1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Mechanism of ductular reaction and related treatment strategies
Jiayan SHAN ; Huaqian XU ; Chengzhi BAI ; Liang ZHANG ; Chao DU ; Yong ZHANG ; Shanhong TANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):733-738
Ductular reaction (DR) refers to the adaptive pathological changes that occur after hepatobiliary injury, and it is essentially a repair response involving the proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammation of biliary epithelial cell (BEC). With the understanding of the biological function of BEC, the potential value of DR in disease prognosis and treatment has gradually become a research hotspot. This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanism of DR, its potential as a therapeutic target, and future development directions, as well as novel therapies suggested by targeting these molecular mechanisms, in order to provide a new direction for overcoming current bottlenecks in the treatment of bile duct diseases.
3.Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Therapy Regulating IL-33/ST2/IL-1RAP to Improve Nasal Mucosal Tissue Remodeling and Intervene in Allergic Rhinitis
Huan WANG ; Hongping LUO ; Meiya WANG ; Yuyin LIU ; Chenlin WANG ; Chao LIAO ; Fangqi LIANG ; Peizheng XIONG ; Li TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):298-307
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qidan Yifei Tongqiao granules (QDYF) alleviate nasal mucosal remodeling in allergic rhinitis (AR) via the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2)/interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP) signaling pathway from the perspective of Qi-replenishing and blood-activating therapy. MethodsFirst, according to the previous network pharmacology results, this study predicted the potential mechanisms of QDYF in treating AR by screening key pathways, components, and targets. Molecular docking was performed via AutoDock and PyMOL 2.5.5. Subsequently, a rat model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR was used for validation through in vivo experiments. Forty-eight rats were assigned into 6 groups: Control, model, low-dose QDYF (QDYF-L, 4.04 g·kg-1), medium-dose QDYF (QDYF-M, 8.08 g·kg-1), high-dose QDYF (QDYF-H, 16.16 g·kg-1), and loratadine (0.9 mg·kg-1). After 14 days of intervention, behavioral scores of the rats were observed. The morphological changes of nasal mucosa tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Masson staining was used to observe collagen fiber deposition in the nasal mucosal tissue and to calculate the collagen volume fraction (CVF). The expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) in the nasal mucosa tissue was detected by immunofluorescence. The serum levels of helper T cell 2 (Th2) cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) as well as helper T cell 1 (Th1) cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (INF-γ) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAP in the nasal mucosa tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsIL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAP had strong binding ability with the main active ingredients—wogonin, 7-methoxy-2-methylisoflavone, formononetin, naringenin, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol of QDYF, with the binding energy < -4.25 kcal⋅mol-1(1 cal≈4.184 J). The results of in vivo experiments showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased behavioral scores (P<0.05), aggravated pathological damage of nasal mucosa, increased collagen fiber deposition and CVF (P<0.05), elevated serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, up-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAP in the nasal mucosa (P<0.05), down-regulated expression of E-cad, and declined serum levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the QDYF groups and loratadine group showed reduced behavioral scores (P<0.05), alleviated pathological damage of nasal mucosa, reduced collagen fiber deposition and CVF (P<0.05), and up-regulated E-cad expression (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the QDYF-H group and the loratadine group showed raised levels of INF-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (P<0.05), declined serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAP in the nasal mucosa (P<0.05). In addition, the QDYF-H group exhibited an elevated serum IL-2 level (P<0.05). The QDYF-M group showed down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, IL-33 and IL-1RAP in the nasal mucosa (P<0.05). The QDYF-L group demonstrated a down-regulated protein level of ST2 in the nasal mucosa (P<0.05). ConclusionQDYF may regulate the Th1/Th2 balance through the IL-33/ST2/IL-1RAP signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating nasal mucosal tissue remodeling and alleviating AR.
4.450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy in the treatment of high-risk benign prostatic hyperplasia patients without discontinuing anticoagulant drugs
Yongdi WU ; Jiaqing SUN ; Liang CHAO ; Chen ZHOU ; Dong QIU ; Pengfei SHI
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):131-134
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy in high-risk benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients without discontinuing anticoagulant drugs, so as to provide a safe and effectiveminimally invasive treatment option for such patients. Methods A total of 40 high-risk BPH patients who underwent 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy in our hospital during Sep. 2023 and Dec. 2024 were selected as the research subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: the oral medication group took oral anticoagulants during the perioperative period, while the discontinuation group discontinued anticoagulants, with 20 cases in either group. The perioperative indicators and changes including international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual (PVR) were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the oral medication group and discontinuation group in operation time [(28.83±15.52)min vs. (26.43±14.02)min], postoperative catheter indwelling time [(3.04±0.89) d vs. (3.23±1.01) d], bladder irrigation time [(27.36±7.54) h vs. (25.46±7.10) h], and decrease in hemoglobin [(8.08±1.82)g/L vs. (7.56±1.68)g/L] (all P>0.05). Three month after surgery, Qmax in both groups was higher, while IPSS, QoL and PVR were significantly lower (P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). No serious complications such as urinary incontinence or massive hemorrhage occurred.Conclusion 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy for high-risk BPH patients is characterized by high vaporization efficiency and good hemostatic effects. It can significantly improve the clinical symptoms with high safety, especially for high-risk patients who cannot discontinue anticoagulants.
5.Efficacy of intelligent wireless endoscopy in transurethral resection of the prostate
Chao FANG ; Zeping ZUO ; Chaozhao LIANG ; Zongyao HAO ; Hongtao YU ; Jinhai ZHU ; Yuesheng WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):135-139
Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of intelligent wireless endoscopy in transurethral resection of the prostate, so as to provide evidence for clinical application. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 70 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate at Tongling People's Hospital during Jan. 2023 and Dec. 2024. Based on the type of endoscopes used, patients were divided into a wireless endoscopy group and a traditional endoscopy group, with 35 patients in either group. Differences between the two groups were compared in terms of surgical preparation time, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, catheter indwelling time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, and operating comfort during the procedure. Results All 70 operations were successfully completed without severe urinary incontinence. The wireless laparoscopy group demonstrated significantly shorter surgical preparation time compared to the traditional laparoscopy group [(12.14±2.39)min vs. (14.89±0.80)min, P<0.001].There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time between the two groups [(93.51±34.49)min vs. (101.71±34.87)min, P=0.326]. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in postoperative hospital stay, catheter indwelling time, intraoperative blood loss, and surgical complications (P>0.05). The wireless endoscopy group demonstrated significantly higher operating comfort compared to the traditional endoscopy group [(3.94±0.77) vs. (2.57±0.61), P<0.001]. Conclusion The use of intelligent wireless endoscopy for transurethral resection of the prostate is comparable to traditional endoscopy in surgical efficacy and patient safety, but it can shorten preoperative preparation time and improve operator comfort.
6.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
7.Development and application of a healthcare quality evaluation system for national regional medical centers based on the structure-process-outcome Theory
Lizhong LIANG ; Hongzhen ZHOU ; Yan LI ; Tong LI ; Yingzhe LIU ; Hong LI ; Jie ZHENG ; Chao YANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(11):1651-1655
Objective To develop a scientific,systematic,and operable healthcare quality evaluation system for Nation-al Regional Medical Centers(NRMCs),providing a theoretical basis and practical tool for objectively assessing their construction outcomes and guiding high-quality development.Methods Based on the classic"Structure-Process-Outcome"(SPO)quality management model,and aligned with national policy directives and the functional positioning of regional medical centers,a pre-liminary set of evaluation indicators was screened and an indicator system was constructed through literature review,policy analy-sis,and field investigations.Guangxi Hospital Division of The First Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University was selected as the study subject,and cross-sectional data from March 2023 to June 2025 were collected for empirical application.Results A healthcare quality evaluation system for NRMCs was established,comprising 3 first-level dimensions(Structure Quality,Process Quality,Outcome Quality),10 second-level indicators,and 66 third-level indicators.This system covers multiple aspects,inclu-ding resource allocation,healthcare service efficiency,clinical practices,patient outcomes,and social benefits.Empirical results indicated that the center demonstrated a consistent upward trend in key indicators such as"Proportion of Discharged Patients Un-dergoing Level-4 Surgeries"(O1.2)and"DRG-CMI Value"(O2.1),while"Average Length of Hospital Stay"(P3.1)and"Cost Consumption Index"(O2.3)showed a steady decline.The indicator system effectively revealed the center's progress in en-hancing regional influence and operational efficiency.Conclusion The developed healthcare quality evaluation system is well-grounded in theory and practice,combining scientific rigor with policy relevance,and can serve as a decision-support tool for quality assessment and improvement in National Regional Medical Centers.
8.Development bottlenecks and countermeasures for district hospitals in Shanghai new cities:Based on rainbow model
Chao LIANG ; Wen-ru SHANG ; Chun-xin LI ; Lu HAN ; Jian-zheng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(5):27-34
Objective:To analyze the problems and constraints in the development of district hospitals in new cities of Shanghai,and to provide suggestions for the development of district hospitals based on rainbow model.Methods:Using the purposive sampling method,26 key informants from 16 units of health administrative departments,municipal hospitals,and regional medical centers in 5 new cities were selected for on-site research and in-depth interviews,and the research data were analyzed using the thematic framework method.Results:Macro-level planning layout and resource allocation,meso-level organizational linkage and cooperation and competition,and micro-level medical service and talent discipline are important factors affecting the development of district hospitals;there is a mismatch between the realistic development path and functional positioning,mismatch between the institutional mechanism and the demand for effective integration of medical resources,insufficient specialty development and introduction of new technologies,lack of and serious loss of medical talents,limited policy support,inconsistent standards and transfer of resources,and limited policy support.Limited efforts,non-uniform standards poor referral,and other development bottlenecks.Conclusions:It is suggested to strengthen system integration,optimize the planning and layout of health resources in the new city,and guide the differentiated development of hospitals at the city and district levels;Strengthen organizational integration,improve the cooperation and benefit distribution mechanism,and accelerate the construction of close-knit medical consortiums;Optimize the integration of services,accelerate the application of new technologies,and strengthen the construction of specialty alliances;Deepen the integration of functions and norms,coordinate human,financial,and material resources,and solidify the basic support.
9.Expression of serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 in patients with colorectal can-cer and their relationship with postoperative liver metastasis
Chao XIAO ; Pei JIN ; Ya-nan LI ; Hua LIANG
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(11):847-852
Objective:To analyze the expression of serum lysyl oxidase like protein 4(LOXL4)and protein tyrosine phosphatase non receptor type 3(PTPN3)in patients with colorectal cancer and their relationship with postoperative liver metastasis.Methods:Totally 137 patients with colorectal cancer who visited Qingdao Central Hospital,University of Health and Rehabilitation Science from April 2017 to December 2019 were recruited as the cancer group.Complying with whether liver metastasis occurred during the follow-up period of 5 years,the patients were classified into the liver metastasis group(27 cases)and the non liver metastasis group(110 cases).Another 137 healthy individuals who underwent physical check ups were recruited as the control group.The qRT-PCR method was used to detect the ex-pression levels of serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs.The serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs were compared under dif-ferent clinical pathological data,and the pathological data of liver metastasis group and non liver metastasis group were compared.Cox regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of postoperative liver metastasis in pa-tients with colorectal cancer.ROC curve was used to explore the predictive value of serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 for postoperative liver metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer.Results:Compared with the control group,the can-cer group had higher levels of serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs expression(P<0.05).Compared with patients with medium to high differentiation,infiltration depth≤1/2 muscle layer,and TNM stage I-II,patients with low differentia-tion,infiltration depth>1/2 muscle layer,and TNM stage III had higher levels of serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs ex-pression(P<0.05).Compared with the non liver metastasis group,the liver metastasis group had higher levels of se-rum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs expression(P<0.05).High expression of serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs were risk factors for liver metastasis after colorectal cancer surgery(P<0.05).Compared with the single prediction of serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs,the AUC of serum LOXL4 combined with PTPN3 in predicting postoperative liver metasta-sis in colorectal cancer patients was higher(P<0.05).Conclusion:Serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs expression lev-els are abnormally elevated in patients with colorectal cancer,which is related to the deterioration of pathological data such as differentiation degree,infiltration depth,and TNM staging.Elevated serum LOXL4 and PTPN3 mRNAs expres-sion levels may increase the risk of postoperative liver metastasis in patients,and the combination has higher predic-tive value for postoperative liver metastasis.
10.Application research of contrast enhanced ultrasonography combined with shear wave elastography in urethral stricture
Chao DENG ; Zhenghao DAI ; Hang GUO ; Lichang ZHONG ; Dongliang YAN ; Yuemin XU ; Tao LIANG
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(8):716-719
Objective:To explore the value of contrast enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS) combined with shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis of urethral stricture.Methods:One hundred and twenty patients with urethral stricture were recruited, and preoperative retrograde urography, common urethral ultrasound, and CEUS were used to measure the length of the stricture site, and SWE was used to detect the elasticity value of the stricture site and its nearby spongiosum. Intraoperative urethral stricture lesion site measurements were performed to confirm the actual lesion location and length during surgery and to compare them with the lengths measured in the preoperative examination;4 months after surgery, SWE was used to detect the stiffness of the surgical site and to assess the surgical efficacy and prognosis.Results:The stenosis length measured by CEUS and intraoperative measurement had no statistical difference: (4.41 ± 1.47) cm vs. (4.37 ± 1.36) cm, t = 0.22, P>0.05. The elastic value in urethra stenosis in SWE was higher than that in normal urethra: (33.1 ± 6.7) kPa vs. (23.3 ± 4.1) kPa, there was statistical difference ( t = 13.67, P<0.05). The elastic value of unobstructed urethra and that of normal urethra after reconstruction had no statistical difference ( t = 0.95, P>0.05). Conclusions:CEUS combined with SWE is a safe, accurate and effective method to evaluate urethral stricture. SWE can be used to measure postoperative outcomes and recurrence.


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