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.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.
3.Application of EAERI support strategy in the recovery of patient safety incidents by the second victim
Huifang QIU ; Liyan WANG ; Yanhua LIU ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Jiaqi CHEN ; Rongxin DU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(1):28-34
Objective:To explore the effect of EAERI (E: environment; A: accompany; E: emotion; R: respect; I: information) support strategies in the application of nurse second victims in restoring the passage of a patient safety incident, and to provide support to nurse second victims experiencing a safety incident in restoring the incident and mitigating secondary victimization from the incident.Methods:The method of historical comparison was adopted. A convenience sampling method was used to select nurses who experienced patient safety events in Shanxi Bethune Hospital (Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences) from January 2023 to February 2024 as the study subjects, which were divided into observation group and control group by the historical control grouping method. The observation group used the EAERI support strategy for patient safety incident reduction, and the control group used the conventional reduction method. The second victims of the nurses in both groups were assessed for their level of harm and support in the patient safety incident using the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool before and after the event reduction, respectively.Results:A total of 124 second victims completed the study. There were 63 cases in the control group, including 13 males and 50 females, with an age of (30.24 ± 4.91) years old. There were 20 males and 41 females in the observation group, with an age of (30.85 ± 5.50) years old. Before the restoration event, there was no significant differences in the total scores of victim experience and support, the degree of injury and the degree of support between the two groups (all P>0.05). The total scores of victim experience and support, the degree of injury and the degree of support were (89.35 ± 10.69), (44.57 ± 6.19), (44.78 ± 9.40) points in the control group, and (64.13 ± 9.36), (33.56 ± 8.84), (30.56 ± 3.17) points in the observation group. The differences were significant between the two groups ( t=14.02, 8.07, 11.29, all P<0.01). Conclusions:The EAERI support strategy is feasible and effective. The implementation of the EAERI support strategy can reduce the degree of injury when the second victim of the nurse restores the safety incident and improve the degree of support.
4.Meta-integration of real disease experience in young and middle-aged patients with end-stage renal disease
Qitao MA ; Hongyi LI ; Xiangyun LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Xiaoyuan ZHANG ; Huifang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(15):1183-1191
Objective:To systematically evaluate the disease experience and inner needs of young and middle-aged patients with end-stage renal disease, so as to provide evidence for medical personnel to pay more attention to the mental health of this population and give personalized care.Methods:The qualitative studies on the real experience, psychological feeling and experience of young and middle-aged patients with end-stage renal disease were searched by PsycInfo, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Network, Wanfang, VIP and China Biomedical Literature Database. The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to April 20, 2024. Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-based Health Care Center Evaluation criteria (2016 edition) were used to evaluate the literature quality, and the results were summarized and integrated by aggregative meta-integration method.Results:A total of 10 studies were included, and 47 clear findings were extracted and classified into 10 new categories, which were combined into 4 integrated results: the phased changes of patients′ real experience at all levels of body, mind and society, impairment of their own and family role functions, desire for support and lack of autonomy in decision-making, and reconstruction of positive attitude and future outlook in the face of disease.Conclusions:Nursing staff should pay attention to and understand the psychosocial conditions of young and middle-aged patients with end-stage renal disease, timely provide targeted psychological support and help to enhance their confidence in treatment, better return to work and society, and improve their quality of life.
5.Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies for Sj?gren's Syndrome Based on the Theory of"Spleen as the Mother of the Five Organs"
Keying ZHU ; Ximeng LI ; Songwei LI ; Huan LI ; Xueqin ZHOU ; Pin LI ; Xinyan ZHANG ; Shuyue ZHANG ; Huifang HE ; Huijun GUO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2975-2985
Sj?gren's syndrome(SS)is one of the common rheumatic diseases in clinical practice.Modern medicine commonly uses drugs such as artificial tears,saliva,glucocorticoids,immunosuppressants,and biologics to control the condition.Clinical practice has shown that in addition to modern medical basic treatment,the use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)can help improve the clinical efficacy of SS.According to the symptoms and signs of Sj?gren's syndrome in TCM,it is classified as"dryness and obstruction",and the core pathogenesis of the disease is spleen deficiency and deficiency of body fluids.Subsequently,toxic and pathogenic factors gather,leading to the decline of internal organs.The initial causes are spleen damage,unstable barrier,and invasion of pathogenic factors.The core link is spleen dysfunction,insufficient body fluid,and dryness arising from it.Spleen deficiency generates evil,obstruction of qi,and lack of body fluids are the root causes of illness.The main treatment method is the"spleen strengthening method",which treats spleen deficiency,dampness and stagnation,and the body fluid is not distributed.The treatment focuses on strengthening the spleen and qi,supplementing the lungs and generating fluids.Spleen deficiency leads to loss of vitality,blood stasis obstructs blood vessels,and the treatment is to strengthen the spleen,soothe the liver,remove blood stasis,and unblock the orifices.The spleen yang is not vigorous,and qi transformation is impaired.The treatment is to invigorate the spleen and warm the stomach,promote yang circulation,and promote diuresis.
6.Study on Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in Interfering Oxidative Stress Injury in Rats with Heart Blood Stasis Syndrome of Coronary Heart Disease Based on Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Huifang KUANG ; Jing LI ; Peng TIAN ; Chang SU ; Yi LIU ; Mingyun WANG ; Qiuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):104-111
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in oxidative stress in coronary heart disease model rats with heart blood stasis syndrome based on Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.Methods The rats were divided into normal group,sham-operation group,model group,Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction group and trimetazidine group.The rat model of coronary heart disease with heart blood stasis syndrome was established by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery.Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction group and trimetazidine group were administrated with the corresponding drugs at the dosages of 14.04 g/kg and 5.4 mg/kg,respectively,and normal group,sham-operation group and model group were administrated with the same volume of normal saline for 14 days.The general state of rats was observed,body mass was recorded and electrocardiogram was collected.Echocardiography was used to examine cardiac functions(LVEF,LVFS,LVIDd,LVIDs);the morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by HE staining,serum malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)were detected by ELISA,the positive expressions of Keap1,Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 in myocardial tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the normal group and sham-operation group,the rats in the model group showed signs of mental fatigue,reduced activity,dull fur,purple claws,and a significant decrease in body mass(P<0.01);the ST segment in lead Ⅱ of the electrocardiogram was significantly elevated,LVEF and LVFS were significantly reduced,and LVIDd and LVIDs significantly increased(P<0.01),with severe degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells,disappearance of striated structures,disordered arrangement of myocardial fibers,infiltration of inflammatory cells;the serum MDA content significantly increased,while the activities of SOD,GSH-Px and T-AOC significantly decreased(P<0.01);the positive expressions of Keap1 and Nrf2 in myocardial tissue significantly increased,while the positive expression of HO-1 and NQO1 significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the rats in Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction group and trimetazidine group showed improvement in their mental state,increased activity,shiny fur,rosy nails,and significantly increased body mass(P<0.01);the ST segment of the electrocardiogram decreased to varying degrees,with significant increases in LVEF and LVFS,and significant decreases in LVIDd and LVIDs(P<0.01);a large number of myocardial cells survived,the arrangement of myocardial fibers was relatively regular,and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was significantly reduced;the serum MDA content was significantly reduced,while the activities of SOD,GSH-Px and T-AOC significantly increased(P<0.01);the positive expression of Keap1 in myocardial tissue significantly decreased,while the positive expressions of Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction may inhibit oxidative stress by activating Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve the pathological morphology and structural damage of myocardial tissue and promote the recovery of cardiac functions in rats with heart blood stasis syndrome of coronary heart disease.
7.Expert consensus on clinical treatment of acute radiation syndrome from external irradiation
Li LIANG ; Long YUAN ; Changlin YU ; Qingjie LIU ; Yulong LIU ; Wenfeng YANG ; Jin WANG ; Weixu HUANG ; Ying LIU ; Cuiping LEI ; Huifang CHEN ; Ximing FU ; Baoshan CAO ; Mopei WANG ; Zhaohui ZHANG ; Yu XIAO ; Yamei CHEN ; Quanfu SUN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(9):827-839
China emerges as a major country in nuclear energy development and the application of nuclear and radiologic technology. The diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndrom (ARS) caused by external irradiation represent a core function in the country′s medical rescue of nuclear and radiological emergencies. Clinically, ARS manifests hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and central nervous system syndromes, with specific clinical manifestations, signs, severity, and prognosis strongly correlated with radiation dose. China has established a number of national and provincial centers for treating radiation-induced damage. Nevertheless, most medical staff have limited experience in ARS treatment. This consensus presents a summary of recent experience in treating ARS of China. In combination with recommendations from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), this consensus proposes key evidence of critical clinical issues of ARS, covering all links in the rescue of external irradiation-induced ARS. Initially, clinical diagnosis, syndromes, and severe degrees should be determined based on clinical symptoms and dose estimates. It is necessary to normalize clinical treatment measures for hematopoietic recovery, gastrointestinal injury treatment, infection control, symptomatic treatment, and multi-organ function preservation. To this end, this consensus offers cautions. This consensus provides principles of treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, psychological intervention, and follow-up. Additionally, it highlights multidisciplinary collaboration. It is recommended that this consensus be applied in relevant treatment centers.
8.Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies for Sj?gren's Syndrome Based on the Theory of"Spleen as the Mother of the Five Organs"
Keying ZHU ; Ximeng LI ; Songwei LI ; Huan LI ; Xueqin ZHOU ; Pin LI ; Xinyan ZHANG ; Shuyue ZHANG ; Huifang HE ; Huijun GUO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2975-2985
Sj?gren's syndrome(SS)is one of the common rheumatic diseases in clinical practice.Modern medicine commonly uses drugs such as artificial tears,saliva,glucocorticoids,immunosuppressants,and biologics to control the condition.Clinical practice has shown that in addition to modern medical basic treatment,the use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)can help improve the clinical efficacy of SS.According to the symptoms and signs of Sj?gren's syndrome in TCM,it is classified as"dryness and obstruction",and the core pathogenesis of the disease is spleen deficiency and deficiency of body fluids.Subsequently,toxic and pathogenic factors gather,leading to the decline of internal organs.The initial causes are spleen damage,unstable barrier,and invasion of pathogenic factors.The core link is spleen dysfunction,insufficient body fluid,and dryness arising from it.Spleen deficiency generates evil,obstruction of qi,and lack of body fluids are the root causes of illness.The main treatment method is the"spleen strengthening method",which treats spleen deficiency,dampness and stagnation,and the body fluid is not distributed.The treatment focuses on strengthening the spleen and qi,supplementing the lungs and generating fluids.Spleen deficiency leads to loss of vitality,blood stasis obstructs blood vessels,and the treatment is to strengthen the spleen,soothe the liver,remove blood stasis,and unblock the orifices.The spleen yang is not vigorous,and qi transformation is impaired.The treatment is to invigorate the spleen and warm the stomach,promote yang circulation,and promote diuresis.
9.Individualized administration of vancomycin in obese patients guided by trough concentration or AUC24h/MIC
Huifang ZHANG ; Yaxin FAN ; Fangqing ZHOU ; Zelin CUI ; Guanhua ZHU ; Mengting CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Ruilan WANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(1):7-14
Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of vancomycin in obese patients guided by trough concentration and AUC24h/MIC,and to provide data for individualized administration of vancomycin in obese patients.Methods We retrospectively collected the data of obese adult patients(BMI 30 kg/m2)who had severe infection caused by gram-positive cocci and treated with vancomycin intravenously in two Grade A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai from 2012 to 2024.The patients were assigned to trough concentration monitoring group or AUC24h/MIC monitoring group according to the therapeutic drug monitoring(TDM)method at the time of admission.Nephrotoxicity and efficacy were compared between the two groups of patients.Results A total of 22 obese patients were included in this study,including 12 in the trough concentration monitoring group and 10 in the AUC24h/MIC monitoring group.No significant difference was found between the two groups in gender,age,BMI,creatinine clearance before treatment,underlying disease,site of infection,pathogen type,or concomitant medications.The proportion of ICU admission was higher in AUC24h/MIC monitoring group.The length of ICU stay,vancomycin treatment duration,bacterial clearance rate and comprehensive efficacy rate did not show significant difference between the two groups.The average daily dose of vancomycin in trough concentration monitoring group was significantly lower than that in A UC24h/MIC monitoring group[(1.63±0.59)g vs(2.29±0.72)g,P=0.026].The average treatment duration was not significantly different between the two groups[(15.33±10.28)d vs(14.90±6.92)d,P=0.911].Compared with the trough concentration monitoring group,the initial peak concentration[(30.99±16.22)mg/L vs(19.41±5.42)mg/L,P=0.025]and overall peak concentration[(33.67±16.53)mg/L vs(22.08±3.96)mg/L,P=0.045]of vancomycin were lower in theAUC24h/MIC monitoring group,but the initial trough concentration[(11.03±8.66)mg/L vs(6.33±4.45)mg/L,P=0.139]and overall trough concentration[(13.75±9.74)mg/L vs(9.74±4.24)mg/L,P=0.218]were similar in the two groups.Vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity did not occur in any group,but 41.7%of the patients in the trough concentration monitoring group reached the threshold of renal toxicity,i.e.trough concentration ≥15 mg/L.Conclusions Vancomycin treatment with conventional dosing regimen still have good clinical efficacy in obese adult patients.Vancomycin therapy guided by A UC24h/MIC can achieve the target value at lower concentration or exposure,which is promising for reducing vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity.
10.Correlation between RBP4,LDLC/Alb,MHR and plaque stability in carotid athero-sclerosis population and their predictive value for acute ischemic stroke
Fan ZHANG ; Bo ZHAO ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Liping ZHANG ; Huifang SU ; Wenhui KOU
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(7):618-624
Aim To analyze the correlation between serum retinol-binding protein 4(RBP4),low density lipo-protein cholesterol to albumin ratio(LDLC/Alb),monocyte to high density lipoprotein ratio(MHR)and plaque stability in carotid atherosclerosis population and their predictive value for acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods A total of 197 patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis admitted to our hospital from September 2021 to January 2023 were selected for a prospective cohort study,and they were categorized into occurred group and non-occurred group according to whether AIS occurred within 12 months.Baseline information at time of visit,results of the cervical ultrasonography and serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb,MHR levels were compared between the two groups.Spearman/Pearson and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve were used to analyze the corr-elation of RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR with carotid atherosclerosis and plaque stability,and the value of predicting AIS in carotid atherosclerosis population.Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to evaluate the calibration ability of serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR to jointly predict AIS in carotid atherosclerosis population.Results The carotid intima-media thickness(IMT)was higher in occurred group than that in non-occurred group.There were more soft plaques and mixed plaques in occurred group than in non-occurred group(P<0.05).Serum levels of RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR were higher in occurred group than those in non-occurred group(P<0.05).The correlation analysis showed that the levels of serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR were positively correla-ted with IMT(r=0.803,0.740,0.710)and plaque properties(r=0.736,0.685,0.703)(P<0.001).ROC curve a-nalysis showed that the AUC of serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR in predicting AIS in carotid atherosclerosis population was 0.796,0.821 and 0.828,respectively,and the AUC of MHR was the largest;the AUC of the combination of serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR was 0.936,which was higher than that of MHR(Z=2.978,P<0.05),the predictive sensi-tivity and specificity were 88.24%and 87.40%.Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed that there was no signifi-cant difference between serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR in predicting AIS and the actual observation value in carotid atherosclerosis population(P>0.05),and the prediction model had good calibration ability.Conclusion Serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb,and MHR are positively correlated with carotid atherosclerosis and plaque stability,and can predict the occurrence of AIS.Combined detection of the three can be used as a method for early identification of potential high-risk populations for AIS,providing a new,quantifiable guidance scheme for the prevention and treatment of AIS in carotid ath-erosclerotic population.


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