department of Endocrinology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between March 2023 and August 2024. A general information questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical data. The Acceptance and Action Diabetes Questionnaire (AADQ), Type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-2), Diabetes Knowledge Test 2 (DKT2), and e-Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS) were used to assess self-acceptance, diabetes-related stigma, diabetes knowledge, and electronic health literacy, respectively. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to identify categories of self-acceptance based on AADQ scores. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the influencing factors of self-acceptance profiles in young and middle-aged patients with T2DM. A total of 162 questionnaires were distributed, and 157 valid responses were collected, with an effective response rate of 96.91% (157/162) .Results:The mean AADQ score of the 157 patients was (46.64±10.34), ranging from 20 to 63, with a mean item score of (4.24±1.16). Three latent profile categories of self-acceptance were identified: the "high avoidance-low self-acceptance group" (28.66%, 45/157), the "moderate self-acceptance group" (47.13%, 74/157), and the "low avoidance-high self-acceptance group" (24.20%, 38/157). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes-related stigma, diabetes knowledge, and electronic health literacy were significant influencing factors of self-acceptance profiles in young and middle-aged patients with T2DM ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The level of self-acceptance in newly diagnosed young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus remains suboptimal. Particular attention should be paid to patients who are younger, have a BMI below 24.0 kg/m 2, experience high levels of diabetes-related stigma, and have low levels of diabetes knowledge and electronic health literacy. Targeted education and management should be implemented based on patient characteristics.
9.Artesunate Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating the SLC7A11-GPX4Pathway via the p300-p53 Axis
Xinyan HUANG ; Wenxi WANG ; Songzhao ZHANG ; Lili LI ; Jihui HUANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):365-377
The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is increasing rapidly. This study discussed the effects of artesunate (ART) on CSCC cell proliferation and migration via the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)-glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MTT assessed cell viability and analyzed the IC50 value (69.26 μM). Accordingly, human CSCC cells (A431) were cultured in vitro, and treated with 70 μM ART, Ferrostatin-1, oe-SLC7A11, and C646, with cell biological behavior assessed.The potential targets of ART were predicted. p53 acetylation and protein stability and ART-p300 binding were examined. Thymusless nude mice were subcutaneously inoculated with A431 cells, and treated with ART and C646. ART-treated A431 cells showed weakened proliferation, migration, lactate dehydrogenase levels, oxidized glutathione/glutathione ratio, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and active Fe2+ levels, which could be reversed by suppressing ferroptosis. ART promoted p53 acetylation and protein stability and curbed the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway by targeting p300. ART stimulated ferroptosis via the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway, thereby repressing CSCC cell proliferation and migration, which were counteracted by p300 inhibition. ART regulated the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway by up-regulating the p300-p53 axis, thereby hindering tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, ART inhibits CSCC proliferation and migration by modulating the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway through the p300-p53 axis.
10.Artesunate Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating the SLC7A11-GPX4Pathway via the p300-p53 Axis
Xinyan HUANG ; Wenxi WANG ; Songzhao ZHANG ; Lili LI ; Jihui HUANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):365-377
The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is increasing rapidly. This study discussed the effects of artesunate (ART) on CSCC cell proliferation and migration via the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)-glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MTT assessed cell viability and analyzed the IC50 value (69.26 μM). Accordingly, human CSCC cells (A431) were cultured in vitro, and treated with 70 μM ART, Ferrostatin-1, oe-SLC7A11, and C646, with cell biological behavior assessed.The potential targets of ART were predicted. p53 acetylation and protein stability and ART-p300 binding were examined. Thymusless nude mice were subcutaneously inoculated with A431 cells, and treated with ART and C646. ART-treated A431 cells showed weakened proliferation, migration, lactate dehydrogenase levels, oxidized glutathione/glutathione ratio, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and active Fe2+ levels, which could be reversed by suppressing ferroptosis. ART promoted p53 acetylation and protein stability and curbed the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway by targeting p300. ART stimulated ferroptosis via the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway, thereby repressing CSCC cell proliferation and migration, which were counteracted by p300 inhibition. ART regulated the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway by up-regulating the p300-p53 axis, thereby hindering tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, ART inhibits CSCC proliferation and migration by modulating the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway through the p300-p53 axis.

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