1.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
2.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
3.Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer:a meta-analysis
Chunyan YANG ; Shaohua ZHANG ; Rongkang LI ; Lei PENG ; Li ZHAO ; Jun BIE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2322-2327
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Data to collect randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy (experimental group) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy (control group) in the treatment of TNBC. After literature screening, data extraction and literature quality evaluation, meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0. RESULTS A total of 5 RCT involving 1 498 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that the pathological complete response rate (pCR) [RR=1.34, 95%CI (1.09, 1.63), P=0.03], pCR in patients with positive programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) [RR=1.33, 95%CI (1.16, 1.51), P=0.01], pCR in patients with positive lymph nodes [RR= 1.56, 95%CI (1.27, 1.93), P=0.01], the incidence of grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) [RR=1.07, 95%CI (1.01, 1.14), P= 0.04], the incidence of serious AEs [RR=1.57, 95%CI (1.31, 1.87), P=0.03], and the incidence of treatment discontinuation due to AEs [RR=1.45, 95%CI (1.19, 1.76), P=0.01] were significantly higher in the experimental group than control group. There were no statistically significant difference in pCR in patients with negative PD-1/PD-L1[RR= E-mail:biejun23@126.com 1.26, 95%CI (0.98, 1.62), P=0.08] and pCR in patients with negative lymph nodes [RR=1.14, 95%CI (0.97, 1.33), P=0.17] between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy demonstrates significant efficacy in early-stage TNBC patients, with more pronounced benefits observed in those who are PD-1/PD-L1 positive and lymph node- positive. However, the incidence of AEs is relatively high.
4.Characteristics and Associated Factors of Autoimmune Diseases-related Skin Ulcer: A Multi Center Study
Yafang ZHAO ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Shuang CUI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1474-1483
To explore the scoring level and related factors of autoimmune disease-related skin ulcers by collecting data from multiple centers, and to provide ideas and references for targeted intervention measures and management plans for clinical medical and nursing staff. From December 2022 to February 2024, data related to skin ulcers in patients with autoimmune diseases from 10 hospitals in different regions of China were collected. The data includes the patient's Fitzpatrick skin type, previous sunburn history, self-care ability, time of skin ulcer occurrence, location of skin ulcer occurrence, Bates Jensen wound score (BWAT) for skin ulcer, and VAS score for skin ulcer pain. The BWAT scores of skin ulcers in patients with different characteristics were analyzed using analysis of variance or Data from 304 patients were collected, with an average BWAT score of 32.0±8.6 for skin ulcers. The most common type of primary disease is dermatomyositis (28.9%). Skin ulcers mostly occur in the feet (22.0%), and the average VAS score for skin ulcer pain is (4.5±1.9) points. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the patient's region of origin ( The severity of skin ulcers is not related to the type of disease, and patients from economically underdeveloped and relatively cold climates have poorer skin ulcer conditions. Emphasizing the importance of adhering to regular medication to control the progression of the primary disease, and strengthening self observation of skin changes and pain at the ulcer site. A multidisciplinary collaborative skin ulcer management plan can be constructed based on the latest TIME clinical decision support tool (TIME-CDST), as well as TIME wound management principles for managing the ulcer site.
5.PAD4-siRNA alleviates disease progression of collagen-induced arthritis mice by regulating T cells subpopulation
Yanrong Lu ; Kai Zhao ; Chunyan Pang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):272-278
Objective :
To investigate the therapeutic effects of a small interfering RNA(siRNA) vector targeting peptidyl arginine deaminase 4(PAD4) and splenocytes infected with a PAD4-siRNA virus, on collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) mice, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Methods :
The experiment mice were divided into four groups: control group, model group, therapy group 1 and therapy group 2, with 7 mice in each group. Control group mice were not treated. Initially, collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) mice model were established using bovine type II collagen. Model group mice were injected by PBS buffer Therapy group 1 mice were injected of PAD4-siRNA virus solution into the tail vein of the CIA mice, while therapy group 2 mice were injected of splenocytes infected with PAD4-siRNA virus via the same route. These injections were carried out once a week for a total of eight weeks. Subsequently, the alterations in T follicular helper(Tfh), T follicular regulatory(Tfr), T helper 1(Th1), and CD4+IL-10+T cells in the splenocytes of the mice were analyzed. Additionally, the pathological changes in the articular cartilage of the mice joints were detected.
Results :
Comparison with control group, mice of model group exhibited a significant increase in the proportions of Tfh and Th1 cells in the spleen(P<0.05), while the proportions of Tfr and CD4+IL-10+T cells remained unchanged. Comparison with model group, therapy group 1 and therapy group 2 demonstrated a significant decrease in the proportions of Tfh and Th1 cells(P<0.05), with no changes were observed in the proportions of Tfr and CD4+IL-10+T cells. Additionally, the articular surface in the mice of control group was smooth, whereas model group showed signs of inflammatory cell infiltration, rough articular surface, and cartilage destruction. Following treatment with PAD4-siRNA, the infiltration of inflammatory cells and cartilage destruction in the hind paws of CIA mice in therapy group 1 were reduced. However, no reduction was observed in the infiltration of inflammatory cells and cartilage destruction in the front paws of CIA mice. In contrast, therapy group 2 exhibited a reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells and cartilage destruction in both the front and hind paws of CIA mice.
Conclusion
Gene silencing of PAD4 expression can decrease the proportion of Tfh and Th1 cells, leading to an amelioration of pathological changes in joints and cartilage of hind paws. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy is observed in the front paws of CIA mice, and PAD4-siRNA plays a role on CIA mice by regulating T cells subpopulation of splenocytes.
6.Study on the influence of field angle on the results of EPID dose verification in vivo
Jia FANG ; Wanli ZHU ; Chunyan DAI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yingjie MEI ; Jiaqian DAI ; Hongzhi ZHANG ; Fei ZHAO ; Shubo DING
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(4):898-902
Objective To investigate the effect of field angle on the results of in vivo dose validation of electronic portal imaging device(EPID)in patients.Methods Design the mold test and analyze the influence of different mold thicknesses and different frame angles on the 2D γ pass rate.Twenty-three patients who un-derwent radiotherapy in the Department of Radiotherapy of Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital from January to June 2023 were selected as the research object.In vivo dose verification was carried out during treatment to obtain 2D γ pass rate using same-day sector beam CT(FBCT)of planned CT and executive image guided(IG-RT)as reference images,and the influence of field angle on pass rate was analyzed.Results When the frame angle was unchanged,the area of the shooting field was larger than 17 cm×17 cm,and the 2D γ passing rate decreased with the increase of the thickness.The frame angle had no effect on the 2D γ pass rate when the mold thickness was constant.In clinical treatment data,the passage rate of 2D γ near 0°/180° was higher than that near 90°/270°(P<0.05),and the passage rate near 90°/270° in the FBCT group was higher than that in the IGRT group(P<0.05).The median passing rate of 3 mm 2D γ was 97.97%in 3%of the 23 patients.The non-IGRT group was 96.81%,the IGRT group was 97.89%,the FBCT group was 98.94%.There was a statistically significant difference in 2D γ passing rate between the non-IGRT group and the IGRT group(Z=-5.083,P<0.05),and there was a statistically significant difference in 2D γ passing rate between the IGRT group and the FBCT group(Z=-10.657,P<0.05).Conclusion Clinically,the difference of pass rate in vi-vo dose verification at different rack angles is mainly due to the difference of images within and between ses-sions.Using same-day FBCT as the reference image for in-vivo dose verification can improve the accuracy of pass rate and eliminate the influence of image difference between sessions.
7.Value of secreted frizzled-related protein 1,GATA binding protein 3 combined with HPV-DNA in predicting the risk of postoperative recurrence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with positive thin-prep cytology test
Chunyan CHEN ; Huifen ZUO ; Fenggang ZHAO ; Jiyan HU ; Cunzhe KONG ; Yawei SONG ; Hong YAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(20):26-32
Objective To investigate the value of secreted frizzled-related protein 1(SFRP1),GATA binding protein 3(GATA3)combined with human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid(HPV-DNA)in predicting the risk of postoperative recurrence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN)with positive thin-prep cytologic test(TCT).Methods A total of 200 patients with high-grade CIN and positive TCT results from July 2021 to July 2023 were selected as study subjects.All patients underwent cervical conization,and were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group according to the recurrence status one year after surgery.The clinical data,HPV-DNA viral load,and the relative expression levels of SFRP1 mRNA and GATA3 mRNA in cer-vical tissues were compared between the two groups.The HPV-DNA viral load,SFRP1 mRNA,and GATA3 mRNA expression levels in patients with different CIN grades were compared,and their cor-relations with CIN grade and the risk of postoperative recurrence were analyzed.The predictive val-ues of SFRP1,GATA3,and HPV-DNA for the risk of postoperative recurrence were analyzed.Results Among 200 patients,2 were lost during the follow-up period.The recurrence group(n=30)had higher proportions of CIN grade Ⅲ,glandular involvement,positive surgical margins,high-risk human papillomavirus(HPV),higher HPV-DNA viral load,and a higher proportion of HPV positivity at 6 months after surgery compared with the non-recurrence group(n=168),and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The relative expression levels of SFRP1 mRNA and GATA3 mRNA in cervical tissues of the recurrence group were lower than those of the non-recur-rence group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).The HPV-DNA level in pa-tients with CIN grade Ⅲ was higher than that in those with CIN grade Ⅱ,and the relative expres-sion levels of SFRP1 mRNA and GATA3 mRNA in cervical tissues were lower than those in patients with CIN grade Ⅱ,and the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.001).Spearman cor-relation analysis showed that HPV-DNA was positively correlated with CIN grade(P<0.001),while the relative expression levels of SFRP1 mRNA and GATA3 mRNA in cervical tissues were neg-atively correlated with CIN grade(P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that HPV-DNA,the relative expression levels of SFRP1 mRNA and GATA3 mRNA in cervical tissues were independ-ent influencing factors for the risk of postoperative recurrence(P<0.001).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve results showed that the areas under the curve(AUCs)for predicting the risk of postoperative recurrence by HPV-DNA,the relative expression levels of SFRP1 mRNA and GATA3 mRNA in cervical tissues were 0.787,0.781,and 0.764,respectively,with sensitivities of 80.00%,76.67%,and 76.67%,and specificities of 74.40%,73.81%,and 67.26%,respec-tively.The AUC for the combined prediction of the risk of postoperative recurrence by the three indica-tors was 0.924,with a sensitivity of 80.00%and a specificity of 93.45%,which was superior to the pre-dictive values of each indicator alone(Z=3.159,3.306,4.018,P<0.001).Conclusion HPV-DNA,SFRP1,and GATA3 in cervical tissues have certain predictive values for the risk of postoperative re-currence in patients with high-grade CIN and positive TCT results,and combined detection can im-prove the predictive efficacy.
8.Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of three series of coumarin-based derivatives
Xiujuan ZHAO ; Hengli YANG ; Jinye WU ; Xiaoqi ZHENG ; Yaoping ZHANG ; Yuping LIN ; Chunyan HU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):40-48
In this work, starting from 4-hydroxycoumarin, three series of 22 coumarin derivatives, among which 8 have not been reported in the literature, were synthesized and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities and mechanisms of action were preliminarily investigated using mouse macrophage model. The results showed that most of the derivatives could significantly inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factor NO, with compounds 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j, 4e, and 4f showing better anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control drug dexamethasone. Further experiments showed that compounds 2h and 4f significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in RAW264.7 macrophages, and could, therefore, be used as lead compounds for further studies.
9.Characteristics of elastic program of excited shear wave of plantar soft tissue of diabetic patients and the correlation between it and the level of glucose metabolism
Huanping ZHANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Junxiang ZHAO ; Ling SUN ; Chunyan SHAO
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(11):81-86
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of elastic program of excited shear wave of plantar soft tissue of diabetic patients and its correlation with levels of glucose metabolism.Methods:A total of 92 patients with type 2 diabetes who admitted to Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine during January 2022 and January 2023 were selected as diabetes group,and another 92 patients in the prediabetes stage were included in the prediabetes group.Both groups of patients used excited shear wave with different frequencies(400,450,500,550,and 600 Hz)under elastic technique of shear wave.The velocities of shear waves at the 1st metatarsal head,the 3rd metatarsal head and calcaneus of plantar soft tissue,and the thickness of soft tissue of these patients were assessed.The fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial glucose(2hPG),and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels of sugar metabolism level of two groups were measured,and the correlations between velocity of shear wave,thickness of soft tissue,and level of glucose metabolism were further analyzed.The occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer in the diabetes group was investigated by using follow-up.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was adopted to assess the predictive value of the velocity of shear wave,and the thickness of soft tissue for diabetic foot ulcer.Results:The FPG,2hPG and HbA1c of glucose metabolism level in the diabetes group were(6.48±0.48)mmol/L,(9.64±1.31)mmol/L and(6.21±0.15)%,respectively,all of which were higher than those[(8.03±0.62)mmol/L,(12.26±1.25)mmol/L and(7.66±0.42)%]in the prediabetes group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=18.961,18.961,31.185,P<0.05).The thickness level of soft tissue at the first metatarsal head was(10.42±3.11)mm in the diabetes group,which was less than(11.76±3.24)mm in the prediabetes group,with a statistically significant difference(t=2.862,P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the velocity of shear wave at 500 Hz frequency had a strongest correlation with FPG and HbA1c(r=0.320,0.256,P<0.05),respectively.In the follow-up for patients of diabetes group,14 cases occurred ulcers and 78 cases did not occur ulcers.The velocities of shear wave of the first metatarsal head of 14 patients with ulcers were higher than those of patients without ulcers at all tested frequencies(400,450,500,550,and 600 Hz).The area under curve(AUC)value of ROC curve,specificity and sensitivity of 500 Hz were respectively 0.775,88.46%,and 78.57%in predicting plantar ulcer of patients with diabetes.Conclusion:The velocity of shear wave of soft tissue at the first metatarsal head is significantly correlated with abnormal glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes.The velocity of shear wave appeared strongest correlation with FPG and HbA1c at500 Hz frequency,which has higher predictive value for diabetic foot ulcer.
10.Clinical characteristics of 9 cases of Talaromyces marneffei infection and its early rapid diagnosis using third-generation nanopore sequencing technology
Chunyan ZHAO ; Chang SONG ; Aichun HUANG ; Chaoyan XU ; Xiaoying WEI ; Chunmei ZENG ; Qingdong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(15):2288-2292
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential of nanopore sequencing technology for rapid diagnosis of Talaro-myces marneffei(TM)infection.METHODS Nine patients with TM infection admitted to the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning from May 13,2022 to Aug.3,2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Rapid diagnosis was con-ducted by nanopore sequencing technology,and a comprehensive analysis of their clinical characteristics and treat-ment processes was performed.RESULTS The 9 patients included in the study had infections in various sites such as the lungs,buttocks,blood and cervical lymph nodes.Comorbidities included AIDS,secondary pulmonary tuberculosis,non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease and adult-onset immune deficiency.Patients generally exhibited elevated C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates,along with increased neutrophil counts.Some patients had abnormal lymphocyte counts and CD4+/CD8+ratios.Microbiological tests showed positive cultures in 3 cases,positive smears in 2 cases and positive targeted detection in 6 cases.Nanopore sequencing detected various pathogens in the 9 patients.The treatment results indicated that 8 patients improved after medication,with 6 patients having medication regimens adjusted based on nanopore sequencing results.CONCLUSION Nanopore sequencing technology has shown potentials in the auxiliary diagnosis of TM infection,providing timely etiological diagnostic evidence for clinical practice.


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