1.Zhuluan Decoction Ameliorates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy of KGN Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Xingxing YI ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):89-98
ObjectiveTo elucidate the underlying mechanism through which Zhuluan decoction suppresses excessive autophagy in human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) and ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsThe optimal concentration of cyclophosphamide for inducing a POI model in KGN cells was identified via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Subsequently, the impacts of varying concentrations of Zhuluan decoction-containing serum on the viability of the KGN cell model were assessed. After the optimal drug concentration was determined, KGN cells were categorized into the following groups: blank control (20% blank serum), model (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), autophagy inhibitor (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), and estradiol valerate (20% estradiol valerate-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide). Following 48 hours of incubation, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of KGN cells in each group. Western blotting was employed to quantify the protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, along with the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1, autophagy-related 5 homolog (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), in each group. Additionally, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was performed to evaluate the extent of autophagy in each group. ResultsIncubation of KGN cells with 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide for 48 h successfully established a POI model, marked by a significant inhibition of KGN cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation exhibited a positive correlation with its concentration. Zhuluan decoction-containing serum at 20% and 30% promoted cell proliferation and mitigated the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation, with comparable therapeutic efficacy observed at both concentrations. Compared with the blank control group, the model group displayed an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01), reduced protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), increased protein levels of Beclin1, LC3, and ATG5 (P<0.01), no significant alterations in the protein levels of Akt and mTOR, and an enhanced MDC autophagy fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In comparison to that the model group, the apoptosis rates in the blank control group, model group, Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, autophagy inhibitor group, autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, and estradiol valerate group all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most pronounced reduction observed in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. The protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were higher in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), being the highest in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoctio-containing serum group (P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and ATG5 were lower in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of LC3 declined in the Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group and the estradiol valerate group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while it decreased without statistical significance in the autophagy inhibitor group and the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. ConclusionZhuluan decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and counteract the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the KGN cell model, thus managing POI.
2.Zhuluan Decoction Ameliorates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy of KGN Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Xingxing YI ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):89-98
ObjectiveTo elucidate the underlying mechanism through which Zhuluan decoction suppresses excessive autophagy in human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) and ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsThe optimal concentration of cyclophosphamide for inducing a POI model in KGN cells was identified via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Subsequently, the impacts of varying concentrations of Zhuluan decoction-containing serum on the viability of the KGN cell model were assessed. After the optimal drug concentration was determined, KGN cells were categorized into the following groups: blank control (20% blank serum), model (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), autophagy inhibitor (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), and estradiol valerate (20% estradiol valerate-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide). Following 48 hours of incubation, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of KGN cells in each group. Western blotting was employed to quantify the protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, along with the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1, autophagy-related 5 homolog (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), in each group. Additionally, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was performed to evaluate the extent of autophagy in each group. ResultsIncubation of KGN cells with 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide for 48 h successfully established a POI model, marked by a significant inhibition of KGN cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation exhibited a positive correlation with its concentration. Zhuluan decoction-containing serum at 20% and 30% promoted cell proliferation and mitigated the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation, with comparable therapeutic efficacy observed at both concentrations. Compared with the blank control group, the model group displayed an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01), reduced protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), increased protein levels of Beclin1, LC3, and ATG5 (P<0.01), no significant alterations in the protein levels of Akt and mTOR, and an enhanced MDC autophagy fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In comparison to that the model group, the apoptosis rates in the blank control group, model group, Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, autophagy inhibitor group, autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, and estradiol valerate group all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most pronounced reduction observed in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. The protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were higher in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), being the highest in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoctio-containing serum group (P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and ATG5 were lower in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of LC3 declined in the Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group and the estradiol valerate group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while it decreased without statistical significance in the autophagy inhibitor group and the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. ConclusionZhuluan decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and counteract the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the KGN cell model, thus managing POI.
3.Construction of the Diagnosis and Treatment System of "Sinew Prescription Correspondence" under the Guidance of Systematic Dialectical Sphygmology
Feng ZHANG ; Baoqiang DONG ; Xingxing LIN ; Yapeng LIU ; Lujia XIAO ; Bodong XING ; Yiyun CAO ; Wenhui ZHANG ; Wenqian QI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1038-1043
"Sinew prescription correspondence" is the principle of selecting prescriptions for channel sinew diseases. On the basis of the theory of syndrome differentiation and treatment, the pulse manifestation corresponds to the channel sinew syndrome, which can improve the flexibility and standardization of clinical prescriptions. From the perspective of systematic dialectical sphygmology, this paper explains the dialectical relationship between channel sinew theory and pulse body elements, pulse wall elements, pulse elements and blood flow elements, and clarifies the internal relationship between pulse manifestation and prescriptions at the level of channel sinew disease. The prescription is derived from the method, while the method is established with the syndrome, and the prescription is unified by the method. According to the theory of "sinew prescription correspondence", the treatment ideas of channel sinew diseases were analyzed from the perspective of channel sinew distribution, functional characteristics and structural changes. On this basis, the diagnosis of channel sinew disease and the application of prescriptions are expanded, and the research on the internal treatment and diagnosis mode of "pulse manifestation-channel sinew-zang fu (脏腑)" is prospected, so as to expand the differentiation and treatment methods of channel sinew theory.
4.Pathogenic Characteristics and Dynamic Evolution of Channel Sinew Diseases at the "Four Intersections" from the Perspective of Structural Interfaces
Yapeng LIU ; Baoqiang DONG ; Xingxing LIN ; Jiquan LI ; Feng ZHANG ; Kaixuan ZHANG ; Danning ZHANG ; Yishui YOU ; Fuqing WU ; Zhuozhan YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1702-1707
Based on a review of classical literature combined with modern anatomical and biomechanical research, this paper proposes the "four intersections" of channel sinew diseases from the perspective of structural interfaces, which involves sinew-bone, sinew-sinew, sinew-joint, and sinew-vessel intersections, and analyzes the corresponding pathological characteristics. It is believed that the dynamic evolution of channel sinew diseases can be summarized as "starting with mechanical imbalancew, with interface transmission as the pivot, compensation continuation as the variation, and neurological adaptation as the consolidation". Furthermore, the pathological changes at the "four intersections" structural interfaces correspond respectively to clinical manifestations of enthesial pain, referred pain, joint dysfunction and sensory abnormalities. Understanding channel sinew diseases based on the "four intersections" structural interface is conducive to deepening the understanding of the pathogenesis, thereby providing a reference for clinical identification and precise treatment.
5.Application of Pivot-Regulating and Orifices-Unblocking Acupuncture in Post-Stroke Dysphagia:from the Perspective of the Relationship among the Brain,Shaoyang (少阳) and Pharynx
Yingquan LIU ; Hongjie JI ; Yu YE ; Junhao CHU ; Lin BAI ; Xingxing SU ; Hongliang CHENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1830-1834
Based on the close structural and functional associations of the Shaoyang (少阳) channel and related zang-fu (脏腑) organs with the brain and the pharynx, this paper proposes that the pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia involves constraint and stagnation of the pivot mechanism, binding of phlegm and stasis, frenetic stirring of ministerial fire, and incoordination of the spirit mechanism, ultimately leading to loss of pharyngeal function. An acupuncture therapy centered on regulating the pivot and unblocking the orifice is established. Acupoints of the Shaoyang channel, including Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Waiguan (SJ 5), are selected to regulate the pivot and treat the root; acupoints of the Du (督) and Ren (任) channels, including Fengfu (GV 16), Lianquan (CV 23), and Tiantu (CV 22), are used to unblock the orifice and treat the branch. In addition, staged treatment can be applied according to syndrome differentiation. In the acute stage with predominant phlegm turbidity, Fenglong (ST 40), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Jinjin (EX-HN 12), and Yuye (EX-HN 13) are added to resolve phlegm and facilitate orifice function. During the recovery stage with excess ministerial fire scorching the pharynx, Zulinqi (GB 41) and Zhaohai (KI 6) are added to drain fire and nourish yin; when ministerial fire disturbs the spirit, Tongli (HT 5) and Neiguan (PC 6) are added to calm the spirit and the heart. During the chronic stage with blood deficiency and collateral stasis, Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are added to nourish blood and unblock collaterals. In clinical practice, the angle and depth of needling are adjusted based on the stage of dysphagia, with the combination of elongated needles and medicinal moxibustion are used to enhance the therapeutic effect.
6.Preparation and performance evaluation of dissolving microneedles with a single matrix of Pterocarya hupehensis total flavonoids
Xingxing GAO ; Dan CHEN ; Yan XIA ; Lin DING ; Xingyue CHEN ; Yang XIANG ; Lunzhi LIU ; Lin YUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2097-2104
OBJECTIVE To screen a single matrix, prepare dissolving microneedles of Pterocarya hupehensis total flavonoids(PHTF-MN), and characterize it while evaluating its analgesic effects.METHODS Using microneedle morphology and puncture rate as evaluation indicators, the matrix was screened from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30), PVP K90, and sodium hyaluronate with relative molecular weights of 15 000 and 60 000 (HA 1.5w and HA 6w ). PHTF-MN was prepared by the layer-by-layer casting method with the selected matrix, and the appearance and morphology, total flavonoid content, mechanical properties, puncture performance, dissolution properties, and drug release behavior of the obtained PHTF-MN were characterized. Using male BALB/c mice as test subjects and aspirin (ASA) as a positive control, the analgesic effects of the microneedles were evaluated using a formalin-induced pain model.RESULTS Blank microneedles prepared with 30% HA 1.5w exhibited optimal surface flatness and the membrane puncture rate (through 4 layers of parafilm membrane) reaching 78%. The PHTF-MNs (with PHTF contents of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/g in the matrix) exhibited uniform arrays and intact tips, with RSDs for total flavonoid contents all below 7% ( n =8). The single-needle puncture forces were 1.46 and 1.07 N (with PHTF contents of 30 and 50 mg/g in the matrix, respectively). The skin penetration rate approached 100%, with visible puncture marks in the stratum corneum and drug residue (with a PHTF content of 50 mg/g in the matrix). After 30 min of fixation, the needles had almost completely dissolved, and the skin retention rates all exceeded 90% (with PHTF contents of 10, 30, and 50 mg/g in the matrix, respectively). The cumulative release within 8 h was (134.64±2.03) μg/cm 2 , and the fit to the first-order kinetic equation ( R 2 =0.950 1) was highest (with a PHTF content of 50 mg/g in the matrix). Low- and high-dose PHTF-MN (containing 85.26 and 145.03 μg of total flavonoids per patch, respectively; 1 patch/day) significantly shortened the cumulative time of phase Ⅱ pain response in mice ( P <0.05), with pain inhibition rates (43.67% and 59.78%) comparable to those of ASA (53.70%).CONCLUSIONS PHTF-MN using HA 1.5w as a single matrix was successfully prepared. This formulation features a simplified preparation process, uniform drug loading, favorable mechanical properties, resistance to fracture, and rapid dissolution. Its drug release behavior conforms to a first-order kinetic model, and its analgesic effect is comparable to that of ASA.
7.Independent component analysis for assessing functional abnormalities in frontoparietal attention network of patients with traumatic brain injury and analyzing neural mechanism of attention disorders
Gaiyun ZHANG ; Xingxing JIN ; Hongxia WANG ; Wangyi LIU ; Jinhui DUAN ; Ruifang YAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1062-1067
Objective To assess functional abnormalities in frontoparietal attention network of patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI),and to analyze neural mechanism of its attention disorders based on independent component analysis(ICA).Methods Totally 84 TBI patients were prospectively enrolled and divided into mild(n=33),moderate(n=27)and severe TBI groups(n=24)according to symptoms,non-contrast enhanced MRI findings,Glasgow coma scale(GCS)and Mayo craniocerebral trauma grading criteria.ICA was used to extract and analyze the optimal independent components(IC)of the dorsal attention network(DAN)and ventral attention network(VAN).Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore the correlations of functional connectivity(FC)of brain regions being significantly different among groups within attention network and the scores of trail making test A/B(TMT-A/B).Results Compared with control group and mild TBI group,spatial distribution of DAN(especially bilateral frontal eye field[FEF])in moderate and severe TBI groups were significantly smaller,the clusters tended to be discrete,and the intensity were significantly weakened.The right temporal parietal junction(TPJ)and right ventral frontal cortex(VFC)of VAN in control group,mild and moderate TBI groups were significantly affected,and VFC connection strength was the highest in severe TBI group.FC intensity in right VFC of TBI patients was positively correlated with TMT-A score(r=0.654,P<0.001),which in left FEF was negatively correlated with TMT-B score(r=—0.383,P<0.001).Conclusion FC of frontoparietal attention network was abnormal in TBI patients,which might be neural mechanism for its attention behavior disorders.
8.A case of myocardial infarction induced by ulcerative colitis complicated by amebic infection
Jing LIU ; Qiaoli GUO ; Xingxing ZHAO ; Shuai LI ; Xingxing CHE ; Xiaoyin BAI ; Junjie REN
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(6):504-506
This article reports a patient with long-term ulcerative colitis (UC) who was initially diagnosed as eosinophilic gastroenteritis due to a increase in peripheral blood eosinophils. During the diagnosis and treatment process, acute myocardial infarction was repeatedly induced. The patient was eventually diagnosed as UC complicated by amoebic infection and improved after anti-infective therapy. Through case analysis and literature review, this article discusses the diagnosis and treatment strategies for UC complicated by rare opportunistic infections.
9.Analysis of consistency and influencing factors in diagnosis reports of inpatients with hepatitis B in Qinghai Province
Jin XU ; Kezhong A ; Zengping HAO ; Wensheng BA ; Bingju GUAN ; Xiaoping LI ; Xingxing DU ; Xiaoqing LIU ; Guiyan MA
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(12):14-18
Objective To review the diagnostic information of 3368 viral hepatitis B inpatient cases reported by some healthcare institutions in Qinghai Province in the National Notifiable Disease Report System(NNDRS)in 2021,and to analyse the consistency of their reports and influence factor.Methods The study used the typical survey method to study 3368 hospitalized cases of hepatitis B reported by 32 medical institutions in Qinghai Province in 2021 from July 2022 to April 2023.The consistency between the reported classification and the reviewed classification was evaluated by reviewing diagnostic information of the cases,combined with the Kappa consistency test,and the consistency-influencing factors were analysed in a univariate and multivariate analysis.Results The consistency between acute,chronic,and unclassified reporting classifications and review classifications was poor(Kappa<0.40);the consistency between acute and chronic review was poor(Kappa<0.40).The main influence factor of the consistency of review included the level of medical institution,the patient's gender,occupation,past history,and the unit of diagnosis of initial onset of illness.Provincial medical institutions reported higher consistency,and male cases and herder cases had better consistency than female cases and other occupations.Review consistency of cases with past history was better than that of cases with unclear past history.Conclusion The consistency of diagnosis and reporting of hepatitis B cases in healthcare institutions in Qinghai Province in 2021 was low,with problems of inaccurate classification and duplicate reporting.It is recommended to strengthen the training and supervision of healthcare institutions,standardise the filling of'attached card'information,and promote the hepatitis B core antibody IgM test to improve the classification and diagnosis of acute and chronic hepatitis B,so as to comprehensively improve the accuracy of the diagnosis and reporting of hepatitis B cases.
10.CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique for repair of antithrombin gene SERPINC1 c.318_319insT mutation
Haixiao XIE ; Xingxing ZHOU ; Qiyu XU ; Ke ZHANG ; Siqi LIU ; Mingshan WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(6):405-409
Objective To discuss the preliminary application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in repair of antithrombin gene(SERPINC1)c.318_319insT mutation.Methods The single guide RNA(sgRNA)was designed by CRISPR online design website,and AT c.318_319 insT mutant and CRISPR-Cas9 repairsome were constructed.The gene fragments from the wild-type gene,AT c.318_319 insT mutant and CRISPR-Cas9 repairsome were transferred into lentiviral expression vectors,and then PCR sequencing was performed for verification.The successfully constructed lentiviral recombinant plasmids were transfected into the human embryonic kid-ney cells(HEK293T).After cell culture,HEK293T cells were lysed.The AT:Ag levels in the cell lysing reagents from wild-type gene,CRISPR-Cas9 repairsome and mutant were compared by ELISA and Western blot,respectively.The recombinant AT protein was characterized in vitro by cellular immunofluorescence assay.Results Both the AT c.318_319insT mutant and CRISPR-Cas9 repair-some were successfully constructed.The results of experiments with HEK293T cells in vitro showed that the wild-type AT:Ag in the cell lysing reagents was set as 100%,the AT:Ag of CRISPR-Cas9 repairsome was 47%,and the AT:Ag of AT c.318_319insT was 22%,which were consistent with the results of western blot and cellular immunofluorescence assay.Conclusion The cellular experiments in vitro verified that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology could effectively repair the SERPINC1 c.318_319 insT mutation in situ,which might provide the experimental support for the application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in the gene therapy of hereditary thrombotic diseases.

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