1.Sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum Improves Neuroinflammation by Regulating JNK Phosphorylation
Ziyu YIN ; Yun GAO ; Junjiao WANG ; Weigang XUE ; Xueping PANG ; Huiting LIU ; Yunfang ZHAO ; Huixia HUO ; Jun LI ; Jiao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):139-145
ObjectiveTo study the pharmacological substances and mechanisms through which sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum improves neuroinflammation. MethodsBV-2 microglial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce neuroinflammation. The cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, and the ZH-13 low- and high-dose treatment groups (10, 20 μmol·L-1). The model group was treated with 1 μmol·L-1 LPS. Cell viability was assessed using the cell proliferation and activity assay (CCK-8 kit). Nitric oxide (NO) release in the cell supernatant was measured using a nitric oxide kit (Griess method). The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, ZH-13 dose-dependently reduced NO release from BV-2 cells under LPS stimulation (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the 20 μmol·L-1 ZH-13 treatment group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6 were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In both the low- and high-dose ZH-13 groups, the expression of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the upstream MAPK pathway were significantly reduced (P<0.05). After stimulation with the JNK agonist anisomycin (Ani), both low- and high-dose ZH-13 treatment groups showed reduced phosphorylation of JNK proteins compared to the Ani-treated group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe sesquiterpene compound ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum significantly ameliorates LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 cells by inhibiting excessive JNK phosphorylation and reducing TNF-α expression. These findings elucidate the pharmacological substances and mechanisms underlying the sedative and calming effects of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum.
2.STAR Recommendations: A novel framework for generating recommendations.
Xu WANG ; Janne ESTILL ; Hui LIU ; Qianling SHI ; Jie ZHANG ; Shilin TANG ; Huayu ZHANG ; Xueping LI ; Zhewei LI ; Yaxuan REN ; Bingyi WANG ; Fan WANG ; Juan JUAN ; Huixia YANG ; Xiuyuan HAO ; Junmin WEI ; Yaolong CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(14):1643-1646
3.Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of MAPK genes in response to Plasmodiophora brassicae infection in Brassica juncea.
Chu XU ; Haiping WANG ; Jiangping SONG ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Huixia JIA ; Jiaqi HAN ; Zhijie LI ; Sen LI ; Wenlong YANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(2):736-752
In recent years, the spread of clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae infection has seriously affected the yield and quality of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.. The cascade of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), a highly conserved signaling pathway, plays an important role in plant responses to both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. To mine the MAPK genes related to clubroot disease resistance in B. juncea, we conducted a genome-wide analysis on this vegetable, and we analyzed the phylogenetic evolution and gene structure of the MAPK gene family in mustard. The 66 BjuMAPK genes identified by screening the whole genome sequence of B. juncea were unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes. At the genomic scale, tandem repeats led to an increase in the number of MAPK genes in B. juncea. It was found that members of the same subfamily had similar gene structures, and there were great differences among different subfamilies. These predicted cis-acting elements were related to plant hormones, stress resistance, and plant growth and development. The expression of BjuMAPK02, BjuMAPK15, BjuMAPK17, and BjuMAPK19 were down-regulated or up-regulated in response to P. brassicae infection. The above results lay a theoretical foundation for further studying the functions of BjuMAPK genes in B. juncea in response to the biotic stress caused by clubroot disease.
Mustard Plant/parasitology*
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Plasmodiophorida/pathogenicity*
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Plant Diseases/genetics*
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
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Phylogeny
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Disease Resistance/genetics*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Genome, Plant
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Plant Proteins/genetics*
4.Effect of Modified Zhigancao Granules (炙甘草汤加味颗粒) on Early Recurrence Following Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation of Qi-Yin Deficiency Syndrome:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Yucai HU ; Boyong QIU ; Jingjing WEI ; Bin LI ; Zuoying XING ; Huixia PENG ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yongxia WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2460-2466
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Modified Zhigancao Granules (炙甘草汤加味颗粒) for preventing the early recurrence following radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) of qi-yin deficiency syndrome. MethodsA multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed. A total of 116 patients with atrial fibrillation of qi-yin deficiency syndrome who underwent radiofrequency ablation for the first time were enrolled from 3 centers, and they were randomly divided into a treatment group (59 cases) and a control group (57 cases). Both groups received basic western medicine treatment after surgery. In addition, the treatment group was given oral Modified Zhigancao Granules, while the control group was given oral placebo granules. The dosage for both groups was 20 g each time, twice a day, with continuous treatment for 12 weeks. The recurrence of atrial fibrillation in both groups was recorded at 24 hours, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery. The serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected before treatment and 12 weeks after treatment in both groups. The scores of Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life (AFEQT) Questionnaire (including scores of the daily life dimension, symptom dimension, treatment worry dimension, treatment satisfaction dimension, and total score) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were compared before treatment and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks between groups. Safety indicators such as blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function were monitored before and after treatment. ResultsNine of the treatment group and seven of the control group dropped out. Finally, 50 patients in each group were included in the statistical analysis. At 24 hours, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery, the recurrence rates of AF in the treatment group were 2.0% (1/50), 2.0% (1/50), 4.0% (2/50), and 10.0% (5/50), respectively; while those in the control group were 2.0% (1/50), 26.0% (13/50), 28.0% (14/50), and 34.0% (17/50), respectively. Compared with the control group at the same time points, the early recurrence rates of AF in the treatment group were significantly lower at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery (P<0.01). Compared with the baseline within group, BNP, hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in the treatment group all decreased after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05); the difference in hs-CRP levels (before vs. after treatment) in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the baseline within group, both groups showed decreases in the total score of AFEQT Questionnaire, scores of the daily life dimension, treatment worry dimension, symptom dimension, and TCM syndrome scores at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment. Meanwhile, the score of the treatment satisfaction dimension of AFEQT increased in both groups (P<0.01), and the improvements in all the above scores in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group at all time points (P<0.05 or P<0.01). All safety indicators of patients in both groups were within the normal range before treatment and at 12 weeks after treatment, and no adverse reactions or adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionModified Zhigancao Granules can reduce the early recurrence rate following radiofrequency ablation in AF patients with qi-yin deficiency syndrome, improve clinical symptoms and quality of life, suppress inflammatory response, and show good safety.
5.Case 02 (2024): Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction during pregnancy caused by coronary artery dissection: a case report
Lingying KONG ; Pengkang HE ; Jianping LI ; Dongxin WANG ; Tao HONG ; Yu SUN ; Qian CHEN ; Yumei WEI ; Hong ZHANG ; Huixia YANG
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(3):226-232
This article presents a case of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a pregnant woman caused by coronary artery dissection. The 41-year-old patient had undergone cardiac valve surgery at the age of 1 and had no risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, or a family history of coronary artery disease. At 31 +1 weeks of gestation, she experienced sudden chest pain for 4 hours and was emergently referred to Peking University First Hospital on June 1, 2021. Electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation in leads I, aVL, and V 2 to V 6. Biochemical assays showed elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase-MB. Echocardiography indicated segmental ventricular wall motion abnormalities (apical) and reduced left ventricular function, confirming the diagnosis of acute anterior wall STEMI. The patient promptly underwent emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention and confirmed coronary artery dissection. Postoperative care included antiplatelet, anticoagulation, and supportive treatment. At 34 +3 weeks of gestation, with the condition of acute anterior wall STEMI being relatively stable, a cesarean section was successfully performed. Regular cardiology follow-ups were scheduled postpartum, and cardiac function was normal in two years after discharge.
6.Influencing factors of occupational stress and health effect among grassroots medical and health personnel in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei Province based on Bayesian network
Huixia LI ; Junqin ZHAO ; Lixin YANG ; Qiuying DONG ; Jinmei SHI ; Jianguo LI ; Chunxiang ZHAO ; Yan GAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(12):1400-1406
Background Grassroots medical and health personnel are an important component of China's public health system, and guaranteeing their physical and mental health will have a profound impact on the development of China's health service. Objective To identify potential influencing factors of occupational stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia as well as their interactions. Methods In August 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among all the staff (
7.Short-term substitution of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) with recombinant humanized anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (Basiliximab) as aGVHD prophylaxis in CNI intolerant patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Shan SHAO ; Huixia LIU ; Ying JIANG ; Su LI ; Daolin WEI ; Jun ZHU ; Chun WANG ; Chuxian ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(2):115-120
Objectives:To investigate the efficacy of short-term substitution of recombinant humanized anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (Basiliximab) as acute GVHD (aGVHD) prophylaxis in calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) intolerant patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) .Methods:This study included 17 patients with refractory malignant hematological disorders who underwent salvage allo-HSCT at the Bone Marrow Transplantation Department of Shanghai Zhaxin Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from August 2021 to August 2022 and were treated with Baliximab to prevent aGVHD due to severe adverse reactions to CNI. There were seven men and ten women, with a median age of 43 years (18-67). Following the discontinuation of CNI, Basiliximab was administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg once weekly until CNI or mTOR inhibitors were resumed.Results:Basiliximab was started at an average of 5 (1-32) days after HSCT. The median duration of substitution was 20 (7-120) days. All had neutrophil engraftment within a median of 12 (10-17) days. Thirteen patients had platelet engraftment after a median of 13 (11-20) days. Four patients did not develop stable platelet engraftment. Eight patients (47.1% ) developed Grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD, while four (23.6% ) developed Grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ aGVHD. Only one patient died from aGVHD. Before the end of the followup period, seven of 17 patients died. The longest followup period of the survivors was 347 days, and the median survival rate was not met. The overall survival (OS) rate at six months was 62.6%. Among the 17 patients, 13 (76.4% ) experienced cytomegalovirus reactivation, 7 (41.2% ) experienced EB virus activation, and no cytomegalovirus disease was observed.Conclusions:When CNI intolerance occurs during allo-HSCT, short-term replacement with Baliximab can be used as an alternative to prevent aGVHD.
8.Clinical study of 15 cases of primary non-immunodeficient central nervous system lymphoma in children
Huixia GAO ; Ningning ZHANG ; Chunju ZHOU ; Ling JIN ; Jing YANG ; Shuang HUANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Nan LI ; Yonghong ZHANG ; Yanlong DUAN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(2):190-194
Clinical data of 15 primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) children aged ≤18 years admitted to our hospital between May 2013 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Our goal was to summarize the clinical features of children and investigate the therapeutic effect of a high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) based chemotherapy regimen on this disease. The male-to-female ratio was 2.7∶1, and the median age was 7.2 (2.3-16.4) years at diagnosis. The initial clinical symptoms were primarily cranial hypertension, with imaging findings revealing multiple lesions. Pediatric PCNSL with normal immune function has a favorable prognosis with HD-MTX-based chemotherapy. Patients with a stable disease can be treated with minimal or no maintenance. HD-MTX-based chemotherapy remains effective when the disease progresses or recurs after an initial course of non-HD-MTX-based chemotherapy.
9.Research progress of glutathione peroxidase 4/glutathione ferroptosis defense system in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Yuan ZHOU ; Yang LYU ; Xuerui LI ; Xiaoyue YANG ; Jiaqi SONG ; Huixia LU
Journal of Xinxiang Medical College 2024;41(10):991-995
Ferroptosis is a way of cell death with lipid peroxides as the core.Cells can reduce ferroptosis sensitivity by relying on glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)/glutathione(GSH)antioxidant systems.Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)cells are more dependent on the intracellular antioxidant mechanism than normal cells,thus induction of ferroptosis based on the GPX4/GSH system has shown bright anti-TNBC prospects.This paper reviews the recent research on TNBC treatment with ferroptosis in the background of GPX4/GSH,in order to provide references for the clinical treatment of TNBC.
10.Four cases of refractory hyponatremia caused by secondary adrenal cortical insufficiency after chemotherapy in children with tumors of lymphoid hematopoietic system
Ying LIU ; Bai LI ; Huixia WEI ; Yufeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2024;39(8):605-608
Objective:To explore the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of refractory hyponatremia caused by secondary adrenal cortical insufficiency (SACI) after chemotherapy in children with tumors of the lymphoid hematopoietic system.Methods:Clinical data including age, sex, serum sodium level, time of onset of hyponatremia, duration of hyponatremia, cortisol level, 24 h urinary sodium level, plasma/urine osmotic pressure, treatment and prognosis of 3 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) children and 1 lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) child with SACI-caused refractory hyponatremia treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to June 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The 4 patients were all boys, and they received Dexamethasone chemotherapy.The primary clinical manifestations were fatigue, moderate hyponatremia in 3 cases, and mild hyponatremia in 1 case.Hyponatremia occurred after 1 week of glucocorticoid therapy and persisted for 10-20 days (mean 14.25 days).The 24 h urinary sodium level increased, plasma osmotic pressure slightly decreased or was at the low limit of the normal range, and urine osmotic pressure was greater than plasma osmotic pressure.The serum cortisol level at 8∶00 AM.decreased in 1 LBL case, increased in 1 ALL case, and remained normal in 2 ALL cases.After treatment with Hydrocortisone [10 mg/(m 2·d), taken orally in 2 doses], hyponatremia was quickly corrected within 3-5 days. Conclusions:When receiving glucocorticoid therapy, children with tumors of the lymphoid hematopoietic system may have SACI, and the hyponatremia caused by it generally appears 1 week after glucocorticoid therapy and persists for a long time.Laboratory tests are similar to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, but the response to intravenous/oral supplementation of concentrated sodium and water restriction treatment is poor.The addition of Hydrocortisone can quickly correct hyponatremia, and the prognosis is excellent.

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