1.Yinchenhao Tang Regulates Pyroptosis to Intervene in Cholestatic Liver Injury
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):55-62
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yinchenhao Tang intervenes in α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1) pyroptosis signaling pathway. MethodsForty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, ursodeoxycholic acid, and Yinchenhao Tang groups. Except the blank group, other groups were treated with ANIT dissolved in olive oil for the modeling of cholestatic liver injury. Ursodeoxycholic acid (0.1 g·kg-1) and Yinchenhao Tang (9.23 g·kg-1) were administered by gavage. The blank group and the model group were administrated with the same amount of pure water, once a day for 3 days. The blood and liver tissue samples were collected, and the serum levels of liver function indicators were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the liver. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue were determined by ELISA. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-18, TGR5, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the liver tissue were assessed by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of TGR5, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acid (TBA), and total bilirubin (TBil) in the serum (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocyte swelling, and bile duct epithelial cell proliferation in the liver, raised levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-18 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), IL-1β (P<0.05), and NLRP3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), and GSDMD (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ursodeoxycholic acid group showed declined levels of AST (P<0.01), TBA (P<0.01), TBil (P<0.01), and ALT (P<0.05) in the serum, lowered levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3 (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), IL-1β (P<0.05), IL-18 (P<0.05), and ASC (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Yinchenhao Tang group showed lowered levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBA, and TBil in the serum (P<0.01), declined levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-1β (P<0.01), NLRP3 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), and IL-18 (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1 and GSDMD (P<0.05). The liver tissue of the administration groups showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, reduced swelling of hepatocytes, and alleviated proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang can ameliorate ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the hepatocyte pyroptosis mediated by the TGR5/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.
2.Intervention Effect and Regulation Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang on Cholestatic Liver Injury
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):71-80
Cholestatic liver injury refers to the bile production, secretion, and excretion disorder caused by various reasons. It induces liver injury, metabolic disorders, and dysfunction of the hepatobiliary system, which can further develop into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. At present, the preferred drug for clinical treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid, which, however, induces adverse reactions and is intolerant in some patients. Yinchenhao Tang is a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of jaundice due to Yang jaundice. It has the effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and removing jaundice and has shown good therapeutic effect in long-term clinical application. Modern pharmacological studies have found that this prescription has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, bile acid balance-regulating, hepatocyte apoptosis-inhibiting and other liver-protecting effects. This paper reviews the relevant clinical and animal experimental studies on Yinchenhao Tang in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury in recent years. Yinchenhao Tang can intervene in the progression of cholestatic liver injury by regulating bile acid metabolism and excretion, reducing inflammatory response, inhibiting oxidative stress, alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis, and protecting intestinal mucosal barrier. This paper systematically expounds the molecular mechanisms by which Yinchenhao Tang regulates cholestatic liver injury that are confirmed by current research, aiming to provide reference for the clinical application and in-depth study of Yinchenhao Tang.
3.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
4.Analysis of individual monitoring results of occupational external exposure in a steel group
Bing QU ; Mengxue LI ; Lei ZHANG ; Jun DENG ; Weidong MA
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):378-383
Objective To understand the individual radiation dose levels and changes of occupational external exposure among radiation workers in a steel group from 2020 to 2023, and to provide a basis for strengthening radiation protection in the group. Methods According to the Specifications for individual monitoring of occupational external exposure (GBZ 128-2019), individual monitoring was conducted using a thermoluminescent dosimeter, with each monitoring cycle lasting 90 days, totaling four cycles per year. Individual monitoring data of occupational external exposure among radiation workers in the steel group from 2020 to 2023 were collected for statistical analysis. Results A total of
5.Construction and application of the "Huaxi Hongyi" large medical model
Rui SHI ; Bing ZHENG ; Xun YAO ; Hao YANG ; Xuchen YANG ; Siyuan ZHANG ; Zhenwu WANG ; Dongfeng LIU ; Jing DONG ; Jiaxi XIE ; Hu MA ; Zhiyang HE ; Cheng JIANG ; Feng QIAO ; Fengming LUO ; Jin HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):587-593
Objective To construct large medical model named by "Huaxi HongYi"and explore its application effectiveness in assisting medical record generation. Methods By the way of a full-chain medical large model construction paradigm of "data annotation - model training - scenario incubation", through strategies such as multimodal data fusion, domain adaptation training, and localization of hardware adaptation, "Huaxi HongYi" with 72 billion parameters was constructed. Combined with technologies such as speech recognition, knowledge graphs, and reinforcement learning, an application system for assisting in the generation of medical records was developed. Results Taking the assisted generation of discharge records as an example, in the pilot department, after using the application system, the average completion times of writing a medical records shortened (21 min vs. 5 min) with efficiency increased by 3.2 time, the accuracy rate of the model output reached 92.4%. Conclusion It is feasible for medical institutions to build independently controllable medical large models and incubate various applications based on these models, providing a reference pathway for artificial intelligence development in similar institutions.
6.Brief summary on GAO Shuzhong's academic thought of acupuncture and moxibustion.
Bing LIU ; Yuxia MA ; Shuzhong GAO
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(2):217-221
The academic thought of Professor GAO Shuzhong on acupuncture and moxibustion is investigated systematically and summarized as 5 aspects: establishing GAO 's theory and methodological method of "siguan santong" (four gates and three opens); structuring the theory of "yinyang, qi movement, ascending and descending" pivoted at the umbilicus; deepening the laws of "stereo-layered holographic correspondence in the human body"; proposing "the method of bi-location" of acupoint systems based on meridian and collateral theories; developing the characteristic differentiation theory of acupuncture and moxibustion. These summaries reflect the unique perspective and distinctive features of Professor GAO Shuzhong on the theory of acupuncture and moxibustion, and his clinical thinking; and bring the practical significance for the discipline and academic development of acupuncture and moxibustion.
Moxibustion/history*
;
Humans
;
China
;
Acupuncture/education*
;
Acupuncture Therapy/history*
;
History, 20th Century
7.Arsenic trioxide preconditioning attenuates hepatic ischemia- reperfusion injury in mice: Role of ERK/AKT and autophagy.
Chaoqun WANG ; Hongjun YU ; Shounan LU ; Shanjia KE ; Yanan XU ; Zhigang FENG ; Baolin QIAN ; Miaoyu BAI ; Bing YIN ; Xinglong LI ; Yongliang HUA ; Zhongyu LI ; Dong CHEN ; Bangliang CHEN ; Yongzhi ZHOU ; Shangha PAN ; Yao FU ; Hongchi JIANG ; Dawei WANG ; Yong MA
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2993-3003
BACKGROUND:
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI.
METHODS:
In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS:
A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent.
CONCLUSION
Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals
;
Arsenic Trioxide
;
Autophagy/physiology*
;
Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology*
;
Arsenicals/therapeutic use*
;
Oxides/therapeutic use*
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
8.Identification of GSK3 family and regulatory effects of brassinolide on growth and development of Nardostachys jatamansi.
Yu-Yan LEI ; Zheng MA ; Jing WEI ; Wen-Bing LI ; Ying LI ; Zheng-Ming YANG ; Shao-Shan ZHANG ; Jing-Qiu FENG ; Hua-Chun SHENG ; Yuan LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):395-403
This study identified 8 members including NjBIN2 of the GSK3 family in Nardostachys jatamansi by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree revealed that the GKS3 family members of N. jatamansi had a close relationship with those of Arabidopsis. RT-qPCR results showed that NjBIN2 presented a tissue-specific expression pattern with the highest expression in roots, suggesting that NjBIN2 played a role in root growth and development. In addition, the application of epibrassinolide or the brassinosteroid(BR) synthesis inhibitor(brassinazole) altered the expression pattern of NjBIN2 and influenced the photomorphogenesis(cotyledon opening) and root development of N. jatamansi, which provided direct evidence about the functions of NjBIN2. In conclusion, this study highlights the roles of BIN2 in regulating the growth and development of N. jatamansi by analyzing the expression pattern and biological function of NjBIN2. It not only enriches the understanding about the regulatory mechanism of the growth and development of N. jatamansi but also provides a theoretical basis and potential gene targets for molecular breeding of N. jatamansi with improved quality in the future.
Brassinosteroids/metabolism*
;
Steroids, Heterocyclic/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects*
;
Plant Proteins/metabolism*
;
Phylogeny
;
Nardostachys/metabolism*
;
Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology*
;
Plant Roots/drug effects*
9.Randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, multicenter, equivalence clinical trial of Jiuwei Xifeng Granules(Os Draconis replaced by Ostreae Concha) for treating tic disorder in children.
Qiu-Han CAI ; Cheng-Liang ZHONG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Xin-Min LI ; Zhi-Chun XU ; Hui CHEN ; Ying HUA ; Jun-Hong WANG ; Ji-Hong TANG ; Bing-Xiang MA ; Xiu-Xia WANG ; Ai-Zhen WANG ; Meng-Qing WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Yi-Qun TENG ; Yi-Hui SHAN ; Sheng-Xuan GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1699-1705
Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Double-Blind Method
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Tic Disorders/drug therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
10.Clinical efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation with plates versus minimally invasive Kirschner wire fixation for osteoporotic Colles' fractures.
Jun-Wei ZHANG ; Jin-Yong HOU ; Zhao-Hui LI ; Zhen-Yuan MA ; Xiang GAO ; Hong-Zheng BI ; Ling-Ling CHEN ; Hai-Tao WANG ; Wei-Zhi NIE ; Yong-Zhong CHENG ; Xiao-Bing XI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(1):18-24
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of closed reduction with Kirschner wire fixation versus open reduction with plate fixation for treating osteoporotic Colles' fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients.
METHODS:
Between January 2018 and January 2023, 119 patients with Colles fractures were retrospectively analyzed, including 39 males and 80 females, aged from 48 to 74 years old with an average of(60.58±6.71) years old. The time from injury to operation ranged 1 to 13 days with an average of (5.29±2.52) days. According to the surgical method, they were divided into Kirschner wire fixation group (Kirschner wire group) and plate internal fixation group (plate group). In Kirschner wire group, there were a total of 68 patients, comprising 21 males and 47 females. The average age was (61.15±6.24) years old, ranged from 49 to 74 years old. Among them, 41 cases involved the left side while 27 cases involved the right side. In the plate group, there were a total of 51 patients, including 18 males and 33 females. The average age was (59.78±5.71) years old ranged from 48 to 72 years old. Among them, there were 31 cases on the left side and 20 cases on the right side. The following parameters were recorded before and after the operation:operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, hospitalization expenses, postoperative complications, and radiographic parameters of distal radius (distal radius height, ulnar deviation angle, palmar tilt angle). The clinical efficacy was evaluated at 3 and 12 months after the operation using Gartland-Werley and disabilites of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH) scores.
RESULTS:
The patients in both groups were followed up for a duration from 12 to 19 months with an average of(13.32±2.02) months. The Kirschner wire group exhibited significantly shorter operation time compared to the plate group 27.91(13.00, 42.00) min vs 67.52(29.72, 105.32) min, Z=-8.74, P=0.00. Intraoperative blood loss was also significantly lower in the Kirschner wire group than in the plate group 3.24(1.08, 5.40) ml vs 21.91(17.38, 26.44) ml, Z=-9.31, P=0.00. Furthermore, patients in the Kirschner wire group had a shorter length of hospital stay compared to those in the plate group (8.38±2.63) days vs (11.40±2.78) days, t=-3.12, P=0.00. Additionally, hospitalization cost was significantly lower in the Kirschner wire group than in the plate group 10 111.29(6 738.98, 13 483.60) yuan vs 15 871.11(11 690.40, 20 051.82) yuan, Z=-5.62, P=0.00. The incidence of complications was 2 cases in the Kirschner wire group and 1 case in the plate group, with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05). At 3 months postoprative, the radial height of the Kirschner wire group was found to be significantly smaller than that of the plate group, with measurements of (11.45±1.69) mm and (12.11±1.78) mm respectively (t=-2.06, P=0.04). However, there were no statistically significant differences observed in ulnar deviation angle and palmar tilt angle between the two groups (P>0.05). The DASH score and Gartland-Werley score in the Kirschner group were significantly higher than those in the plate group at 3 months post-operation (19.10±9.89) vs (13.47±3.51), t=4.34, P=0.00;(11.15±3.61) vs (6.41±2.75), t=8.13, P=0.00). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups at 12 months post-operation (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Compared to plate internal fixation, closed reduction with Kirschner wire support fixation yields a slightly inferior recovery of radial height;however, there is no significant disparity in the functional score of the affected limb at 12 months post-operation. Nonetheless, this technique offers advantages such as shorter operation time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, decreased hospitalization duration, and lower cost.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Bone Wires
;
Bone Plates
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Colles' Fracture/surgery*
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Open Fracture Reduction/methods*
;
Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery*

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail