1.Clinical Efficacy of Tonifying Kidney and Replenishing Essence on Asthenospermia Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Essence Deficiency and Effect of This Method on Expression Levels of AMPK/mTORC1 Signaling Pathway-associated Proteins
Yuanjie FU ; Fuhao LI ; Chenghua PENG ; Dong XU ; Guoan YIN ; Xiaopeng HUANG ; Degui CHANG ; Liang DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):141-147
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence on asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency and the effects of this method on the adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two eligible asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. The observation group received oral administration of Guilu Tianjing capsules, while the control group received oral administration of L-carnitine oral solution. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks in both groups. The observed indicators included sperm progressive motility rate (PR), total sperm motility (PR+NP), percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores before and after treatment in both groups. A three-month follow-up was instituted to record the conception status of the patients’ spouses. Additionally, eight patients were randomly selected from the eligible patients in the observation group, and four healthy males with normal semen routine examination results were included as the control group for the determination of protein expression. Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression of AMPK, phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) and p-RAPTOR, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) in sperms from the observation group before and after treatment, as well as in the sperms of the control group. ResultsThe pregnancy rate of spouses in the observation group was 9.09% (3/33), which was higher than that (3.33%, 1/30) in the control group. The total response rate was 84.8% (28/33) in the observation group and 66.7% (20/30) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. After treatment, both groups were improved considering PR, PR+NP, MMP, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group exhibited more pronounced decreases in TCM symptom scores than the control group (P<0.05), while the changes in PR, PR+NP, and MMP showed no statistical significance between groups. Compared with the control group, the asthenozoospermia group exhibited upregulations in phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK (P<0.01). The administration of Guilu Tianjing Capsules led to downregulations in the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK1 (P<0.01). However, the protein levels of AMPK and RAPTOR demonstrated no significant difference between before and after treatment. During the study period, neither group of patients exhibited any notable adverse reactions. ConclusionGuilu Tianjing capsules can enhance the sperm motility and percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency by downregulating the AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway, lowering the protein level of PINK1, and inhibiting excessive activation of mitophagy.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Tonifying Kidney and Replenishing Essence on Asthenospermia Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Essence Deficiency and Effect of This Method on Expression Levels of AMPK/mTORC1 Signaling Pathway-associated Proteins
Yuanjie FU ; Fuhao LI ; Chenghua PENG ; Dong XU ; Guoan YIN ; Xiaopeng HUANG ; Degui CHANG ; Liang DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):141-147
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence on asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency and the effects of this method on the adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two eligible asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. The observation group received oral administration of Guilu Tianjing capsules, while the control group received oral administration of L-carnitine oral solution. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks in both groups. The observed indicators included sperm progressive motility rate (PR), total sperm motility (PR+NP), percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores before and after treatment in both groups. A three-month follow-up was instituted to record the conception status of the patients’ spouses. Additionally, eight patients were randomly selected from the eligible patients in the observation group, and four healthy males with normal semen routine examination results were included as the control group for the determination of protein expression. Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression of AMPK, phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) and p-RAPTOR, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) in sperms from the observation group before and after treatment, as well as in the sperms of the control group. ResultsThe pregnancy rate of spouses in the observation group was 9.09% (3/33), which was higher than that (3.33%, 1/30) in the control group. The total response rate was 84.8% (28/33) in the observation group and 66.7% (20/30) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. After treatment, both groups were improved considering PR, PR+NP, MMP, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group exhibited more pronounced decreases in TCM symptom scores than the control group (P<0.05), while the changes in PR, PR+NP, and MMP showed no statistical significance between groups. Compared with the control group, the asthenozoospermia group exhibited upregulations in phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK (P<0.01). The administration of Guilu Tianjing Capsules led to downregulations in the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK1 (P<0.01). However, the protein levels of AMPK and RAPTOR demonstrated no significant difference between before and after treatment. During the study period, neither group of patients exhibited any notable adverse reactions. ConclusionGuilu Tianjing capsules can enhance the sperm motility and percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency by downregulating the AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway, lowering the protein level of PINK1, and inhibiting excessive activation of mitophagy.
3.Effects of different doses of rosuvastatin on lipid metabolism and left ventricular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by coronary heart disease
Li ZHANG ; Lihua JIANG ; Chenghua YIN
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(4):552-556
Objective:To investigate the effects of different doses of rosuvastatin on lipid metabolism and left ventricular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied by coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods:A prospective study was conducted involving 63 patients with T2DM accompanied by CHD who were treated at Jinan 2 nd People's Hospital and The Fifth People's Hospital of Jinan from January 2022 to June 2023. In a randomized case-control study, patients were assigned to either a control group ( n = 31, receiving 10 mg/d of rosuvastatin) or an observation group ( n = 32, receiving 20 mg/d of rosuvastatin) using a random number table method. After 8 weeks of treatment, the therapeutic effects were evaluated, and blood lipid levels and left ventricular function were recorded before and after treatment. Plasma levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), homocysteine (Hcy), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the distance covered in a 6-minute walk test were compared between the two groups. Patients were followed for 1 year to monitor adverse reactions and the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events. Results:The effective treatment rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [90.63% (29/32) vs. 70.97% (22/31), χ2 = 3.95, P < 0.05). Prior to treatment, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding blood lipid levels, cardiac ultrasound indicators, serum levels of NT-proBNP, Hcy, and CRP, the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test, and the incidences of adverse reactions and adverse cardiovascular events (all P > 0.05). After treatment, both groups showed a reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (both P < 0.05), with the observation group demonstrating significantly lower levels ( t = 10.54, 14.01, both P < 0.001). Additionally, both groups showed an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P < 0.05), but the observation group achieved significantly higher levels ( t = -14.07, P < 0.001). Both groups also exhibited an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction ( P < 0.05), with a greater improvement in the observation group ( t = -2.34, P < 0.05). The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased in both groups ( P < 0.05), but the observation group had a smaller diameter ( t = 2.78, P < 0.05). Levels of NT-proBNP, Hcy, and CRP decreased in both groups (all P < 0.05), with the observation group showing significantly lower levels ( t = 6.55, 3.94, 6.38, all P < 0.001). Finally, the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test increased in both groups ( P < 0.05), with the observation group covering a greater distance ( t = -4.32, P < 0.001). Conclusions:High-dose rosuvastatin can effectively improve lipid metabolism and left ventricular function in patients with T2DM complicated by CHD. It significantly reduces levels of NT-proBNP, Hcy, and CRP, enhances exercise capacity, and demonstrates high safety, indicating a high potential for clinical application.
4.Effects of different doses of rosuvastatin on lipid metabolism and left ventricular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by coronary heart disease
Li ZHANG ; Lihua JIANG ; Chenghua YIN
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(4):552-556
Objective:To investigate the effects of different doses of rosuvastatin on lipid metabolism and left ventricular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied by coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods:A prospective study was conducted involving 63 patients with T2DM accompanied by CHD who were treated at Jinan 2 nd People's Hospital and The Fifth People's Hospital of Jinan from January 2022 to June 2023. In a randomized case-control study, patients were assigned to either a control group ( n = 31, receiving 10 mg/d of rosuvastatin) or an observation group ( n = 32, receiving 20 mg/d of rosuvastatin) using a random number table method. After 8 weeks of treatment, the therapeutic effects were evaluated, and blood lipid levels and left ventricular function were recorded before and after treatment. Plasma levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), homocysteine (Hcy), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the distance covered in a 6-minute walk test were compared between the two groups. Patients were followed for 1 year to monitor adverse reactions and the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events. Results:The effective treatment rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [90.63% (29/32) vs. 70.97% (22/31), χ2 = 3.95, P < 0.05). Prior to treatment, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding blood lipid levels, cardiac ultrasound indicators, serum levels of NT-proBNP, Hcy, and CRP, the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test, and the incidences of adverse reactions and adverse cardiovascular events (all P > 0.05). After treatment, both groups showed a reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (both P < 0.05), with the observation group demonstrating significantly lower levels ( t = 10.54, 14.01, both P < 0.001). Additionally, both groups showed an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P < 0.05), but the observation group achieved significantly higher levels ( t = -14.07, P < 0.001). Both groups also exhibited an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction ( P < 0.05), with a greater improvement in the observation group ( t = -2.34, P < 0.05). The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased in both groups ( P < 0.05), but the observation group had a smaller diameter ( t = 2.78, P < 0.05). Levels of NT-proBNP, Hcy, and CRP decreased in both groups (all P < 0.05), with the observation group showing significantly lower levels ( t = 6.55, 3.94, 6.38, all P < 0.001). Finally, the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test increased in both groups ( P < 0.05), with the observation group covering a greater distance ( t = -4.32, P < 0.001). Conclusions:High-dose rosuvastatin can effectively improve lipid metabolism and left ventricular function in patients with T2DM complicated by CHD. It significantly reduces levels of NT-proBNP, Hcy, and CRP, enhances exercise capacity, and demonstrates high safety, indicating a high potential for clinical application.
5.Correlation of retinopathy and serum cystatin C in patients with primary hypertension
Chenghua YIN ; Yuan TAO ; Chengmei BAO ; Min DU
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2019;26(5):536-538
Objective To analyze the features of hypertensive retinopathy (HRP),and to evaluate the correlation of serum cystatin C (Cys-C) and retinopathy in patients with primary hypertension.Methods From July 2015 to October 2017,280 cases of primary hypertension in the Second People's Hospital of Ji'nan were recruited to receive fundus examination by funduscopy and eye-ground photography.Based on the findings,4 groups were established according to Chinese Ophthalmology (Third Edition) classification standard,normal,mild,moderate and malignant four levels.Clinical courses were monitored and Cys-C levels were determined.Results There were 204 cases of HRP,accounting for 72.86%.Compared with that of the normal fundus group (0.76 ±0.12)mg/L,the serum Cys-C level of the mild HRP group was (0.82 ± 0.19)mg/L,the difference was statistically significant (t =2.424,P < 0.05).The serum Cys-C levels of the moderate HRP group and severe HRP group were (2.37 ± 0.13) mg/L and (3.24 ± 0.45) mg/L,respectively,the differences were statistically significant compared with that of the control group (t =80.917,42.153,all p < 0.01).Conclusion The severity of HRP is positively correlated with Cys-C.
6.Analysis of efficacy of amlodipine atorvastatin calcium tablets in the treatment of patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease complicated with carotid atherosclerosis
Li ZHANG ; Chengmei BAO ; Chenghua YIN ; Linzhong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2018;25(24):3180-3184
Objective To explore the effect of amlodipine atorvastatin calcium tablets in the treatment of patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease complicated with carotid atherosclerosis .Methods From August 2013 to August 2017,280 patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease complicated with carotid atherosclerosis in the Second People's Hospital of Ji'nan were selected,and they were divided into two groups by envelope randomization packet mode,with 140 cases in each group.The control group was treated with amlodipine benzenesulfonate.The observation group was treated with amlodipine atorvastatin calcium tablets .The incidence of adverse reactions,diastolic blood pressure (DBP) level,systolic blood pressure (SBP) level,total effective rate,hs-CRP,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,IMT,PV were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences in PV,IMT,SBP and DBP between the two groups (t =1.150,0.861,0.195,0.637,all P>0.05).The incidence rate of adverse reactions (2.86%),DBP level[(78.95 ±3.11)mmHg],SBP level[(121.63 ±5.42)mmHg],total effective rate (96.43%),hs-CRP levels[(4.15 ±1.65)mg/L],TC level [(3.28 ±1.98)mmol/L],TG level[(1.22 ±0.34)mmol/L],HDL-C level[(1.98 ±0.75)mmol/L],LDL-C level[(1.33 ±0.54)mmol/L],IMT[(1.12 ±0.05)mm],PV[(0.11 ±0.03)cm3]in the observation group were better than those in the control group (χ2=22.630,t=15.839,37.209,χ2=25.053,t=20.056,7.381,8.659,15.110,21.951,15.665,12.951,all P<0.05).Conclusion The effect of amlodipine atorvastatin calcium tablets in the treatment of patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease complicated with carotid atherosclerosis is remarkable.

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