Chronic heart failure （CHF） is a clinical syndrome characterized by impaired ventricular ejection function due to cardiac abnormalities， representing the terminal stage of most cardiovascular diseases. With its rising prevalence and significant impact on patients' quality of life， CHF has emerged as a major global public health concern. Current Western medicine treatments mainly involve the oral administration of the "new quadruple therapy" drugs and diuretics. Despite substantial progress in pathological research and clinical treatment， challenges persist， including considerable side effects， drug resistance， and marked interindividual variability in therapeutic response. Therefore， exploring and leveraging the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in treating CHF has become an urgent research priority. TCM has a millennia-long history in the prevention and treatment of heart failure， accumulating extensive clinical experience. Characterized by its multi-component and multi-target properties， TCM enables holistic regulation of multiple systemic functions and intervention in the progression of heart failure， demonstrating significant clinical relevance in its management. By employing therapeutic strategies such as warming Yang， promoting diuresis， replenishing Qi， nourishing Yin， and activating blood circulation， TCM effectively improves myocardial fibrosis， inhibits oxidative stress responses， enhances myocardial contractility， and ameliorates ventricular remodeling. Modern proprietary Chinese medicines derived from classic formulas， based on the theoretical foundation of traditional prescriptions， not only exhibit favorable clinical efficacy but also offer notable advantages in convenience， stability， and safety. This review systematically examined the significant therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of classical TCM formulas in the treatment of CHF， and provided an overview of the clinical application of modern proprietary Chinese medicines. It aims to provide new strategies for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which breast cancer-derived LncRNA OIP5-AS1 regulates the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer cells through the M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). Methods MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into the control group (blank control), the NC group (transfected with NC siRNA), and the si-OIP5 group (transfected with LncRNA OIP5-AS1 siRNA). The mRNA expression levels of LncRNAs OIP5-AS1, IL-4, and IL-13 were detected by RT-qPCR. The protein expression levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA. The culture supernatant from the control group was added to RPMI 1640 medium at different volume ratios to induce the polarization of M0 macrophages into TAMs. The mRNA expression of CD206 in TAMs was detected by RT-qPCR. M0-type macrophages were induced with the medium supernatant of the NC group/si-OIP5 group, and the expression of CD206 was detected by Western blot. Subsequently, a co-culture model of macrophage and MDA-MB-231 was constructed to evaluate the migration and invasion abilities of MDA-MB-231 cells and detect the expression changes in Vimentin, N-cadherin and E-cadherin. Results Compared with the control and NC groups, the si-OIP5 group showed significantly downregulated expression of LncRNA OIP5-AS1 (P<0.001) and significantly decreased IL-13 mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). Meanwhile, no significant difference was observed in the expression of IL-4 among the groups. Conditioned medium induced CD206 expression in M0 macrophages in a volume-dependent manner, with the strongest effect at a 40% volume ratio (P<0.001). The CD206 protein level in the si-OIP5 group significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the co-culture system, the migration and invasion abilities of MDA-MB-231 cells in the si-OIP5 group significantly weakened (P<0.001), the expression of E-cadherin was upregulated, and the expression levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin were downregulated (both P<0.01). Conclusion Breast cancer-derived LncRNA OIP5-AS1 can induce TAM M2 polarization mediated by IL-13, thereby promoting the migration, invasion, and EMT of breast cancer cells.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan （GFW） against hepatic fibrosis， focusing on elucidating the regulatory effect of GFW on the mitochondrial DNA （mtDNA）/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）/gasdermin D （GSDMD） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-two male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly allocated into six groups （n=7）： control， model， low/medium/high-dose （0.14， 0.28， 0.56 g·kg^-1·d^-1） GFW （GFW-L， GFW-M， GFW-H）， and Dahuang Zhechong pills （DZW， 1.8 g·kg^-1·d^-1）. The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. General conditions of the rats were observed. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels were measured. Liver histopathology and collagen deposition were observed through hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） was employed to observe structural alterations and damage of cellular ultrastructures including mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential （MMP， ΔΨ_m） was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-18 （IL-18） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 in the liver tissue were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein levels of key molecules in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight （P<0.01）， an increase in liver index （P<0.01）， elevations in serum ALT and AST levels （P<0.01）， and typical fibrotic features such as disorganized hepatocytes， inflammatory infiltration， and increased collagen deposition in the liver tissue. TEM revealed significant karyotheca degeneration， mitochondrial swelling， endoplasmic reticulum expansion， and organelle efflux in the model group. In addition， the model group showed decreased ΔΨ_m （P<0.01）， up-regulated mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 （P<0.01） and protein levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD （P<0.01） in the liver tissue， and increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 （P<0.01）. Compared with that in the model group， the body weight increased in GFW-L， GFW-M， and DZW groups （P<0.05） and markedly increased in the GFW-H group （P<0.01）. The liver index decreased in the GFW groups and DZW group （P<0.01）. The serum ALT level declined in the GFW-L group （P<0.05）， and the serum ALT and AST levels decreased in the GFW-M， GFW-H， and DZW groups （P<0.01）. Histopathological damage and fibrosis were alleviated to varying degrees， and TEM revealed mitigated ultrastructural injuries including mitophagy， mitochondrial swelling， and endoplasmic reticulum expansion in the drug intervention groups. The ΔΨ_m increased in GFW groups without statistical significance. The mRNA level of mtDNA in the liver tissue was down-regulated in the GFW-M （P<0.05）， GFW-H （P<0.01）， and DZW （P<0.01） groups. The mRNA level of NLRP3 was down-regulated in GFW-M， GFW-H， and DZW groups （P<0.01）. Western blot analysis showed significantly down-regulated protein level of NLRP3 in all the GFW groups and the DZW group （P<0.01）. The protein level of GSDMD-N was down-regulated in GFW-H and DZW groups （P<0.01）. The protein level of cleaved Caspase-1 was down-regulated in GFW-M （P<0.05）， GFW-H （P<0.01）， and DZW （P<0.01） groups. In addition， the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 declined in GFW-H and DZW groups （P<0.01）. ConclusionGFW can suppress pyroptosis to ameliorate CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis， potentially through mitigating mitochondrial damage， inhibiting inflammasome assembly and activation， and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine release.

Chronic heart failure （CHF） is the final stage of cardiovascular diseases. It is a complex syndrome， with dyspnea and edema as the main clinical manifestations， and it is characterized by complex disease conditions， difficult cure， and high mortality. Ferroptosis， a new type of programmed cell death， is different from other types of programmed cell death. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent， accompanied by lipid peroxide accumulation and mitochondrial shrinkage， becoming a hot research topic. Studies have confirmed that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of CHF. The regulation of ferroptosis may become a potential target for the treatment of CHF in the future. The theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation refers to the pathological state of original Qi deficiency and abnormal transportation and distribution of Qi， blood， and body fluid， which has guiding significance for revealing the pathogenesis evolution of some chronic diseases. We believe that Qi deficiency and stagnation is a summary of the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in CHF. Deficiency of Qi （heart Qi） is the root cause of CHF， and stagnation （phlegm turbidity and blood stasis） is the branch of this disease. The two influence each other in a vicious circle to promote the development of this disease. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） plays an important role in the treatment of CHF， improving the prognosis and quality of life of CHF patients. This paper explores the correlation between the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation and the mechanism of ferroptosis in CHF. Furthermore， this paper reviews the mechanism of Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions in preventing and treating CHF by regulating ferroptosis according to the principles of replenishing Qi and dredging to remove stagnation， aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of CHF with TCM.

Objective::To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and clinical application of the Obstetrical Chinese Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Scoring System (OCDSS).Methods::This study is a retrospective study that collected 1063 cases from Wuhan Union Hospital, Yichang Central People’s Hospital, and the Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture between July 2017 and June 2024. These cases were divided into DIC and non-DIC groups based on score standard. Diagnosis of DIC, the rate of hysterectomy, neonatal mortality, and severe asphyxia are the main outcome measures. All the laboratory indicators are all determined by clinical laboratory department of the hospital. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range) and frequencies. Independent sample t-test or non-parametric test were used to compare measurement data, while the chi-square test was used for count data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) were used to test the predictive accuracy. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to study the high-risk factors. P < 0.050 indicates a statistical significance. Results::Of 1063 participants in this study, 29 participants (2.73%) were diagnosed with obstetrical DIC by OCDSS score standard, and all the participants were diagnosed as DIC with underlying disease. When the Takao, Clark, and Erez score standard is the "gold standard", the OCDSS score standard always shows good sensitivity and specificity, with all the AUC over 0.75. OCDSS score standard also has better predictive of hysterectomy (68.18%, 91.07%, 0.872), severe neonatal asphyxia and death (79.17%, 75.07%, 0.842) than the other three score standards. All the indicators included in the OCDSS score standard contributed to the DIC diagnosis (all the P < 0.001). The indicators in the DIC group were more abnormal than the non-DIC group (all the P < 0.001). Conclusion::OCDSS is a first score standard, especially for pregnancies, it considers the underlying disease, clinical symptoms, and laboratory results. This score system shared a good diagnosis performance for DIC in the Chinese population and may help clinicians make timely decisions.

Objective:To analyze the biological parameters of the anterior segment of age-related cataracts patients with or without zonular weakness with the new generation of sweep-source anterior optical coherence tomography (OCT) device CASIA2 to provide a basis for the diagnosis of zonular weakness.Methods:A case-control study was conducted.A total of 158 cases (186 eyes) of patients with age-related cataracts having zonular weakness as a zonular weakness group, and 80 cases (80 eyes) of cataract with age-related cataracts without zonular weakness as a normal zonule group were enroll from June 2022 to June 2023 at Beijing Tongren Hospital.All patients underwent routine preoperative ophthalmological examination including slit lamp microsopy, IOLMaster 700, ocular B-ultrasound and OCT.The anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), lens thickness (LT), lens vault (LV), anterior chamber angle opening distance at 750 μm (AOD750), lens decentration and tilt, radius of curvature of the anterior lens surface (RAL), and radius of curvature of the posterior lens surface (RPL) of patients were measured with CASIA2 and compared between the two groups.The relationship between zonular weakness and anterior chamber parameters and lens parameters was evaluated by logistic regression analysis.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital (No.TRECKY2018-049), and all enrolled patients signed the informed consent form.Results:In the zonular weakness group, ACD, ACV, RAL, and AOD750 were (2.34±0.56)mm, (85.05±40.19)mm 3, 7.52 (7.13, 8.08)mm, and 0.27 (0.07, 0.30)mm, respectively, which were smaller than (3.13±0.38)mm, (127.75±38.15)mm 3, 9.28(8.51, 9.76)mm, and 0.52 (0.31, 0.65)mm in the normal zonule group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).LT and LV in the zonular weakness group were (5.14±0.45)mm and (1.22±0.53)mm, respectively, which were larger than (4.27±0.52)mm and (0.32±0.30)mm in the normal zonule group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05).Magnitude of lens decentration and tilt in the zonular weakness were 0.34 (0.13, 0.45)mm and 6.44 (3.67, 7.32)°, respectively, which were significantly larger than 0.19 (0.12, 0.25)mm and 4.88 (3.85, 5.65)° in the normal zonule group (both P<0.05).No obvious pattern was found in the direction of decentration and tilt.Logistic regression analysis showed that LV and lens decentration were risk factors of zonular weakness (odds ratios [ OR]=706.170, 335.339; both P<0.05), and RAL was a protective factor of zonular weakness ( OR=0.239, P<0.05). Conclusions:Age-related cataract patients with zonular weakness often present with a decrease in ACV due to increased anterior convexity of the lens.Decreased RAL, increased lens decentration and elevated LV are risk factors for zonular weakness.

Objective::To investigate the correlation between maternal serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and gestational duration in pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension (PH).Methods::The study included pregnant individuals with PH stemming from mitral valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation (post-capillary PH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (pre-capillary PH) who were admitted to Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2020. In this retrospective cohort study, maternal serum NT-proBNP levels during pregnancy, along with other clinical data, were obtained from structured electronic medical records. These data included gestational age at delivery, echocardiographic parameters, laboratory findings, gestational duration, delivery mode, and other relevant clinical variables. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between NT-proBNP levels and gestational duration. Adjustments were made for potential confounding factors, and curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were employed to identify tangent points. Furthermore, stratified analyses were performed based on tricuspid regurgitation velocity, maternal age, and parity.Results::A total of 64 patients with post-capillary PH and 74 patients with pre-capillary PH were included in this study. Among patients with post-capillary PH, the results of multivariate regression analysis indicated a significant association between maternal NT-proBNP levels and gestational duration (β = -0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.05 to 0.00, P = 0.02). The fitted curve demonstrated a negative correlation between maternal NT-proBNP levels and gestational duration, with a significant break point at 379.9 ng/L ( P < 0.05). In the post-capillary PH group, the stratified analysis revealed a regression coefficient of -0.05 (95% CI:-0.06 to -0.04, P = 0.001) in patients with a tricuspid regurgitation velocity >340 mm/s. For patients >35 years old, the regression coefficient was -0.03 (95% CI -0.06 to -0.01, P = 0.02). In multiparous women, the regression coefficient was -0.03 (95% CI-0.06 to 0.00, P = 0.03). Conclusion::In pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension, maternal NT-proBNP levels are associated with gestational duration, particularly with an increased risk of preterm labor.

Objective:To analyze the color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) features of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) at different stages.Methods:A retrospective study. A total of 104 patients with 201 eyes from Department of Ophthalmology of Beijing Tongren Hospital who were hospitalized for fundus examination and diagnosed with FEVR from 2018 to 2022 were included. There were 69 male cases with 133 eyes and 35 female cases with 68 eyes. The age was ranged from 2 months to 11 years, with a mean age of 2.9 years. Fundus and CDFI examination were performed in both eyes. Fluorescein fundus angiography was performed in 72 cases (144 eyes). FEVR staging was conducted according to literature standards. The presence of avascular areas in the peripheral retina or abnormal retina neovascularization was stage 1; the presence of retinal neovascularization at the vitreoretinal interface in the avascular area was stage 2; partial retinal detachment without macula involvement was stage 3; partial retinal detachment involving the macula was stage 4; complete retinal detachment was stage 5. The CDFI ultrasound features of FEVR at different stages were analyzed. The CDFI image features of FEVR patients in different stages were observed.Results:Among the 104 patients, 97 (93.3%, 97/104) cases were binocular and 7 (6.7%, 7/104) cases were monocular. In 201 eyes, stages 1 to 5 of FEVR were 49 (24.4%, 49/201), 23 (11.4%, 23/201), 39 (19.4%, 39/201), 71 (35.3%, 71/201), and 19 (9.5%, 19/201) eyes, respectively. CDFI examination showed no abnormality or mild vitreous opacity in 49 eyes vitreous body at stage 1. Vitreous opacities were observed in all 23 eyes in stage 2, and the echo of the temporal ballwall was not smooth. In 39 eyes at stage 3, the anterior globular cluster echo in temporal peripheral eyes was observed in 17 eyes and partial retinal detachment was observed in 13 eyes. In 71 eyes at stage 4, 51 eyes had temporal or infratemporal retinal folds, and 20 eyes had temporal retinal detachment. All the 19 eyes in stage 5 had total retinal detachment, of which 15 eyes had closed "funnel-shaped" retinal detachment. Among the patients with retinal folds, 13 had bilateral folds, and the fellow eyes of the other 25 patients with unilateral folds all had vitreous opacity or clump echo in front of the temporal spherical wall. Blood flow signals could be detected on the retinal folds with Doppler imaging.Conclusions:The CDFI manifestations of FEVR patients at different stages have different characteristics. The possibility of FEVR should be considered when the temporal or infratemporal retinal folds of both eyes are present, as well as the retinal folds of one eye, the contralateral vitreous body opacity, or the anterior temporal peribulbar cluster echoes are present.

Objective:To observe the ultrasonographic features of idiopathic uveal effusion syndrome (IUES).Methods:A retrospective controlled study. From January 2012 to December 2023, 13 patients with IUES (26 eyes) diagnosed by ophthalmology examination in Department of Ophthalmonogy of Beijing Tongren Hospital (IUES group) and 22 healthy people with 30 eyes (control group) were included in the study. Both eyes of all participants were examined by color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and ultrasonic biomicroscopy (UBM). The thickness of the ocular wall at 300 μm on the temporal side of the optic disc was measured by CDU. UBM was used to measure the thickness of the nasal and temporal scleral processes. Corneal thickness (CT), anterior chamber depth (AD), lens thickness (LT) and axial length (AL) were measured by A-mode ultrasound. There were no significant differences in age ( t=0.842), sex component ratio ( χ2=0.540), eye difference ( χ2=0.108) and AL ( t=0.831) between IUES group and control group ( P>0.05). The CDU and UBM imaging features and biometrics of IUES affected eyes were observed. Independent sample t test was used for comparison between groups. Results:CDU examination results showed that in 26 eyes of IUES group, choroidal detachment occurred in 20 eyes (76.9%, 20/26), which showed arc-shaped band echo connected with peripheral and equatorial eye wall echo, with uniform low echo area below, and blood flow signal could be seen on the band echo. The echo thickened and decreased in 4 eyes (15.3%, 4/26). Nine eyes (33.3%, 9/26) were accompanied by retinal detachment, which showed that the posterior pole vitreous echo was connected to the optic disc echo, and the blood flow signal was seen on the ribbon echo. UBM results showed ciliary detachment in 22 eyes (84.7%, 22/26), showing a spongy thickening of the ciliary body with interlamellar echo separation and an echoless area between the sclera. Ciliary body echo thickened and decreased in 2 eyes (7.7%, 2/26). Shallow space between ciliary body and sclera was observed in 2 eyes (7.7%, 2/26). Compared with the control group, CT ( Z=2.054), LT ( Z=1.867), scleral thickness ( Z=2.536) and ocular wall thickness ( Z=2.094) were thickened in IUES group, and AD ( Z=1.888) were decreased, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The CDU of IUES is characterized by a thickened echo of the ocular wall and a uniform low echo area under the detached choroid. UBM is characterized by a spongy thickening of the ciliary body echo with interlaminar echo separation.

Objective:To observe the color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) features of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL).Methods:Retrospective case series. From January 2022 to December 2024, 71 eyes of 42 patients diagnosed with VRL at the Eye Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital were enrolled. Among them, 17 were male and 25 female; 29 had bilateral and 13 unilateral involvement. Age ranged 17-78 years (median 59 years). Eleven cases had histopathologic confirmation and 31 were clinically diagnosed. All patients underwent CDFI and optical coherence tomography (OCT). CDFI findings were analyzed, noting the presence or absence of vitreous opacities (centrifugal distribution), posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), retinal detachment, and retinal elevated lesions. With Doppler overlay, blood flow within retinal lesions was assessed. The χ 2 test was used to compare the detection rates of retinal lesions by CDFI and OCT, while Cohen’s Kappa assessed agreement in identifying the depth of lymphoma cell infiltration. Results:Among 71 eyes, vitreous opacity occurred in 66 eyes (93.0%, 66/71), of which 40 eyes (60.6%, 40/66) showed centrifugal opacity. 58 eyes (81.7%, 58/71) had posterior vitreous detachment. Retinal detachment occurred in 7 eyes (9.9%, 7/71). Retinal occupying lesions occurred in 23 eyes (32.4%, 23/61), of which 15 eyes (65.2%, 15/23) showed blood flow signals on the surface of the lesions but no blood flow signals inside the lesions by CDFI, and OCT showed that tumor cells gathered under the retinal pigment epithelium. CDFI showed blood flow signals inside the lesions in 8 eyes (34.8%, 8/23), and OCT showed that tumor cells gathered between retinal neuroepithelial layers. The lesion detection rate of OCT (69.6%, 16/23) was significantly lower than that of CDFI (100.0%, 23/23) ( χ 2= 6.066, P=0.014). OCT and CDFI showed perfect agreement in determining the depth of tumor cell infiltration (Kappa=1.0). Conclusions:The ultrasonographic manifestations of VRL include vitreous opacity, PVD, and some retinal occupying lesions. Vitreous opacity often presents a characteristic centrifugal distribution. By observing whether there is blood flow signal in retinopathy using Doppler, the level of lymphoma cell infiltration can be suggested.