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.Genetic detection for hereditary cancer syndrome among general population
Xinning CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Li YU ; Huiqin JIANG ; Fei HUANG ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Baishen PAN ; Beili WANG ; Wei GUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):627-633
Objective To examine the significance of susceptible gene detection for hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS) among general population. Methods A total of 2 928 individuals undergoing routine health examinations in Healthcare Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from September 2021 to April 2024 were enrolled retrospectively. Next generation sequencing was employed to identify susceptible genes for HCS. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guideline was used to analyze the pathogenicity of variants. Clinical data, imagings, follow-up data were also collected. Results The overall mutation rate of HCS panel was 3.59% (105/2 928), with 0.61% (18/2 928) for MutY DNA glycosylase (MUTYH), 0.27% (8/2 928) for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) and 0.23% (7/2 928) for mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Conclusions Healthy individuals carrying tumor susceptible genes usually lack the relevant clinical phenotypes. Whether comprehensive testing needs to be carried out among healthy people remains to be further explored.
3.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.
4.Clinical effect of entecavir on treatment of chronic hepatitis B and changes of immunological indexes
Huiqin ZHAI ; Hui WANG ; Hong YIN ; Yun HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Hongping JIA ; Yu WU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(22):3388-3393
OBJECTIVE To explore the levels of helper T lymphocytes(Th)in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection who were treated with entecavir and observe the impact on viral clearance.METHODS A total of 149 patients with HBV infection who were treated with entecavir in Yan'an Hospital of Kunming City from Jan.2020 to Jan.2024 were enrolled in the study,82 of whom were chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and 67 were chro-nic hepatitis B virus carriers.The enrolled patients were divided into the clearance group with 64 cases and the no clearance group with 85 cases according to the levels of serum hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)at Week 72 of the treatment.The clinical data were compared between the two groups,and the changes of Th1 and Th2 levels during the treatment were analyzed.Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed for the association be-tween virological change during the treatment and immune level.The risk factors for failed clearance of viruses were analyzed by logistic regression model.RESULTS There were significant differences in the age,the levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and HBV DNA between the baseline and Week 24,the levels of aspartate trans-aminase(AST)at the baseline and Week 12,the HBsAg level at Week 24,and the baseline levels of Th1,Th1/Th2 between the CHBc treatment group and the CHB treatment group(P<0.05).There were linear correlations between the HBV DNA,HBsAg,hepatitis E antigen(HBeAg)and the Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th2,respectively(P<0.05).Totally 64 patients were accumulatively eradicated with HBsAg on Week 72,with the eradication rate 42.95%.After the confounding factors were adjusted,multivariate analysis showed that the high levels of Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th2 were the risk factors for the failed clearance of viruses(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS Among the patients with HBV infection,there is difference in the immune level between the CHB patients and the CHB virus carriers.The levels of Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th2 are strongly correlated with the HBV DNA,HBsAg,HBeAg and efficiency of viral clearance during the treatment with entecavir.
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.Clinical significance of germline multi-gene panel testing in patients with endometrial cancer
Huiqin JIANG ; Fei HUANG ; Xinning CHEN ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Baishen PAN ; Beili WANG ; Wei GUO
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1194-1200
Objective:To analyze the relationship between clinicopathological features and germline mismatch repair (MMR) gene variants in endometrial cancer patients and to evaluate the clinical utility of germline multi-gene panel testing.Methods:This single-center, retrospective case series study included 100 endometrial cancer patients treated in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between July 2022 and February 2024. We collected clinicopathological data and tumor molecular testing results. 61 cancer susceptibility genes were tested using next-generation sequencing, and the associations between the detection rate of germline variants and the clinicopathological characteristics in endometrial cancer patients were explored.Results:Among 100 patients, 28% (28/100) were found to have pathogenic variants in cancer susceptibility genes, of which 20 patients carried germline MMR gene variants and the remaining 8 patients carried variants in other cancer susceptibility genes. Of the 20 patients diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, only 40% (8/20) met the Chinese family history criteria for Lynch syndrome. Among 53 patients with intact MMR protein expression, 1 patient was identified with a germline MMR gene variant. In the 14 Lynch syndrome patients with confirmed microsatellite status, 5/14 of those showed low microsatellite instability or microsatellite stability. Germline multi-gene panel testing in all endometrial cancer patients additionally identified 1 Lynch syndrome patient and 8 patients with non-Lynch hereditary cancers.Conclusion:Current clinical screening criteria may miss some endometrial cancer patients with Lynch syndrome. Compared with traditional screening pattern, germline multi-gene panel testing not only improves the detection rate of Lynch syndrome in endometrial cancer patients but also identifies other hereditary cancer predispositions.
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.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.
9.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.
10.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


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