1.Mechanisms of Xiaozhi Qinggan Decoction in Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease by Regulating Ferroptosis
Haihang DONG ; Yuying TU ; Xingrong LI ; Yujie CAI ; Yi REN ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xiaozhi Qinggan decoction (XQD) in preventing and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating ferroptosis, network pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo experiments. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, mouse MASLD models were established by high-fat diet (HFD) induction. The model mice were randomly assigned to a positive control group (silybin, 50 mg·kg-1), low-, medium- and high-dose XQD groups (4.725, 9.45, 18.9 g·kg-1), with a normal control group. After 4 weeks of modeling, mice except the normal group were administered intragastrically for 8 consecutive weeks. Liver function, serum lipid levels, hepatic histopathology, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and Fe2+ were detected. The mRNA and protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 were determined by quantitative Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. In the network pharmacology analysis, active components and potential targets of XQD for MASLD were screened, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analyses, and molecular docking was performed to verify the target binding activity. In the in vitro experiment, the optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum was screened by cytotoxicity assay. HepG2 cells were transfected with ov-NC or ov-p53 plasmid, and a lipid accumulation model was induced by free fatty acid (FFA, 1.0 mmol·L-1). Cells were divided into a normal group, FFA model group, ov-NC+XQD (15%) group and ov-p53+XQD (15%) group. Intracellular Fe2+ level and lipid accumulation were evaluated, and the protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited markedly elevated body weight, liver weight, liver index, fasting blood glucose, AUC of glucose tolerance test, serum liver function and blood lipid levels at week 12 (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were observed by pathological staining. Additionally, hepatic levels of MDA, SOD and Fe2+ were increased (P<0.01), while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and medium-dose XQD groups showed significantly decreased body weight at week 12 (P<0.05). The silybin group, together with the medium- and high-dose XQD groups, presented reduced liver weight and liver index (P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and the AUC of glucose tolerance test were lowered in all four treatment groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological staining revealed alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammation, accompanied by decreased serum liver function and blood lipid levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, hepatic MDA and SOD levels were markedly reduced, while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Hepatic Fe2+ level was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was downregulated, and the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, tanshinone IIA and isorhamnetin as the core active components of XQD, with p53 serving as the key target. Stable binding was verified between these active components and the p53 protein. The optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum in vitro was determined to be 15%. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased intracellular Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, significantly upregulated p53 protein expression (P<0.01), and markedly downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ov-NC group exhibited reduced Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, downregulated p53 expression, and upregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression. In the ov-p53 group, p53 expression was upregulated (P<0.01), while SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression was downregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionXQD inhibits ferroptosis by downregulating p53 and upregulating SLC7A11 and GPX4, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes and improving MASLD.
2.Effects of wogonin on joint inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway
Yuru WANG ; Siyuan LI ; Ye XU ; Yumeng ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Huiqin HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1026-1035
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease.Many studies have shown that wogonin has a good anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis,but its exact efficacy and specific mechanism of action remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of wogonin ameliorating joint inflammation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats with collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS:(1)At the animal level:Female Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group,arthritis model group and wogonin treatment group.Rat models of arthritis in the latter two groups were established by subcutaneous injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and adjuvant.In the wogonin group,wogonin was given by gavage for 28 consecutive days after modeling.During this period,the rats in each group were weighed,and arthritis score and ankle swelling were measured every 7 days.After the experiment,the pathological changes of the joint were observed,the mRNA and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway GRP78 and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR,western blot,and immunohistochemistry.(2)At the cellular level,cell counting kit-8 was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of wogonin on fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rats with collagen-induced arthritis.The fibroblast-like synoviocytes induced by thapsigargin were treated with different concentrations of wogonin.The levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA,and the intracellular reactive oxygen species in each group were determined by DCFH-DA probe method.The mRNA and protein levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy control group,arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the arthritis model group were increased(P<0.01),synovial hyperplasia,inflammatory cell infiltration,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were observed in pathological sections,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were significantly increased(P<0.01),which were mainly located in synovial tissue and articular surface.Compared with the arthritis model group,the arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the wogonin treatment group were decreased(P<0.05),synovial hyperplasia and the number of inflammatory cells were decreased,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were alleviated,the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were decreased(P<0.05),particularly in synovial tissue and on the articular surface.There was no significant difference in body mass among the three groups(P>0.05).In the cell experiment,200 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the survival rate of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,the levels of interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,content of reactive oxygen species,and mRNA and protein expression of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s,and CHOP in the thapsigargin group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with the thapsigargin group,50 and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant(P<0.05,P<0.01),and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the content of reactive oxygen species(P<0.01)and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP(all P<0.05).These results suggest that wogonin can effectively alleviate joint inflammatory responses in rats with collagen-induced arthritis,and the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway may be the key target of its intervention.
3.Material basis and action mechanism of drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis
Siyuan LI ; Yuru WANG ; Ye XU ; Di GUO ; Nan NAN ; Yang LIU ; Jie ZHAO ; Huiqin HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4029-4037
BACKGROUND:Our previous study found that Modified Erxian Pill could alleviate inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats,but its mechanism needs to be further verified. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill,and observe the effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages. METHODS:(1)Analysis of components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect and identify Modified Erxian Pill and its components absorbed in the blood.(2)Effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages:Molecular docking technology was used to initially verify the sesquiterpenoids and NLRP3 in components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill.J774A.1 macrophages were randomly divided into blank control group,lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,and lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill with low(2.5%),medium(5%),and high(10%)dose groups.The release of lactate dehydrogenase in the cell supernatant of each group was detected according to the kit instructions.The levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in cell supernatant were detected in each group by ELISA.The cell membrane damage was detected by Hoechst/PI staining.The expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein in the cells of each group were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 32 active components of Modified Erxian Pill were identified,and 21 components entered the blood.The main components into blood included a variety of sesquiterpenoids.(2)Molecular docking results showed that 3-O-Acetyl-13-deoxyphomenone,Incensol oxide,Atractylenolide III,Rupestonic acid,and 3,7-Dihydroxy-9,11-eremophiladien-8-one had good binding activity with NLRP3.(3)Compared with the blank control group,lactate dehydrogenase activity and the expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were significantly increased in cell supernatant of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.001).Hoechst/PI staining showed that the number of PI-positive cells was significantly increased.After the intervention of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group,all of them showed different degrees of reduction.(4)Compared with the blank control group,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein expression levels were significantly increased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.05).Compared with lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,the protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N were significantly decreased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group(P<0.05),and had a certain dose dependence.These findings verify that the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill may inhibit the pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
4.Genetic detection for hereditary cancer syndrome among general population
Xinning CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Li YU ; Huiqin JIANG ; Fei HUANG ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Baishen PAN ; Beili WANG ; Wei GUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):627-633
Objective To examine the significance of susceptible gene detection for hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS) among general population. Methods A total of 2 928 individuals undergoing routine health examinations in Healthcare Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from September 2021 to April 2024 were enrolled retrospectively. Next generation sequencing was employed to identify susceptible genes for HCS. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guideline was used to analyze the pathogenicity of variants. Clinical data, imagings, follow-up data were also collected. Results The overall mutation rate of HCS panel was 3.59% (105/2 928), with 0.61% (18/2 928) for MutY DNA glycosylase (MUTYH), 0.27% (8/2 928) for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) and 0.23% (7/2 928) for mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Conclusions Healthy individuals carrying tumor susceptible genes usually lack the relevant clinical phenotypes. Whether comprehensive testing needs to be carried out among healthy people remains to be further explored.
5.Relationship between eNOS gene polymorphism and main complications in premature infants
Xiaoyan Li ; Bing Li ; Jia' ; an Wang ; Xian Dong ; Huiqin Wang ; Haijuan Zhu ; Bin Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):719-724
Objective :
To explore the polymorphism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) gene in umbilical cord blood of preterm infants and its relationship with major complications in preterm infants.
Methods :
A total of 254 preterm infants(<37 weeks) who were hospitalized were selected as the study subjects. Umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery to determine the genotypes and alleles of eNOS gene at three loci: rs61722009, rs2070744,and rs1799983. Clinical data of the preterm infants were recorded, and the relationship between eNOS gene polymorphism and major complications in preterm infants was analyzed.
Results:
(1) The TC+CC genotype at locus rs2070744 was an independent risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD) in preterm infants, with an OR(95%CI) of 1.266(1.017-1.577).(2) The GT+TT genotype at locus rs1799983 was an independent risk factor for retinopathy prematurity(ROP), with an OR(95%CI) of 1.184(1.008-1.391).(3) The AB+AA genotype at locus rs61722009 was also an independent risk factor for ROP,with an OR(95%CI) of 1.335(1.033-1. 726).(4) There was no significant relationship between gene polymorphism and the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome( RDS) and periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage( PIVH).
Conclusion
eNOS gene polymorphism is associated with the occurrence of BPD and ROP in preterm infants. The evaluation of e NOS gene polymorphism by umbilical cord blood measurement is helpful for the prevention and correct management of some serious complications.
6.Clinical evaluation of elderly patients with sarcopenia receiving Shenling baizhu powder combined with nutrition and exercise intervention
Huanhuan JIANG ; Dong CHEN ; Aishuang FU ; Yanlei GE ; Qiang WANG ; Shizi LI ; Huiqin SHEN ; Xia LI ; Yingcong WANG ; Yunfei CHEN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(21):2652-2657
OBJECTIVE To explore the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of elderly patients with sarcopenia receiving Shenling baizhu powder combined with nutrition and exercise intervention, providing a reference for rational clinical drug use. METHODS A total of 237 elderly sarcopenia patients were randomly assigned to an observation group (118 cases) and a control group (119 cases). Both groups of patients received nutrition and exercise intervention; the observation group added Shenling baizhu powder (6 g each time, three times daily) on this basis. The safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the two plans were compared after 3 months. RESULTS Both groups of patients completed the follow-up. Before intervention, no significant difference was observed in skeletal muscle index (SMI), grip strength, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) speed between the two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, the grip strength of the patients in the observation group was significantly greater than that of the control group (25.05 kg vs. 23.18 kg, P<0.01); the treatment response rate of sarcopenia, SMI, and 6MWT speed were higher than those of the control group, butthe differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The adverse reaction/event rate of the patients in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (14.41% vs. 16.81%, P=0.611), but the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with the control group’s plan, the cost of the observation group’s plan was higher (981.25 yuan vs. 913.94 yuan), and the effect was better (effectiveness rate: 0.618 6 vs. 0.563 0), with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 1 210.61 yuan. The results of the sensitivity analysis were consistent with the cost-effectiveness analysis results. CONCLUSION Elderly patients with sarcopenia who receive Shenling baizhu powder combined with nutrition and exercise intervention can significantly strengthen grip strength without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions/events. Compared with the control group plan, the observation group needs to spend an additional 1 210.61 yuan for each additional effective patient with sarcopenia.
7.The current situation and influencing factors of patient perception for humanistic care in 30 provincial hospitals
Fengjian ZHANG ; Haixin ZHANG ; Yilan LIU ; Shaoshan PAN ; Shujie GUO ; Xia XIN ; Yan YANG ; Huiqin XI ; Xiue LI ; Yuanjuan CHENG ; Beirong MO ; Weihua LI ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Fang WANG ; Hongxia WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(3):324-330
Objective To understand the current status and influencing factors of patient perception for humanistic care in China hospitals,and to provide a basis for developing nursing humanistic care measures and improving the quality of nursing humanistic care services.Methods A total of 30,099 outpatients and inpatients from 107 hospitals in 30 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities)from July to August 2022 as survey subjects.A general information questionnaire and the Relational Caring Questionnaire-Patient Form were used for a cross-sectional survey,and a single-factor analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of patient relationship care.Results Finally,29 108 valid questionnaires were collected,and the effective questionnaire recovery rate was 96.7%.The patient evaluation of relationship care was(65.72±8.61)points.Single-factor analysis showed that gender,age,marital status,children's situation,education level,occupation,place of residence,average family income,medical insurance type,visiting department,and location of the visiting hospital,and whether or not surgery were influencing factors of patient relationship care(P<0.05).Conclusion The evaluation score of caregiver-patient relationship care among Chinese hospital patients is above average,but there is still room for improvement in western and rural regions,seriously ill and outpatient patients,low-income and low-medical insurance reimbursement populations,and non-surgical patients.Medical institutions at all levels should optimize and improve nursing humanistic care services based on influencing factors,and further enhance patients'perception of nursing humanistic care.
8.The impact of patient gratitude on nurse creativity:testing the mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating role of safety climate
Huiqin JIA ; Jihong WANG ; Yubo LI ; Mingjian ZHOU
Modern Hospital 2024;24(7):1026-1030
Objective This study aims to explore the impact of patient gratitude on nurse creativity and examine the me-diating role of job satisfaction and the moderating role of safety climate.Methods In May 2023,a questionnaire survey was con-ducted among all nurses in two county-level public hospitals in Yangquan City,using the Patient Gratitude Scale,Creativity Scale,Job Satisfaction Scale,and Safety Climate Scale.A total of 448 valid questionnaires were collected.Mediation and moder-ation effects were tested using SPSS 20.0 and Model 4 and Model 7 in the Process v3.0 plugin.Results Patient gratitude showed a significant positive correlation with job satisfaction and creativity(r=0.558,0.591,P<0.01),and job satisfaction showed a significant positive correlation with creativity(r=0.581,P<0.01).Job satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between patient gratitude and creativity(mediation effect value=0.1850,95%confidence interval[0.1190:0.2484]),ac-counting for 34.76%of the total effect.Safety climate moderated the relationship between patient gratitude and job satisfaction(β=-0.048,P<0.05).Conclusion Patient gratitude has a positive impact on nurse creativity through job satisfaction.Ad-ditionally,safety climate moderates the relationship between patient gratitude and job satisfaction.
9.Evidence-based analysis of the current research status of the competence of clinical department heads and nurse managers in Chinese hospitals
Qingyu LI ; Wanxing KANG ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Longfu CHEN ; Jianrong ZHANG
Modern Hospital 2024;24(7):1091-1095
Objective This study aims to conduct an evidence-based analysis of the research progress and management status of the competence of clinical department heads and nurse managers in China,providing reliable references for further devel-oping their management research and improving the human resource management in Chinese hospitals.Methods The VIP,CNKI,WANFANG Chinese databases,online resources,and relevant official websites were searched to retrieve literature related to the competence of clinical department directors and nurse managers in China.Descriptive analysis was conducted using biblio-metrics and evidence-based principles and methods.Results A total of 82 articles were included,mainly focusing on the con-ceptual theories of clinical department directors and nurse managers,the construction of competence models,and application re-search.The research on the competence of clinical department directors and nurse managers in China started relatively late and showed a trend of initial growth followed by decline.The distribution of journals was relatively scattered,and the literature mainly came from higher education institutions and medical institutions.The research development has stagnated at the stage of empirical research and has not progressed to the stage of evaluative research.Conclusion The research on the competence of clinical de-partment directors and nurse managers in China is still in the stage of application and practice,lacking systematic research.It is mainly led by higher education institutions and medical institutions,and the attention from the national government in terms of competence of clinical department directors and nurse managers in hospitals needs to be strengthened.
10.Machine-learning-based models assist the prediction of pulmonary embolism in autoimmune diseases: A retrospective, multicenter study
Ziwei HU ; Yangyang HU ; Shuoqi ZHANG ; Li DONG ; Xiaoqi CHEN ; Huiqin YANG ; Linchong SU ; Xiaoqiang HOU ; Xia HUANG ; Xiaolan SHEN ; Cong YE ; Wei TU ; Yu CHEN ; Yuxue CHEN ; Shaozhe CAI ; Jixin ZHONG ; Lingli DONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(15):1811-1822
Background::Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe and acute cardiovascular syndrome with high mortality among patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs). Accurate prediction and timely intervention play a pivotal role in enhancing survival rates. However, there is a notable scarcity of practical early prediction and risk assessment systems of PE in patients with AIIRD.Methods::In the training cohort, 60 AIIRD with PE cases and 180 age-, gender-, and disease-matched AIIRD non-PE cases were identified from 7254 AIIRD cases in Tongji Hospital from 2014 to 2022. Univariable logistic regression (LR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to select the clinical features for further training with machine learning (ML) methods, including random forest (RF), support vector machines (SVM), neural network (NN), logistic regression (LR), gradient boosted decision tree (GBDT), classification and regression trees (CART), and C5.0 models. The performances of these models were subsequently validated using a multicenter validation cohort.Results::In the training cohort, 24 and 13 clinical features were selected by univariable LR and LASSO strategies, respectively. The five ML models (RF, SVM, NN, LR, and GBDT) showed promising performances, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.962-1.000 in the training cohort and 0.969-0.999 in the validation cohort. CART and C5.0 models achieved AUCs of 0.850 and 0.932, respectively, in the training cohort. Using D-dimer as a pre-screening index, the refined C5.0 model achieved an AUC exceeding 0.948 in the training cohort and an AUC above 0.925 in the validation cohort. These results markedly outperformed the use of D-dimer levels alone.Conclusion::ML-based models are proven to be precise for predicting the onset of PE in patients with AIIRD exhibiting clinical suspicion of PE.Trial Registration::Chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2200059599.


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