1.Mechanisms of Xiaozhi Qinggan Decoction in Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease by Regulating Ferroptosis
Haihang DONG ; Yuying TU ; Xingrong LI ; Yujie CAI ; Yi REN ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xiaozhi Qinggan decoction (XQD) in preventing and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating ferroptosis, network pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo experiments. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, mouse MASLD models were established by high-fat diet (HFD) induction. The model mice were randomly assigned to a positive control group (silybin, 50 mg·kg-1), low-, medium- and high-dose XQD groups (4.725, 9.45, 18.9 g·kg-1), with a normal control group. After 4 weeks of modeling, mice except the normal group were administered intragastrically for 8 consecutive weeks. Liver function, serum lipid levels, hepatic histopathology, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and Fe2+ were detected. The mRNA and protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 were determined by quantitative Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. In the network pharmacology analysis, active components and potential targets of XQD for MASLD were screened, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analyses, and molecular docking was performed to verify the target binding activity. In the in vitro experiment, the optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum was screened by cytotoxicity assay. HepG2 cells were transfected with ov-NC or ov-p53 plasmid, and a lipid accumulation model was induced by free fatty acid (FFA, 1.0 mmol·L-1). Cells were divided into a normal group, FFA model group, ov-NC+XQD (15%) group and ov-p53+XQD (15%) group. Intracellular Fe2+ level and lipid accumulation were evaluated, and the protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited markedly elevated body weight, liver weight, liver index, fasting blood glucose, AUC of glucose tolerance test, serum liver function and blood lipid levels at week 12 (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were observed by pathological staining. Additionally, hepatic levels of MDA, SOD and Fe2+ were increased (P<0.01), while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and medium-dose XQD groups showed significantly decreased body weight at week 12 (P<0.05). The silybin group, together with the medium- and high-dose XQD groups, presented reduced liver weight and liver index (P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and the AUC of glucose tolerance test were lowered in all four treatment groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological staining revealed alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammation, accompanied by decreased serum liver function and blood lipid levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, hepatic MDA and SOD levels were markedly reduced, while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Hepatic Fe2+ level was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was downregulated, and the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, tanshinone IIA and isorhamnetin as the core active components of XQD, with p53 serving as the key target. Stable binding was verified between these active components and the p53 protein. The optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum in vitro was determined to be 15%. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased intracellular Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, significantly upregulated p53 protein expression (P<0.01), and markedly downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ov-NC group exhibited reduced Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, downregulated p53 expression, and upregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression. In the ov-p53 group, p53 expression was upregulated (P<0.01), while SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression was downregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionXQD inhibits ferroptosis by downregulating p53 and upregulating SLC7A11 and GPX4, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes and improving MASLD.
2.Treating Lean Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease from the Perspective of "Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence and Kidney Failing to Transform Qi"
Xingrong LI ; Haihang DONG ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Ya YOU ; Yuying TU ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1446-1450
It is considered that lean metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is characte-rized by a state of "lean body but fatty liver". From the perspective of the pathomechanism evolution of "spleen failing to disperse essence, while kidney failing to transform qi", the disease is systematically treated under the principle that spleen and kidney deficiency as the root and liver constraint with phlegm stasis as the branch. Spleen deficiency with impaired transformation and transportation leads to failure in the distribution of refined substances, initiating lipid turbidity accumulation and obstruction. Kidney dysfunction in qi transformation results in insufficient essence and blood, forming the root of bodily malnourishment. Over time, this further gives rise to liver constraint and loss of dispersing function, disorder in the movement of essential substances, and congealing of phlegm and stasis within hepatic collaterals. The dysfunction of three organs including spleen, kidney and liver constitutes the pathological basis of metabolic disturbances involving qi, blood, body fluids and essence. Treatment should follow the principle of "nourishing the healthy qi leads to spontaneous resolution of pathogenic accumulation", with three approaches. First, fortifying the spleen and eliminating dampness, using Sini Powder (四逆散) and Erchen Pingwei Powder (二陈平胃散) to restore the transport and transformation function of the middle jiao (焦), thereby guiding essential substances back to their proper physiological pathways. Second, tonifying the kidney and resolving turbidity, using Jinkui Shenqi Pill (金匮肾气丸) and Effective Integration Decoction (一贯煎) to replenish the lower jiao, promoting the restoration of essence and the transformation of turbid pathogen. Third, soothing the liver and resolving stasis, using Liujunzi Decoction (六君子汤) and Xiaozhi Qinggan Decoction (消脂清肝汤) to vent qi and blood stagnation, thereby interrupting disease progression. Together, these three methods reinforce healthy qi while eliminating pathogen, facilitating the restoration of proper essence transformation and the resolution of lipid turbidity.
3.Advances in role and drug treatment of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rheumatoid arthritis
Yuru WANG ; Yumeng ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Huiqin HAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(9):1839-1846
Endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)plays a crucial role in cellular self-protection.In response to environmental changes,cells activate the unfolded protein response(UPR)and endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation pathways to restore homeostasis.Increasing experimental evidence indicates that hypoxia and inflammation negatively impact synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis(RA),leading to the activation of three key endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane proteins:inositol-requiring enzyme 1,protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase,and activating transcription factor 6.These proteins mediate UPR pathways that are implicated in the pathological progression of RA.Targeting ERS-related molecules has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for RA.This article reviews the impact of ERS on the pathogenesis of RA and discusses drugs that modulate ERS as potential treatments for the disease.
4.Clinical significance of expression levels of serum Spexin and Pannexin 1 in elderly patients with diabetic cataract
Xinqiao ZHANG ; Xing LI ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Haiting CHEN ; Mingyuan LIU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(1):80-84
Objective To study the correlation between expression levels of serum Spexin and Pannexin 1 protein,glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in elderly patients with diabetic cataract.Methods A total of 118 elderly diabetic cataract patients were selected as the case group,and 103 elderly diabetic non-cataract patients were selected as the control group who were treated in the same hospital during the same period.Serum levels of Spexin and Pannexin1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Fasting blood glucose(FPG)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)were measured.Lipid metabolism related indicators including triacylglycerol(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),total cholesterol(TC)and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were detected in two groups of patients.Insulin resistance related indexes:fasting insulin(FINS),insulin sensitivity index(ISI),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)and islet beta cell function index(HOMA-β)were also detected.The correlation between serum Spexin and Pannexin1 levels,glucolipid metabolism and ISI was detected by Pearson method.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to assess the predictive value of serum Spexin and Pannexin1 levels and their combination in the development of cataract in elderly diabetic patients.Results The level of Spexin was lower in the observation group than that in the control group,and the level of Pannexin1 was higher than that in the control group(P<0.01).Levels of TG,TC,LDL-C,FPG,HbA1c,FINS and HOMA-IR of the observation group increased compared with the control group,while HDL-C,ISI and HOMA-β levels decreased compared with the control group(P<0.01).Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum Spexin level was positively correlated with ISI and HOMA-β,and negatively correlated with TG,TC,LDL-C,FPG,HbA1c,FINS and HOMA-IR in elderly patients with diabetic cataract(P<0.05).Serum Pannexin1 was negatively correlated with ISI and HOMA-β,and positively correlated with TG,TC,LDL-C,FPG,HbA1c,FINS and HOMA-IR(P<0.05).There was no correlation between the above indexes and HDL-C(P>0.05).The combination of both serum Spexin and Pannexin1 predicted the development of cataracts in elderly diabetic patients was better than serum Spexin and Pannexin1 assessed individually(Z both combination-Spexin=3.220,P=0.001,Z both combination-Pannexin1=4.838,P<0.001).Conclusion In elderly patients with diabetic cataract,the expression of serum Spexin decreases and the expression of Pannexin1 increases,and they have a certain correlation with glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance
5.Analysis of gene detection results of next-generation sequencing of liquid based cytological specimens of lung adenocarcinoma cavity effusion and evaluation of clinical efficacy
Shuo LIANG ; Yuan WANG ; Zihan SUN ; Jiameng ZHANG ; Xiaoyue XIAO ; Cong WANG ; Yue SUN ; Xinxiang CHANG ; Linlin ZHAO ; Huan ZHAO ; Huiqin GUO ; Zhihui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):905-912
Objective:To analyze the results of next generation sequencing (NGS) gene testing in liquid-based cytological specimens of lung adenocarcinoma cavity and evaluate the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment.Methods:Liquid based cytological specimens of 222 cases of lung adenocarcinoma with cavity effusion and 201 cases of metastatic lymph node biopsy were collected. Specimens were obtained from the Cytology Laboratory of the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The collection period was from January 2018 to December 2022. The results of NGS gene detection were compared. The clinical efficacy of 91 patients treated with EGFR-TKI was evaluated, and the survival curve was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and other statistical methods.Results:The mutation rates of cancer-related genes detected by NGS were 82.0% (182/222) vs 79.1% (159/201), ( P=0.455) in liquid-based cytological specimens and histological specimens of metastatic lymph node biopsy, respectively. However, the mutation rate of EGFR T790M was significantly higher in cavity effusion than in lymph node biopsy specimens [12.2%(27/222)>3.5%(7/201), P=0.001]. The results of gene mutation were identical in 10 of the 13 cases with cavity effusion and metastatic lymph node biopsy, and the agreement rate of EGFR was 84.6%(11/13). In 3 inconsistent cases, EGFR mutations were detected in 2 cavity effusion cases that were not detected by lymph node biopsy. Results of genetic analysis of fluid-based cytological samples of 91 patients with cavity effusion were evaluated after drug treatment with EGFR-TKI. The mean progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients was 11.4 months (95% CI: 9.9-12.9). The mean PFS of patients harboring EGFR mutation was 12.3 months (95% CI: 10.8-13.9), and the mean PFS of EGFR wild type was 4.1 months (95% CI: 2.1-6.2). Conclusions:The results of NGS gene detection in liquid-based cytological specimens of lung adenocarcinoma patients with cavity effusion show that the PFS time is similar to that of histological specimens after clinical treatment with EGFR-TKI, which proves the reliability of NGS gene detection results in liquid cytological specimens. NGS gene testing appears higher sensitivity in cavity liquid-based samples than in metastatic lymph node samples.
6.Experience in Staged Differentiation and Treatment of Cirrhotic Ascites Based on the Theory of Tonification and Purging
Haihang DONG ; Yujie CAI ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yuying TU ; Dongling WANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):532-536
It is believed that patients with cirrhotic ascites exhibit a pathological mechanism characterized by the decline of healthy qi and the accumulation of pathogenic factors. Clinically, treatment should be based on the theory of tonification and purging, with a staged approach distinguishing between the active phase and the remission phase. The balance between tonification and purging should be adjusted according to the progression of pathogenic and healthy actors. In the acute phase, purging should take precedence over tonification, using purging as a means of tonification to facilitate the flow of water and qi through the triple energizer. The severity of water retention, dampness, blood stasis, and heat should be carefully assessed to ensure thorough elimination of pathogenic factors while avoiding harm to healthy qi. Medication adjustments should be made once the pathogenic factors are significantly weakened. In the remission phase, an integrated approach combining both tonification and purging should be adopted, incorporating purging within tonification to clear residual pathogens and prevent recurrence. Concurrently, proactive treatment of the underlying disease is essential to achieve complete recovery and prevent the recurrence of ascites.
7.Effects of wogonin on joint inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway
Yuru WANG ; Siyuan LI ; Ye XU ; Yumeng ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Huiqin HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1026-1035
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease.Many studies have shown that wogonin has a good anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis,but its exact efficacy and specific mechanism of action remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of wogonin ameliorating joint inflammation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats with collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS:(1)At the animal level:Female Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group,arthritis model group and wogonin treatment group.Rat models of arthritis in the latter two groups were established by subcutaneous injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and adjuvant.In the wogonin group,wogonin was given by gavage for 28 consecutive days after modeling.During this period,the rats in each group were weighed,and arthritis score and ankle swelling were measured every 7 days.After the experiment,the pathological changes of the joint were observed,the mRNA and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway GRP78 and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR,western blot,and immunohistochemistry.(2)At the cellular level,cell counting kit-8 was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of wogonin on fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rats with collagen-induced arthritis.The fibroblast-like synoviocytes induced by thapsigargin were treated with different concentrations of wogonin.The levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA,and the intracellular reactive oxygen species in each group were determined by DCFH-DA probe method.The mRNA and protein levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy control group,arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the arthritis model group were increased(P<0.01),synovial hyperplasia,inflammatory cell infiltration,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were observed in pathological sections,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were significantly increased(P<0.01),which were mainly located in synovial tissue and articular surface.Compared with the arthritis model group,the arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the wogonin treatment group were decreased(P<0.05),synovial hyperplasia and the number of inflammatory cells were decreased,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were alleviated,the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were decreased(P<0.05),particularly in synovial tissue and on the articular surface.There was no significant difference in body mass among the three groups(P>0.05).In the cell experiment,200 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the survival rate of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,the levels of interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,content of reactive oxygen species,and mRNA and protein expression of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s,and CHOP in the thapsigargin group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with the thapsigargin group,50 and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant(P<0.05,P<0.01),and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the content of reactive oxygen species(P<0.01)and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP(all P<0.05).These results suggest that wogonin can effectively alleviate joint inflammatory responses in rats with collagen-induced arthritis,and the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway may be the key target of its intervention.
8.Clinical significance of expression levels of serum Spexin and Pannexin 1 in elderly patients with diabetic cataract
Xinqiao ZHANG ; Xing LI ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Haiting CHEN ; Mingyuan LIU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(1):80-84
Objective To study the correlation between expression levels of serum Spexin and Pannexin 1 protein,glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in elderly patients with diabetic cataract.Methods A total of 118 elderly diabetic cataract patients were selected as the case group,and 103 elderly diabetic non-cataract patients were selected as the control group who were treated in the same hospital during the same period.Serum levels of Spexin and Pannexin1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Fasting blood glucose(FPG)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)were measured.Lipid metabolism related indicators including triacylglycerol(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),total cholesterol(TC)and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were detected in two groups of patients.Insulin resistance related indexes:fasting insulin(FINS),insulin sensitivity index(ISI),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)and islet beta cell function index(HOMA-β)were also detected.The correlation between serum Spexin and Pannexin1 levels,glucolipid metabolism and ISI was detected by Pearson method.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to assess the predictive value of serum Spexin and Pannexin1 levels and their combination in the development of cataract in elderly diabetic patients.Results The level of Spexin was lower in the observation group than that in the control group,and the level of Pannexin1 was higher than that in the control group(P<0.01).Levels of TG,TC,LDL-C,FPG,HbA1c,FINS and HOMA-IR of the observation group increased compared with the control group,while HDL-C,ISI and HOMA-β levels decreased compared with the control group(P<0.01).Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum Spexin level was positively correlated with ISI and HOMA-β,and negatively correlated with TG,TC,LDL-C,FPG,HbA1c,FINS and HOMA-IR in elderly patients with diabetic cataract(P<0.05).Serum Pannexin1 was negatively correlated with ISI and HOMA-β,and positively correlated with TG,TC,LDL-C,FPG,HbA1c,FINS and HOMA-IR(P<0.05).There was no correlation between the above indexes and HDL-C(P>0.05).The combination of both serum Spexin and Pannexin1 predicted the development of cataracts in elderly diabetic patients was better than serum Spexin and Pannexin1 assessed individually(Z both combination-Spexin=3.220,P=0.001,Z both combination-Pannexin1=4.838,P<0.001).Conclusion In elderly patients with diabetic cataract,the expression of serum Spexin decreases and the expression of Pannexin1 increases,and they have a certain correlation with glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance
9.Patient Journey-Based Insights into the Preferences and Needs of Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lym-phoma
Ruixue FAN ; Huiqin YUAN ; Jieying ZHANG ; Ningying MAO
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(2):29-34
Objective To investigate the diagnosis,treatment and follow-up experience of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma,explore their preferences and needs,and improve their treatment experience and effectiveness.Methods From August to November 2023,17 patients and their family members were interviewed in one-hour semi-structured interviews,which were organized and analyzed by Excel.Results The preference,diagnosis stage and diagnosis time were mainly related to the complexity of symptoms and knowledge storage.Patients selected hospitals according to their medical habits and geographical location,and the departments were recommended by the guidance desk or judged by experience.In the treatment stage,the choice of hospital mainly considers the comprehensive strength,recommendation of relatives and geographical location,trust doctors and choose treatment plan according to their own conditions;In the follow-up stage,all patients were followed up according to the doctor's advice.About the need,diagnosis stage,hope to improve the level and speed of pathological diagnosis.During the treatment phase,patients and family members expressed their needs for drug policy assurance,accessibility and convenience of chemotherapy,and easy-to-communicate physician and patient education guidelines;In the follow-up stage,it hopes to have easy-to-use follow-up management tools.Conclusion It is suggested that the government should pay more attention to drug guarantee,issue patient education guidelines and pay more attention to popular science education of major diseases.It is recommended that hospitals improve the level and speed of pathological diagnosis,increase the opening rate of daytime chemotherapy area,use smart bed reservation system and actively popularize the latest research results of diseases.
10.Relationship between eNOS gene polymorphism and main complications in premature infants
Xiaoyan Li ; Bing Li ; Jia' ; an Wang ; Xian Dong ; Huiqin Wang ; Haijuan Zhu ; Bin Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):719-724
Objective :
To explore the polymorphism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) gene in umbilical cord blood of preterm infants and its relationship with major complications in preterm infants.
Methods :
A total of 254 preterm infants(<37 weeks) who were hospitalized were selected as the study subjects. Umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery to determine the genotypes and alleles of eNOS gene at three loci: rs61722009, rs2070744,and rs1799983. Clinical data of the preterm infants were recorded, and the relationship between eNOS gene polymorphism and major complications in preterm infants was analyzed.
Results:
(1) The TC+CC genotype at locus rs2070744 was an independent risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD) in preterm infants, with an OR(95%CI) of 1.266(1.017-1.577).(2) The GT+TT genotype at locus rs1799983 was an independent risk factor for retinopathy prematurity(ROP), with an OR(95%CI) of 1.184(1.008-1.391).(3) The AB+AA genotype at locus rs61722009 was also an independent risk factor for ROP,with an OR(95%CI) of 1.335(1.033-1. 726).(4) There was no significant relationship between gene polymorphism and the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome( RDS) and periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage( PIVH).
Conclusion
eNOS gene polymorphism is associated with the occurrence of BPD and ROP in preterm infants. The evaluation of e NOS gene polymorphism by umbilical cord blood measurement is helpful for the prevention and correct management of some serious complications.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail