1.Effects of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方) on Methylation Key Genes and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway in Myocardial Tissue of Coronary Heart Disease Model Rats with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Chun ZHANG ; Shumeng ZHANG ; Yan MAO ; Xing CHEN ; Huifang KUANG ; Yi YANG ; Lingli CHEN ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):784-791
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方, YTF) in trea-ting coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome based on DNA methylation. MethodsSeventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=60). The modeling group was subjected to a high-fat diet, intragastric administration of vitamin D3, and subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline to establish the rat model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome. Forty-one successfully modeled rats were then randomly allocated into model group, YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the atorvastatin calcium group, with 8 rats in each group and 1 rat reserved. The YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups received YTF at 6, 12, and 18 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively. The atorvastatin calcium group received atorvastatin calcium tablets at 1.8 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. The control group and the model group received 0.9% sodium chloride injection at 4 ml/(kg·d) by gavage. All administrations were performed once daily for 3 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, serum lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), myocardial enzymes including cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via HE staining. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing was used to analyze differential methylation gene expression among the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group. Western Blotting was used to verify the protein levels of the key genes and downstream signaling pathways. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed increased levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, cTnT, CK-MB, LDH, and IL-1β, along with decreased levels of HDL-C and IL-10 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all treatment groups exhibited decreased levels of TC, LDL-C, CK-MB, and LDH, along with increased IL-10 levels. Among these, the high-dose YTF group demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing cTnT levels compared to the other TCM groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining indicated that the YTF high-dose group ameliorated myocardial cell swelling, disordered arrangement, pyknosis, and disappearance of nuclei, thereby reducing myocardial cell damage. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing identified 240 differentially methylated genes shared by the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group, including 109 hypermethylated and 131 hypomethylated genes; eif2ak3 was identified as a key differentially methylated gene. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (eIf2ak3), phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and Bax, along with a decreased level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the YTF high-dose group showed decreased protein levels of eIf2ak3, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax, and an increased level of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionYTF may regulate key differentially methylated genes such as eIf2ak3 and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, reducing myocardial cell apoptosis, and exerting therapeutic effects in coronary heart disease blood stasis syndrome.
2.Altered Lymphocyte Subsets in Perioperative Cancer Patients Before and After Septic Shock: Characteristics and Prognostic Implications
Miao WEI ; Lili YANG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Huifang LYU ; Yan DUAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):86-97
To investigate the changes in peripheral blood immune cells before and after the onset of septic shock in patients with malignant tumors, and to analyze the relationship between these immune cells and patient prognosis. A retrospective study was conducted, enrolling perioperative tumor patients who were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to septic shock at Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital between October 2018 and December 2019.Changes in lymphocyte counts and subsets were compared before and after septic shock (measured prior to septic shock onset and within 72 hours after onset).A multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between these immune indicators and the 28-day mortality risk in tumor patients following septic shock. A total of 47 tumor patients transferred to the ICU due to septic shock were included.There were 32 males and 15 females, with a mean age of (63.9±11.2) years.Gastrointestinal tumors were the most common tumor type (76.60%, 36/47), and abdominal/pelvic infection (65.96%, 31/47) was the primary source of infection.Within 28 days after ICU transfer, 12 patients died and 35 survived. Compared to pre-septic shock levels, lymphocyte counts significantly decreased after septic shock[530(300, 830) cells/μL Perioperative tumor patients experience acute depletion of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets following septic shock.Among various immune indicators, regulatory T cell count serves as an independent predictor of short-term mortality risk.Evaluating baseline immune function in such patients may help optimize treatment strategies and improve overall prognosis.
3.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
4.Effects of coal mine dust on lung function in rats
LIU Yang ; LI Meng ; LU Liyuan ; WANG Ru ; YANG He ; ZHANG Huifang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):96-101
Objective:
To explore the impacts of coal mine dust on lung function in rats, so as to provide the basis for the early prevention and treatment of coal worker's pneumoconiosis.
Methods:
Seventy-two SPF-grade 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the coal dust group, the coal-silica dust group, the silica dust group and the control group. The rats in the first three groups of rats were administered 1 mL corresponding dust suspension into the lungs using non-exposure tracheal instillation, while the rats in the control group were administered 1 mL normal saline. Respiratory rate (f), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and dynamic pulmonary compliance (Cdyn) were measured at 1, 3 and 6 months after dust exposure. Lung tissues were collected to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels using corresponding ELISA kits and ATP assay kits, respectively. The relative mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The relative protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were detected using Western blotting.
Results:
There was no interaction between dust type and exposure duration on f (P>0.05), but there were interactions on FVC, PEF and Cdyn (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 6 months after dust exposure, the f of the rats in the silica dust group were increased, while the FVC and PEF of the rats in the coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased, and Cdyn of the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased (all P<0.05). There were interactions between dust type and exposure duration on ROS and ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 3 and 6 months after dust exposure, the ROS levels in the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were increased, while the ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were decreased (all P<0.05).
Conclusion
The lung function impairment in rats caused by different types of coal mine dust is related to PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction, which leads to increased ROS levels, decreased ATP and TFAM levels.
5.Mechanism of immunosuppression in rats by herb-partitioned moxibustion based on transcriptome sequencing technology
Yuefeng TIAN ; Luojie XIONG ; Huifang WANG ; Chuntao ZHAI ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):978-988
BACKGROUND:Immunosuppression leads to impaired body immune function and aggravates the disease.Herb-partitioned moxibustion can effectively regulate immune function and improve immunity in the body,but its regulatory mechanism has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE:To sequence immunosuppressed model rats treated with herb-partitioned moxibustion using bioinformatics techniques based on transcriptomics and to explore the mechanisms by which it regulates immunity. METHODS:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups:control,model,and herb-partitioned moxibustion groups,with eight rats in each group.The model and herb-partitioned moxibustion groups were subjected to establishment of an immune suppression model by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 35 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days.No interventions were administered to the control and model groups after modeling.In contrast,the herb-partitioned moxibustion group received moxibustion treatment at Zhongwan,Shenque,Guanyuan,and Zusanli acupoints using a combination of moxa and herbal cakes,once a day,for 10 consecutive days,with samples being collected the day after the end of the intervention.Peripheral blood was collected from all groups of rats to measure their white blood cell count.RNA-seq was performed on the Illumina sequencing platform,and differentially expressed genes were selected for bioinformatics analysis using the GO and KEGG databases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited a significant decrease in white blood cell count(P<0.001).RNA-seq analysis identified 3 026 differentially expressed genes between the model and control groups,with 1 565 upregulated and 1 461 downregulated.There were 535 differentially expressed genes identified between the herb-partitioned moxibustion group and the model group,with 280 upregulated and 255 downregulated.The Venn diagram analysis revealed that 159 genes were downregulated in the model group compared with the control group.However,after moxibustion with herbal cakes,these genes were upregulated.Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified 10 core targets,including Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,Mx1,Syk,Hspa1a,and Ret.According to GO and KEGG analyses,moxibustion with herbal cakes regulated the body through pathways related to immune response,viruses,angiogenesis,and the autoimmune system.To conclude,there is a significant association between herbal cake-separated moxibustion intervention and immune suppression targets,including Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,and Mx1.The intervention exhibits regulatory effects in the pathways related to immune responses,viral activities,and angiogenesis.
6.Application of total life cycle management in managing maintenance cost of ultrasound imaging equipment
Zhanguo LI ; Yu WANG ; Huifang YANG ; Jing ZHAO
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(4):174-177
Objective:To explore the application effect of Total Life Cycle Management(TLCM)in managing maintenance cost of ultrasound imaging equipment.Methods:Thirty ultrasound imaging equipment of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from June 2021 to July 2023 were selected.From June 2021 to June 2022,a conventional maintenance mode was adopted to manage these equipment,and TLCM was implemented to manage them from July 2022 to July 2023.The qualified rate and failure frequency of the ultrasound imaging equipment,the satisfaction scores of medical staffs in using equipment,and the costs of operation and maintenance were compared between different management modes.Results:Under TLCM mode,the qualified rate was 93.33%,which was significantly higher than 73.33% under conventional maintenance mode,and the difference was significant(x2=4.320,P<0.05). Under TLCM mode,the boot-up time of ultrasound imaging equipment was shorter than that under the conventional maintenance mode,and the difference was significant (t=7.146,P<0.05). Under TLCM mode,the failure rate of long-term use of equipment was lower than that under conventional maintenance,and the difference was significant (x2=4.443,P<0.05). The satisfaction scores of medical staffs for the performance,efficiency,and cleanliness of equipment under TLCM mode were higher than those under conventional maintenance mode,and the differences of them between two modes were significant (t=3.955,5.872,6.368,8.214,P<0.05). Under TLCM mode,both maintenance costs and operational expenses were lower than those under conventional maintenance,and the differences of them between two modes were significant (t=41.353,16.743,P<0.05). Conclusion:TLCM can effectively enhance operationally qualified rate of equipment,and reduce maintenance costs and failure rate of equipment in long-term use,and improves the satisfaction of medical staff.
7.Systematic review of factors influencing olfactory dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease
Yudan LIU ; Huifang LI ; Jianchun LI ; Yaxian ZHAI ; Jinmei YANG ; Yunxia SHEN
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(18):1-4,31
Objective To explore the influencing factors of olfactory dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD)and conduct a systematic review and Meta-analysis.Methods Articles on factors influencing olfactory dysfunction in PD were retrieved from databases including SinoMed,VIP,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane,Embase,and MEDLINE.The search period spanned from the inception of each database to November 30,2024.Results A total of 13 articles(with a total sample size of 2465)were included,with a total of 18 influencing factors summarized as two themes:core features and progression factors of PD,and individual background and environmental interaction factors.Meta-analysis showed that age(MD=1.01,95%CI:-0.46-2.49,P=0.18),smoking(OR=0.88,95%CI:0.57-1.37,P=0.57),and constipation(OR=1.22,95%CI:0.38-3.93,P=0.74)were not factors affecting olfactory dysfunction in PD patients.Conclusion Factors influencing olfactory dysfunction in PD are predominantly associated with non-motor symptoms.Intervention strategies targeting non-motor symptoms(such as improving sleep quality,vitamin D supplementation,and early cognitive training)may provide novel approaches for delaying the progression of olfactory dysfunction.
8.Evaluation of high-risk HPV genotyping detection in cervical cancer screening based on a prospective cohort study
Hong WANG ; Yin LIU ; Huifang XU ; Peipei CHEN ; Xingyuan SUN ; Mengjie LI ; Peiyao LI ; Kunyao LI ; Liyang ZHENG ; Shuzheng LIU ; Xibin SUN ; Youlin QIAO ; Shaokai ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(5):435-442
Objective:To evaluate the clinical performance of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genotyping in cervical cancer screening.Methods:Between June and July 2017, a prospective cervical cancer screening cohort was established in Xiaye Town, Jiyuan City, Henan Province, China by recruiting 3 254 women aged 21 to 64 years. At baseline screening, cervical exfoliated cell specimens were collected for HR-HPV genotyping and liquid-based cytology testing. Follow-ups were conducted over a 3-year period, with cytology testing in the first and second years and both HR-HPV genotyping and cytology testing in the third year. Women meeting the referral criteria were referred for colposcopy, with cervical biopsy and histopathological diagnosis performed as necessary. The endpoint was defined as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or higher confirmed by histopathological diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting CIN2 or higher lesions of HR-HPV genotyping were calculated, as well as the cumulative risk of developing CIN2 or higher lesions over the 4-year study period in women with different baseline HR-HPV genotyping results.Results:A total of 2 741 women were included in the statistical analysis. Baseline HR-HPV genotyping detected 453 HR-HPV positive cases (16.53%), including 98 HPV 16/18 positive cases (3.58%) and 355 other HR-HPV positive cases (12.95%). During the 4-year period, 83 cases of CIN2 or higher were diagnosed. The sensitivity and specificity of baseline HR-HPV positivity for CIN2 or higher were 89.16% (95% CI: 80.66%-94.19%) and 85.74% (95% CI: 84.36%-87.02%), respectively. The corresponding rates for HPV 16/18 positivity were 43.37% (95% CI: 33.24%-54.09%) and 97.67% (95% CI: 97.02%-98.18%). The 4-year cumulative absolute risk of CIN2 or higher was highest in the HPV 16/18 positive group (36.73%, 95% CI: 27.85%-46.62%), followed by other HR-HPV positive groups (10.70%, 95% CI: 7.87%-14.38%), and the HR-HPV negative group was the lowest (0.39%, 95% CI: 0.19%-0.76%). Conclusions:HR-HPV genotyping testing exhibits high sensitivity and specificity for detecting CIN2 or higher lesions in cervical cancer screening. It also provides a scientific basis for stratifying the individual risk of developing CIN2 or higher lesions to guide subsequent management. Therefore, the HR-HPV genotyping testing can be considered as an effective method for cervical cancer screening.
9.Flavonoid extract from Dracocephalum rupestre hance in improving gouty arthritis:study based on network pharmacology,molecular docking and animal experiment
Weidong YANG ; Ruiqi WANG ; Haihua WANG ; Tianxiang YE ; Shenghui CHENG ; Huifang LI ; Xuliang HAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(6):763-773
AIM:To investigate the mechanism of flavonoid extract from Dracocephalum rupestre hance(DRHF)in the treatment of gouty arthritis through network pharmacology,molecular docking and animal experiment.METHODS:Literature re-trieval was used to explore the main active chemi-cal components and targets of DRHF.Gouty arthri-tis disease targets were obtained using Gene Cards and OMIM databases,and drug-disease intersect-ing targets were obtained using Wayne online tools.protein-protein interactions(PPI)and other related network diagrams were constructed using Cytoscape software.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the shared intersect-ing targets using Metascape database.A rat model of gouty arthritis was established by Coderre meth-od;the swelling degree of ankle joint,gait behav-iour scores of rats were observed,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was performed.ELISA and real-time PCR were used to detect the key targets pre-dicted by the network pharmacology,and the ef-fects of DRHF on the molecular mechanism and key targets of gouty arthritis were observed.RESULTS:A total of 7 active compounds and 129 candidate targets for the treatment of GA were obtained,in-cluding IL-6,IL-1β,RELA,TNF,PPARG,etc.and the KEGG enrichment results suggested that DRHF may be involved in PI3K-Akt,TNF,IL-17 and other signal transduction pathways.Animal results:HE staining showed that the thickening of synovial tissue was not obvious in each administered group,and syno-vial cell proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltra-tion were significantly improved;compared with the normal group,the serum levels of TNF,IL-6,and IL-1β in the model group were significantly higher(P<0.05),and the mRNA of PPARG,IL-6,and RELA in the synovial tissues were significantly high-er;compared with the model group,the levels of TNF,IL-6,and IL-1β were significantly lower(P<0.05)in the low group of DRHF(0.45 g/kg)and high group of DRHF(0.9 g/kg),TNF,IL-6,IL-1β lev-els were significantly reduced(P<0.05);PPARG,IL-6,RELA mRNA in synovial tissue were significantly reduced.CONCLUSION:DRHF inhibits IL-17/PI-3K/TNF signaling pathway by down-regulating the ex-pression of IL-6,PPARG and RELA mRNA,decreas-ing the levels of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF,and then treat-ing gouty arthritis.
10.Reliability and validation of the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire among men who have sex with men in China
Huifang XU ; Ying WANG ; Chenrui LI ; Ajuan LIANG ; Yong CAI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(10):878-883
ObjectiveThe significance of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) should not be overlooked. This study aims to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) among the MSM population in China to evaluate its applicability in this group. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in three Chinese cities(Shanghai, Shenyang and Kunming) using snowball sampling, with a total of 1 130 MSM participants included. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the structural validity of the scale. Internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s α coefficient, and split-half reliability was assessed with the Spearman-Brown coefficient. ResultsAccording to the EFA results, after removing item ACE10 (“parental death”), the 23-item ACE-IQ demonstrated a six-factor structure, including victimization or witnessing emotional/physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, family dysfunction, emotional neglect, and peer violence. CFA results indicated a good model fit for the six-factor model, supporting the EFA findings. The scale demonstrated good reliability, with a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.852 and a Spearman-Brown coefficient of 0.899, indicating high internal consistency and split-half reliability within the studied population. ConclusionThe Chinese version of the ACE-IQ demonstrates satisfactory reliability and validity among MSM population, supporting its suitability for assessing ACEs in this group. The findings provide an empirical basis for subsequent mental health interventions.


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