1.Effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Qingzhi Formula on the cGAS/STING/TBK1 signaling pathway in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Yangyang GOU ; Jiahui MA ; Cong CHEN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):370-378
Objective:
To investigate how Zuogui Jiangtang Qingzhi Formula (ZGJTQZF), a traditional Chinese medicine compound for lowering blood glucose levels and clearing lipids based on Zuogui Pill, regulates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING)/TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) signaling pathway to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Methods:
According to fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, body weight, and sex, 40 MKR mice, with half being male and the other half female, were randomly divided into four groups: blank, model, ZGJTQZF (29.6 g/kg), metformin + simvastatin ([65.0+ 2.6] mg/kg), 10 mice per group, and a normal group consisting of 10 age-matched FVB mice. Mice in all groups, except in the normal and blank groups, were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce the disease model. Each group received daily gavage of the respective treatments for 8 weeks after successful modeling. Various parameters were measured, including FBG, liver function (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]), and blood lipids (triglyceride [TG] and total cholesterol [TC]). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Histological liver changes were examined using transmission electron and optical microscope. cGAS, STING, and TBK1 protein and mRNA expression levels in liver tissues were detected using Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively.
Results:
Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant fat accumulation in hepatocytes and liver damage. Additionally, FBG, ALT, AST, serum TNF-α, IL-6, cGAS, STING and TBK1 expression levels in liver tissues were significantly elevated (P<0.05). Treatment with ZGJTQZF and metformin + simvastatin significantly improved FBG, ALT, AST, TG, TC, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.01). Histologically, hepatic steatosis was notably alleviated. Expression of protein and mRNA of cGAS, STING, and TBK1 in liver tissues was significantly reduced (P<0.05).
Conclusion
ZGJTQZF improves lipid and glucose metabolism, mitigates liver injury, and reduces inflammatory markers in MKR mice. These effects may be mediated through the regulation of the cGAS/STING/TBK1 signaling pathway.
2.Comparison of Therapeutic Effect of Different Preparation Processes of Baihe Dihuangtang on Depressed Mice Based on Q-Marker
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Jiahui PENG ; Dan LI ; Shengjun MA ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):159-167
ObjectiveBased on modern analytical techniques and a depressed mouse model established by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), to evaluate the quality marker(Q-Marker) and pharmacodynamic difference of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by different processes. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish the characteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang, and determine the content of Q-Marker in the samples prepared by ancient and modern processes. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(3 mg·kg-1), low and high dose groups of ancient process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), and low and high dose groups of modern process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, CUMS was used to induce depression in mice from the other groups for 28 d. After successful modeling, administration groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage every day, and the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Change in body mass of mice was recorded, tail suspension test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. ResultsCharacteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes were established, the similarity between the two was 0.951, and 8 characteristic peaks were recognized with the reference peak of regaloside A. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the Q-Marker content was similar in Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by ancient and modern processes. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test, reduced total movement distance in the open field test, and elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the behavioral indicators of mice in the Baihe Dihuangtang treatment group were significantly improved in terms of tail suspension time and open field exercise, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes both had antidepressant effects, and the difference between the two was not statistically significant in improving depressive symptoms. ConclusionQ-Marker of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by modern and ancient methods are equivalent in content, and the pharmacological effects are consistent, indicating that dried Lilii Bulbus can replace fresh products in the preparation of Baihe Dihuangtang. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs of Baihe Dihuangtang and a reference for its rational application and clinical use.
3.Comparison of Therapeutic Effect of Different Preparation Processes of Baihe Dihuangtang on Depressed Mice Based on Q-Marker
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Jiahui PENG ; Dan LI ; Shengjun MA ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):159-167
ObjectiveBased on modern analytical techniques and a depressed mouse model established by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), to evaluate the quality marker(Q-Marker) and pharmacodynamic difference of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by different processes. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish the characteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang, and determine the content of Q-Marker in the samples prepared by ancient and modern processes. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(3 mg·kg-1), low and high dose groups of ancient process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), and low and high dose groups of modern process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, CUMS was used to induce depression in mice from the other groups for 28 d. After successful modeling, administration groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage every day, and the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Change in body mass of mice was recorded, tail suspension test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. ResultsCharacteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes were established, the similarity between the two was 0.951, and 8 characteristic peaks were recognized with the reference peak of regaloside A. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the Q-Marker content was similar in Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by ancient and modern processes. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test, reduced total movement distance in the open field test, and elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the behavioral indicators of mice in the Baihe Dihuangtang treatment group were significantly improved in terms of tail suspension time and open field exercise, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes both had antidepressant effects, and the difference between the two was not statistically significant in improving depressive symptoms. ConclusionQ-Marker of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by modern and ancient methods are equivalent in content, and the pharmacological effects are consistent, indicating that dried Lilii Bulbus can replace fresh products in the preparation of Baihe Dihuangtang. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs of Baihe Dihuangtang and a reference for its rational application and clinical use.
4.Research Progress of Glioma in China in 2024
Xiaoman KANG ; Junlin LI ; Wenlin CHEN ; Shanmu JIN ; Yilin LI ; Jiahui LIU ; Yulu GE ; Wenbo WU ; Jiaheng LI ; Yiming LIAN ; Yu WANG ; Wenbin MA
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1437-1448
Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Despite the standard treatment of surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis for high-grade glioma patients remains poor, highlighting the urgent need to further explore its pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the research progress in the field of glioma in China in 2024, covering tumorigenesis mechanisms, tumor immune microenvironment composition, advances in imaging techniques and novel imaging agents, improvements in surgical approaches, mechanisms of radio- and chemoresistance, and explorations of new therapeutic modalities. These studies provide a solid theoretical foundation for advancing clinical diagnosis and treatment of gliomas and may offer new opportunities to improve patient outcomes.
5.The correlation between the ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin and Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndrome in patients with severe COVID-19
Lan LI ; Caijun WU ; Linqin MA ; Yuanzhen JIAN ; Jiahui SU ; Junxi LIU ; Yiyuanzi ZHAO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2024;26(2):172-175
Objective:To explore the correlation between the ratio of C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin (CAR) and the syndrome type of Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:A case-control study was conducted to select 63 severe patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from December 2022 to December 2023, including 50 severe cases and 13 critical cases. The clinical data of the patients were collected. According to the syndrome differentiation of Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue, there were 21 cases of Qi syndrome, 20 cases of Ying syndrome and 22 cases of Xue syndrome. The differences of CRP, ALB and CAR levels in patients with different Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndromes were compared. Spearman correlation test was used to test the correlation between CRP, ALB, CAR and the Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndrome type, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to detect the diagnostic efficacy of CRP, ALB and CAR on the Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndrome type.Results:There was a statistically significant difference in the clinical classification of Western medicine among the three groups ( P<0.05). The CAR of the Ying group and the Xue group was higher than that of the Qi group ( P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in age and comorbidities (all P>0.05). The CRP of the Xue group was higher than that of the Qi group ( P<0.05), and the ALB of the Ying group and the Xue group was lower than that of the Qi group (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was a correlation between the Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndrome type and CRP, ALB and CAR ( P<0.05), among which CAR changed most significantly with the change of Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndrome type. ROC curve analysis showed that CRP, ALB and CAR had good diagnostic value for Qi syndrome and Xue syndrome ( P<0.05). The critical values of the diagnosis of Qi syndrome were 48.57 mg/L, 34.20 g/L and 2.97. The critical values of the diagnosis of Xue syndrome were 28.30 mg/L, 26.6 g/L and 5.96. Conclusions:CAR ratio is correlated with the Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndrome type of severe COVID-19 patients, and its level changes are in line with the evolution law of Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndrome. CAR≤2.97 is contributed to the diagnosis of Qi syndrome, and CAR>5.96 is contributed to the diagnosis of Xue syndrome. CAR may be an objective index related to the Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue syndrome type of severe COVID-19 patients.
6.Correlation of digital breast tomosynthesis and pathological features with the outcome of breast-conserving surgery in early-stage breast cancer
Liu LIANGSHENG ; Ma WENJUAN ; Zhang YU ; Li YANBO ; Wang JIAHUI ; Lu HONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2024;51(12):611-615
Objective:To investigate the correlation between digital breast tomosynthesis(DBT)image features,pathological features,and the results of breast-conserving surgery(BCS)in early stage breast cancer.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 422 cases of BCS resulting in successful breast preservation and 211 BCS cases that were followed by mastectomy.All of the patients underwent surgery at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute&Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023.Preoperative DBT images and clinicopathological features were assessed.A univariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen out the characteristics associated with BCS surgic-al results,after which multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen out the characteristics.Results:Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age(P=0.020),architectural distortion(P<0.001),breast composition(extremely dense,P=0.001),and mo-lecular subtype(Her2,P=0.001)were statistically different between the two groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ar-chitectural distortion(P<0.001),breast composition(extremely dense breast,P=0.003),and molecular subtype(Her2,P<0.001)differed signi-ficantly between the two groups.Conclusions:Breast composition,architectural distortion,and molecular subtype correlated with BCS res-ults.Extremely dense breast composition,architectural distortion,and Her2 subtype are associated with a higher possibility of conversion to mastectomy.These factors serve as effective predictive indicators of BCS results and thus aid clinicians in deciding the appropriate surgical strategies in the treatment of breast cancer.
7.Exploration on the Chinese Medical Master Wang Qingguo's Medication Law in Treating Insomnia Based on Data Mining
Jiahui CHEN ; Chongyang MA ; Qi SHAO ; Jing JI ; Wenxiu XU ; Fafeng CHENG ; Xueqian WANG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(11):90-95
Objective To explore the medication law of Professor Wang Qingguo for the treatment of insomnia based on data mining technology.Methods Paper-based prescriptions for Professor Wang Qingguo's treatment of insomnia from December 2016 to August 2023 were collected and a database was constructed.The screened prescriptions were subjected to data mining such as frequency statistics,association rule analysis,and clustering analysis.Results Totally 399 effective outpatient prescriptions were screened-out,involving 276 kinds of Chinese materia medica,with a total frequency of 6738 times.There were 38 Chinese materia medica with a frequency of use≥50.The properties were mainly warm,cold and mild,the tastes were mainly sweet,bitter and pungent,and mainly belong to the lung,spleen and heart meridians.Association rule analysis showed that the most commonly used drug combinations were"Fructus Tritici Levis-Scutellariae Radix-Bupleuri Radix","Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae-Scutellariae Radix-Pinelliae Rhizoma",etc.Association rule network analysis obtained a core prescription containing 12 kinds of Chinese materia medica for insomnia.Four new drug combinations were obtained by clustering analysis.Conclusion Professor Wang's treatment of insomnia has the characteristics of following the original meaning of Huang Di Nei Jing and Nan Jing,making good use of the classical prescription,applying combined prescription,flexible use of prescription,combining ancient and modern prescriptions,using specific medicine.It deeply reflects the academic view of"Tongping Zhihe".
8.Feasibility analysis of femoral anteversion angle measurement based on three-dimensional femoral model
Jiahui CHEN ; Xinlong MA ; Jianxiong MA ; Ying WANG ; Haohao BAI ; Bin LU ; Shixiong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(19):1288-1295
Objective:To propose a method to measure the femoral anteversion angle based on the three-dimensional model of femur.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2023, a total of 50 patients (100 femurs) with patellar instability who underwent full-length CT examination of both lower limbs in Tianjin Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including 16 males and 34 females, aged 28.5±11.9 years (range, 16-57 years). All patients underwent CT examination of both lower limbs, and the imaging data were imported into Mimics 21.0 software as DICOM format files. The femur was extracted by the threshold segmentation function, and the 3D model of the femur was reconstructed by appropriate trimming and smoothing. Three-dimensional models of the femur from 30 patients (60 femurs) were selected and imported into 3-matic 13.0 software for labeling of anatomical points and drawing of axes. The angle between the axis of the distal femur and the axis of the proximal femur was the femoral anteversion angle. Two observers positioned the spatial coordinates of the intercondylar fossa apex, the greater trochanter apex, the center of the femoral head, the femoral through-condylar axis and the posterior condylar tangent marker points on a 3D model of the femur to compare the differences between the groups. The femoral anteversion angles measured by different three-dimensional measurement methods were compared with the clinically reported femoral anteversion angles.Results:The difference between the femoral head center and intercondylar fossa apex coordinate data of 30 patients (60 femurs) measured by the two observers was not statistically significant ( P>0.05), whereas the data for the Y-axis coordinate of the greater trochanter apex were 25.77±23.21 and 22.08±25.73, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.906, P=0.017). The difference between the data of femoral through condylar and posterior condylar tangential coordinates of 30 patients (60 femurs) measured by the two observers was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Using the femoral mechanical axis as the projection direction, the angle between the transcondylar axis and the posterior condylar tangent line was 5.97°±2.02° (range, 1.48°-12.08°). The anterior tilt of the femur measured by the two observers in the femoral neck cylinder fitting method was 23.35°±7.45° and 24.94°±9.01°, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.147, P=0.040). The anterior inclination of the femur measured by the two observers in the femoral head ball enlargement method was 24.63°±7.66° and 25.12°±8.84°, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=-0.820, P=0.419). Using the femoral head ball expansion method to locate the proximal femoral axis, two observers measured the anterior tilt angle of the femur in 50 patients (100 femurs) according to the method described above, which was 23.30°±9.41° and 23.57°±9.97°, respectively, without a statistically significant difference ( t=-0.664, P=0.508), both smaller than the 29.56°±8.74° measured based on two-dimensional images in the imaging report, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The femoral anteversion angle measured by the angle between the axis of the femoral condyle and the axis of the femoral neck based on the three-dimensional model is accurate and effective, and the measured value is smaller than that based on the two-dimensional images in clinical practice.
9.Advances in the use of stem cell mechanical sensitivity against osteoporosis
Liyun ZHOU ; Yan WANG ; Benchao DONG ; Peichuan YANG ; Jiahui SHEN ; Jianxiong MA ; Xinlong MA
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(8):877-882
Osteoporosis is an emerging threat characterized by systemic damage to bone mass and microarchitecture leading to fragility fractures.Exosomes are nanosized vesicular particles secreted by cells into the extracellular compartment with biological activities similar to those of their cell of origin and play an important role in intercellular communication processes.Exosomes from multiple cell sources are involved in the regulation of bone-related cell proliferation and differentiation during bone metabolism,and have the advantages of high stability,non-immunogenicity and strong targeting ability,which make up for the shortcomings of traditional drug and stem cell therapies.Exosomes secreted from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)can promote bone regeneration and improve morphology,biomechanics and histological damage,and exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)in the mechanical microenvironment are more effective in inducing osteogenesis,significantly enhancing the osteogenic effect of BMSCs and promoting bone regeneration.Therefore,this article provides a review on the mechano-sensitivity of MSCs,mechanical responsive functionalized exosomes of MSCs,and explores their potential role in the treatment of osteoporosis.
10.Clinical features and disease outcomes of patients with fundus lesions associated with novel coronavirus infection
Shasha WANG ; Qiuming LI ; Yongwei ZHOU ; Jiahui WU ; Lixin MA ; Shuqian DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(11):1028-1035
Objective:To observe the clinical features and disease outcomes of patients with fundus lesions associated with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).Methods:A case series observational study was conducted.Eighteen eyes of 10 patients with COVID-19 related fundus lesions diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2022 to February 2023 were included.The affected eyes were examined by best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit lamp microscopy, scanning laser fundus photography (SLO), infrared fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field and microperimetry.After the diagnosis was confirmed, according to the patients' willingness, 6 patients were treated with mecobalamin, vinblastine, and Aescuven forte orally.The other 4 patients were treated with glucocorticoid and methylprednisolone tablets orally with an initial dose of 32 mg/d, and the dose was reduced by 4 mg every 5 days, and potassium chloride tablets, calcium carbonate tablets, and omeprazole enteric-coated capsules were taken orally.According to the diagnosis and treatment of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN), the patients were divided into glucocorticoid treatment group (4 cases, 7 eyes) and non-glucocorticoid treatment group (4 cases, 8 eyes).The patients were followed up for 4 weeks.The BCVA, retinal morphology and structure, retinal sensitivity and fixation stability were compared before and after treatment.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (No.2022-KY-1482-002).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:Among the enrolled 10 cases (18 eyes), there were 9 cases (17 eyes) of AMN, including 1 eye with Purtscher-like retinopathy (PLR), 1 eye with acute para-central medial maculopathy (PAMM), and 1 eye with multiple transient white dot syndrome (MEWDS).The SLO images of AMN patients showed redbrown irregular lesions in the fovea or parafovea of the macular area.The OCT images showed patchy strong reflection between the OPL and ONL in the fovea or parafovea of the macular area, and the adjacent EZ/IZ had different degrees of local fracture, and the reflection signal was disordered.The BCVA of the eyes after 4 weeks of treatment was higher than that before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.823, P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment, the retinal sensitivity of the eyes was (26.57±2.24)dB, which was significantly higher than that before treatment (24.17±2.73)dB ( t=-11.329, P<0.001).There was no statistically significant difference in LogMAR BCVA and retinal sensitivity between the AMN glucocorticoid treatment group and the AMN non-glucocorticoid treatment group before and after 4 weeks of treatment ( Z=-0.986, P>0.05; t=-1.656, P>0.05). Conclusions:The main manifestations of COVID-19 related fundus lesions are AMN, PAMM, PLR, MEWDS, etc.OCT, microperimetry and other auxiliary examinations can help to diagnose the disease.The visual impairment and fundus structural changes caused by COVID-19 gradually improve after 4 weeks of treatment.


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