1.Molecular Crosstalk Mechanisms of Shoutai Wan and Juyuan Jian on Maternal-fetal Interface Subcellular Clusters in CBA/J×DBA/2 Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Model
Jingxin GAO ; Qiuping CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Pengfei ZENG ; Rui ZHOU ; Yancai TANG ; Qian ZENG ; Wenli GUO ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Weijun DING ; Linwen DENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):70-87
ObjectiveTo systematically compare the differential regulation of the maternal-fetal interface cell lineages and communication networks in the CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) by the two classic therapeutic methods-tonifying the kidney to stabilize the fetus and invigorating the spleen to stabilize the fetus (Shoutai Wan, Juyuan Jian)-of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the single-cell resolution and clarify their modern scientific connotations. MethodsFemale non-pregnant CBA/J mice were caged with male BALB/c (blank group) and DBA/2 (modeling group) mice separately. Pregnant mice in the modeling group were randomly grouped as follows: high/low-dose Shoutai Wan, high/low-dose Juyuan Jian, model (RPL), and positive control (dydrogesterone), with 10 mice in each group. Starting from the day after the detection of the vaginal plug, mice were administrated with drugs or an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 10 consecutive days. After the intervention, the following indicators were measured. ① Macroscopic evaluation: general conditions, uterine wet weight, embryo loss rate, four coagulation parameters [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and thrombin time (TT)], and peripheral blood estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) levels. The decidua with embryos was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 homolog (LC3)Ⅰ/Ⅱ was quantified by Western blot. ② Mechanism analysis at the single-cell level: The decidua with embryos from the blank, model, high-dose Shoutai Wan, and high-dose Juyuan Jian groups (6 mice per group, with 3 single-cell samples per group, totaling 24 mice) were analyzed by the BD Rhapsody™ platform, and the whole-cell atlas was drawn by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction clustering combined with the single-cell mouse cell atlas (scMCA). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell interaction networks were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and CellChat, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) map of subtype cells was constructed. The CytoTRACE pseudo-temporal analysis was performed to explore the developmental trajectories of core immune cells (natural killer cells, NK cells) from maternal and fetal sources. Results① Pathological and Western blot results indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed an increase in the embryo loss rate (P<0.01), down-regulated expression of Bcl-2, LIF, MMP-2, and Vegf in the decidua with embryos (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of CXCL-12, AngⅡ, and IL-6 (P<0.05), blocked angiogenesis, apoptosis-inflammation imbalance, and coagulation dysfunction. Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the abortion rate and restored the angiogenesis-inflammation balance, and Shoutai pill showed superior performance in restoring the E2 level to the Pg level (P<0.05). ② Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed differences in multiple key cell populations such as decidual cells, trophoblast cells, endothelial cells, erythroblasts, NK cells, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface. Immunity and angiogenesis were the key links in RPL. Compared with the RPL group, high-dose Shoutai Wan reversed the changes of NK cells in the embryonic layer (upregulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 29 genes) and macrophages (upregulating the mRNA levels of 117 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 53 genes) through the regulation of gene expression. High-dose Shoutai pill regulated the immune cells to affect unfolded proteins, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, thereby promoting decidualization and angiogenesis and modulating embryo-membrane development. High-dose Juyuan Jian regulated the key subgroups of NK cells (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 9 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes) and macrophages (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 110 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 81 genes), which affected decidual inflammation and apoptosis and intervened in glycolysis. ③ The pseudo-temporal analysis and communication network indicated that the communication frequency of the RPL group decreased. High-dose Shoutai Wan restored maternal-fetal tolerance through pathways such as NKG2D, CDH5, GDF, and FASLG. High-dose Juyuan Jian enhanced the IL-6/LIFR/JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and desmosome/SEMA6/tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) signaling to improve endometrial receptivity. The RPL group showed an increased proportion of toxic dNK7, a decreased proportion of reparative dNK4, and blocked embryo fNK1. High-dose Shoutai Wan down-regulated dNK7 and up-regulated dNK4. High-dose Juyuan Jian inhibited the terminal differentiation of dNK7 and up-regulated LILRB1, thus restoring the balance of cytotoxicity and repair. ConclusionBoth the kidney-tonifying and spleen-invigorating methods are effective in treating RPL. NK and macrophages are the key immune cells in the interaction between the embryo and the membrane. The kidney-tonifying method (Shoutai Wan) has an advantage in regulating the phenotypes of unfolded protein, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, and shows expression characteristics closer to the physiological state in the regulation of NKG2D and CDH5 signals. The spleen-invigorating method (Juyuan Jian) has an advantage in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and glycolysis and shows higher communication intensity in the IL-6 and LIFR pathways.
2.Research progress of meibomian gland dysfunction-related dry eye
Jianbo ZHONG ; Guoqiang ZENG ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiaoyan DOU ; Wanmei TANG ; Kunling CHEN ; Li CAI
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):259-263
In recent years, with the endless emergence of meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)diagnostic equipment, rich treatment methods, and in-depth clinical and basic research on MGD at home and abroad, the understanding of MGD has entered a new stage. MGD-related dry eye is considered to be the main cause of lipid abnormal dry eye, and its occurrence and development is a chronic and multi-factorial pathological process. This article reviews the pathogenesis, imaging analysis and clinical treatment progress of MGD-related dry eye, in order to provide scientific evidence and ideas for clinical diagnosis and therapy of MGD-related dry eye.
3.Research progress on the role of efferocytosis in liver diseases.
Kaixin WANG ; Hui LI ; Haijian DONG ; Qun NIU ; Xikun YANG ; Xiaoyan ZENG ; Xuan WU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(1):71-76
Efferocytosis refers to the process of phagocytes engulfing and clearing the cells after programmed cell death. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that the mechanisms of efferocytosis are closely related to drug-induced liver injury, hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, viral hepatitis, cholestatic liver diseases, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and other liver disorders. This review summarized the research progress on the role of efferocytosis in liver diseases, with the hope of providing new targets for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.
Humans
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Liver Diseases/metabolism*
;
Animals
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Phagocytosis/physiology*
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Phagocytes
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Efferocytosis
4.Results of active surveillance of clinical progression in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a single center prospective cohort study.
Xian YOU ; Dongyu LI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Xinggen ZENG ; Cheng CHEN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(9):836-841
Objective:To observe the clinical progression of low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(LR-PTMC), analyze the influencing factors of its oncological outcomes, and explore the feasibility of active surveillance(AS) of LR-PTMC. Methods:This study adopted a prospective observational research design. A total of 85 subjects diagnosed with LR-PTMC during health checkup in Health Management Center of our hospital from March 2021 to October 2022 were enrolled as the research subjects, for at least 2 years of AS follow-up observation. The clinical progress and oncological outcomes were recorded, disease progression was defined as any increase in nodule diameter ≥3 mm or the appearance of new lesions or lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis, and the oncological outcome was use disease progression defining. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of oncological outcomes in LR-PTMC patients. Results:A total of 85 LR-PTMC patients who underwent physical examinations were included in this study. The median follow-up time was 2 years, and a total of 23 patients(27.06%) experienced disease progression. Among them, 18 patients(21.18%) had enlarged lesions(any nodule diameter increased by ≥3 mm), and 5 patients(5.88%) had abnormal or metastatic cervical lymph nodes. The 2-year cumulative disease progression rate was 9.41%. The incidence age of LR-PTMC patients was younger, with a higher proportion of ≤45 years old. The proportion of baseline nodules with a maximum diameter greater than 5 mm is higher, and the proportion of baseline TPO Ab positivity was higher. Ultrasound showed a higher proportion of microcalcifications compared to the non progression group, and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that age of onset ≤45 years RR 95% CI 1.052(1.018-1.088) and ultrasound showing microcalcifications RR 95% CI 3.361(1.379-8.194) were independent risk factors affecting disease progression during AS in LR-PTMC patients(P<0.05). Conclusion:Most LR-PTMC patients maintain stable lesion size and low lymph node metastasis rate during the AS process, with good oncological outcomes in the short term. AS can be considered as a safe and effective alternative to surgical treatment for LR-PTMC patients. But for patients with onset age ≤45 years and microcalcifications, the follow-up interval can be shortened for close observation.
Humans
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Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology*
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Disease Progression
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Prospective Studies
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Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology*
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Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
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Adult
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Watchful Waiting
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Lymphatic Metastasis
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Proportional Hazards Models
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Risk Factors
5.Evolution-guided design of mini-protein for high-contrast in vivo imaging.
Nongyu HUANG ; Yang CAO ; Guangjun XIONG ; Suwen CHEN ; Juan CHENG ; Yifan ZHOU ; Chengxin ZHANG ; Xiaoqiong WEI ; Wenling WU ; Yawen HU ; Pei ZHOU ; Guolin LI ; Fulei ZHAO ; Fanlian ZENG ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Jiadong YU ; Chengcheng YUE ; Xinai CUI ; Kaijun CUI ; Huawei CAI ; Yuquan WEI ; Yang ZHANG ; Jiong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5327-5345
Traditional development of small protein scaffolds has relied on display technologies and mutation-based engineering, which limit sequence and functional diversity, thereby constraining their therapeutic and application potential. Protein design tools have significantly advanced the creation of novel protein sequences, structures, and functions. However, further improvements in design strategies are still needed to more efficiently optimize the functional performance of protein-based drugs and enhance their druggability. Here, we extended an evolution-based design protocol to create a novel minibinder, BindHer, against the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It not only exhibits super stability and binding selectivity but also demonstrates remarkable properties in tissue specificity. Radiolabeling experiments with 99mTc, 68Ga, and 18F revealed that BindHer efficiently targets tumors in HER2-positive breast cancer mouse models, with minimal nonspecific liver absorption, outperforming scaffolds designed through traditional engineering. These findings highlight a new rational approach to automated protein design, offering significant potential for large-scale applications in therapeutic mini-protein development.
6.Molecular mechanisms of quinolone resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella
Jiajun LUO ; Shihan ZENG ; Yulan HUANG ; Yulian FENG ; Fangyin ZENG ; Xiaoyan LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(2):248-253
By conducting retrospective analysis, this study aim to investigate the resistance mechanism of quinolones in non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS). A total of 105 strains of NTS isolated from clinical specimens from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University from May 2020 to February 2021 were used as research objects. VITEK2 Compact automatic identification drug sensitivity analysis system and serological test were used to identify the strains. The sensitivity of the strains to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and nalidixic acid was detected by AGAR dilution method. The whole genome of 105 strains of NTS was sequenced. Abricate and other softwares were used to analyze drug-resistant genes, including plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance gene (PMQR) and Quinolone resistance determination region (QRDR). Serotypes and ST types were analyzed using SISTR and MLST, and phylogenetic trees were constructed. The results showed that the NTS isolated in this region were mainly ST34 Salmonella typhimurium (53.3%). The drug sensitivity results showed that the drug resistance rates of NTS to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and nalidixic acid were 30.4%, 1.9% and 22.0%, respectively, and the intermediate rates of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin were 27.6% and 54.2%.A total of 46 (74.2%) of the 62 quinolone non-susceptible strains carried the PMQR gene, mainly qnrS1 (80.4%), followed by aac(6′)-Ib-cr(15.2%); there were 14 NTS and 8 NTS had gyrA and parC gene mutations, respectively. The gyrA was mutations at the amino acid position 87, Asp87Tyr, Asp87Asn, Asp87Gly, and Thr57Ser mutations were detected in parC. In conclusion, this study found that NTS had relatively high resistance to quinolones, carrying qnrS1 gene mainly resulted in decreased sensitivity of NTS to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, and gyrA:87 mutation mainly resulted in NTS resistance to Nalidixic acid; Salmonella typhimurium in clinical isolates showed clonal transmission and required further epidemiological surveillance.
7.Research progress of clinical importance of detecting cytokines in the intraocular fluid in diabetic macular edema
Guoqiang ZENG ; Jianbo ZHONG ; Yi ZHANG ; Baikang YE ; Xiaoyan DOU ; Li CAI
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2024;40(8):651-655
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of vision loss in diabetic patients, its pathogenesis is complicated, and the clinical treatment is not good. DME is extremely harmful to vision. With the deepening of relevant studies, its related pathological mechanism has become more and more clear, and the treatment methods have also changed accordingly. In recent years, the rapid development of intracocular fluid cytokine detection technology has provided a more reasonable explanation of the mechanism of DME and made the choice of treatment more reasonable. However, the acquisition of intraocular fluid is an invasive operation with a certain risk of infection. If the level of relevant cytokines in intraocular fluid can be linked with the relevant imaging indicators, it will provide a better choice for the treatment and prognosis monitoring of DME and reduce the risk of invasive operation, and further clinical studies are needed to explore its correlation in the future.
8.The regulatory effect of Huangzhi oral liquid on hepatocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis in acute hyperlipidemia mice based on abnormal lipid metabolism
Zhe ZHANG ; Xiaoyan PANG ; Mengyuan NIU ; Weibo DAI ; Congyan ZENG
China Pharmacist 2024;28(9):2-11
Objective To investigate the effect of Huangzhi oral liquid on ferroptosis and apoptosis of hepatocytes in acute hyperlipidemia mice based on abnormal lipid metabolism.Methods Forty SPF grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the normal control group,the model group,Huangzhi oral liquid low-dose and high-dose groups,and fenofibrate group,with 8 mice in each group.All administration groups were given Huangzhi oral liquid and fenofibrate by gavage at corresponding doses,while the normal control group and the model group were given the same dose of distilled water for a period of 5 days.on the third day of administration,in addition to the normal control group,other groups were injected intramuscularly with Triton WR-1339 to establish a hyperlipidemia model.After the administration,the serum lipid levels and liver function in mice were detected.The pathological changes of liver were observed by HE staining and lipid accumulation was observed by oil red O staining.The iron content in liver tissues was detected by tissue iron assay kit.The changes in protein expression of ABCA1,ABCG5,LXRα,ASGR1,cleaved-PARP,cleaved-caspase 3,Bcl2,Bax,TFR1,SLC7A11,GCLM,GPX4 and FTH1 in liver were detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with the model group,Huangzhi oral liquid could reduce the lipid vacuoles in liver tissues,alleviate the degree of lipid degeneration,reduce the content of TC,TG,LDL-C,AST and ALT in serum,increase the content of HDL-C,increase the protein expression levels of ABCA1,ABCG5,LXRα,Bcl-2,SLC7A11,GCLM,GPX4 and FTH1 in mice liver tissues,reduce the protein expression levels of ASGR1,cleaved-PARP,cleaved-caspase 3,Bax and TFR1.Conclusion Huangzhi oral liquid can alleviate the abnormal lipid metabolism in acute hyperlipidemia mice,thus alleviates hepatocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis.
9.Experience of Integrative Palliative Care at Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Ruixuan GENG ; Ying ZHENG ; Chenchen SUN ; Xi ZENG ; Hongyan FANG ; Wenqian ZHAN ; Yuanfeng YU ; Qin YANG ; Xiaoyan DAI ; Xiaohong NING
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2024;46(5):706-710
Objective To summarize the experience of integrative palliative care at Peking Union Medi-cal College Hospital and provide a reference for promoting the integrative palliative care model.Methods Twenty cases receiving integrative palliative care at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were collected.The clinical characteristics,reasons for initiating integrative palliative care,the process of integrative palliative care,and feedback from these cases were summarized.Results Insomnia(11 cases,55%)and pain(9 cases,45%)were the most common symptoms requiring control in the 20 cases.The integrative palliative care team assisted in medical decision-making for 17 cases(85%),prepared end-of-life for 9 cases(45%),assisted in the transfer for 3 cases(15%),and provided comfort care for all the 20 cases(100%).Conclusions The integrative palliative care model can help alleviate suffering in end-of-life patients and provide support to patients'families and the original medical teams.This model is worth further promotion within class A tertiary hospitals.
10.Role and mechanism of CC chemokines and their receptors in chronic liver diseases
Zixin ZHANG ; Hui LI ; Jiahui WANG ; Yujing TAO ; Xiaoyan ZENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(5):1044-1049
In recent years,the incidence rate of chronic liver diseases continues to rise,such as chronic hepatitis B,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,liver fibrosis,liver cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma,and the age of onset gradually becomes younger.At present,the role of many CC chemokines in chronic liver diseases has been confirmed.This article summarizes the research advances in CC chemokines and their receptors that affect chronic liver diseases in recent years and explore their potential application in chronic liver diseases,so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of chronic liver diseases.

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