1.POEMS syndrome with hepatosplenomegaly as the initial manifestation: A report of two cases
Ye ZHANG ; Wenqing WANG ; Jing LI ; Qianrong BAI ; Jiayu LI ; Yan CHENG ; Miaomiao FANG ; Nana GAO ; Changxing HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):127-132
POEMS syndrome is a rare condition associated with plasma cell disorders, and it often involves multiple systems and has diverse clinical manifestations. This article reports two cases of POEMS syndrome with hepatosplenomegaly as the initial manifestation. During the course of the disease, the patients presented with lower limb weakness, hepatosplenomegaly, lymph node enlargement, ascites, hypothyroidism, positive M protein, and skin hyperpigmentation, and 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging revealed bone lesions mainly characterized by osteolytic changes and plasma cell tumors. There was an increase in the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor. The patients were finally diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, and the symptoms were relieved after immunomodulatory treatment.
2.Rules of moxibustion for low back pain by ZHOU Meisheng based on data mining and knowledge graph technology.
Chi WANG ; Caifeng ZHU ; Jiayu ZHANG ; Bingyuan ZHOU ; Xiaoyu CHEN ; Le CHENG ; Miaomiao XIE ; Xuechun DING
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):823-833
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the rules of moxibustion for low back pain by ZHOU Meisheng by using data mining and knowledge graph technology.
METHODS:
Taking the medical cases of moxibustion for low back pain from ZHOU Meisheng's legacy manuscripts and existing works as the research objects, information on disease types, symptoms, tongue manifestations, pulse conditions, syndrome patterns, moxibustion methods and acupoints were collected. Frequency statistics and community analysis were conducted by the ancient and modern medical record cloud platform V 2.3.7, cluster analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed by SPSS26.0, association rule analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed by SPSS Modeler 18.0, and the generated linked data were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 for complex network analysis. Knowledge graph of moxibustion for low back pain by ZHOU Meisheng was constructed based on the results of data mining. The data storage and display of knowledge graph were realized through the Neo4j 3.5.25 graph database, and the Cypher query language was used for knowledge graph retrieval and discovery.
RESULTS:
A total of 219 medical cases were collected, involving 14 disease types, 85 related clinical symptoms, 5 related TCM syndrome types, and 6 moxibustion methods. The acupoints were mostly attributed to the governor vessel, the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang, non-meridian and non-acupoint areas. The core prescription of acupoints derived from complex network analysis included tender points, Shenshu (BL23), Jinsuo (GV8), Yinjiao (CV7), Yaoyangguan (GV3), Yanglingquan (GB34), which were largely coincides with high-frequency acupoints. Cluster analysis obtained 4 cluster combinations. Community analysis yielded 6 communities, each corresponding to different acupoints.The constructed knowledge graph contained 187 nodes and 696 relationships, by retrieving clinical elements related to low back pain, the disease-moxibustion association graph, disease-acupoint association graph, accompanying symptom-acupoint association graph and syndrome type-matching point association graph were obtained.
CONCLUSION
When treating low back pain with moxibustion, ZHOU Meisheng adopts the principle of promoting circulation, distinguishing diseases to determine the treatment, selecting acupoints according to the diseases, and matching points according to the symptoms.And taking tender points, Shenshu (BL23), Jinsuo (GV8), Yinjiao (CV7), Yaoyangguan (GV3), Yanglingquan (GB34) as core acupoints, combined with tenderness point selection, acupoint selection based on meridian and zangfu syndrome differentiation, "sunshine area" acupoint selection, yin-yang acupoint matching. Additionally, he skillfully employs special points, such as Zhongzhu (KI15) and ear tips, pays attention to the reform of moxibustion tools, and innovates the moxibustion techniques, using distinctive moxibustion tools and methods to treat low back pain.
Moxibustion/methods*
;
Humans
;
Data Mining
;
Low Back Pain/history*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
History, Ancient
;
Female
;
China
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
3.Targeting synthetic lethality in colorectal cancer.
Pingting CHEN ; Junsha AN ; Jianbo ZHOU ; Jiayu ZOU ; Cheng PENG ; Fu PENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(14):1752-1754
4."Relative symmetry with electronegativity of different key-groups" strategy for MRGPRX2 antagonist design and its effect on antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation.
Jiayu LU ; Zhaomin XIA ; Yongjing ZHANG ; He WANG ; Wen YANG ; Siqi WANG ; Nan WANG ; Yun LIU ; Huaizhen HE ; Cheng WANG ; Langchong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):494-507
MRGPRX2 antagonists possess the potential for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria. Previously, we identified a class of diaryl urea (DPU) MRGPRX2 antagonists with sub-micromolar IC50 values in vitro. However, the structure-activity relationship remains unclear. Herein, we adopted a "relative symmetry with electronegativity of different key-groups" strategy for further modification of DPUs to achieve a promising MRGPRX2 antagonist with higher activity and safety. Electrostatic potential energy analysis and biological evaluation revealed that B-1023 and B-5023, that possess relatively symmetric electron-withdrawing substituents, remarkable inhibited mast cell degranulation at a sub-micromolar IC50 in vitro and alleviated anaphylactic symptoms. Furthermore, B-1023, mitigated antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation (AIPI) in mice and competitively bonded to MRGPRX2. In summary, the "relative symmetry with electronegativity of different key-groups" strategy provided a drug design pattern for MRGPRX2 antagonists and identified promising antiallergic precursors for AIPI treatment.
5.Research advances in the role and mechanism of tryptophan metabolism in tumor development and progression
Leng HAN ; Xinting ZHU ; Jiayu ZHANG ; Cheng GUO ; Quanjun YANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(5):585-588
Amino acids are essential nutrients for the survival of all cells in the body,and their metabolic processes are closely associ-ated with tumor development and progression.The metabolic changes of the essential amino acid tryptophan have a significance impact on tumor microenvironment.Tryptophan is mainly metabolized to kynurenine(KYN)by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase,and the accumulation of KYN and the deficiency of tryptophan cause alterations in the immune status in tumor micro-environment,which in turn affects tumor development and progression.Based on the current studies on tryptophan,this article system-atically discusses the influence of abnormal tryptophan metabolism on tumors and the interventions targeting this pathway,in order to provide a reference for subsequent tumor therapy.
6.Alterations of adenosine in tumor microenvironment and its impact on tumor treatment
Lingjie JING ; Leng HAN ; Dingyuan BAI ; Yuxuan ZHOU ; Xinting ZHU ; Jiayu ZHANG ; Cheng GUO ; Quanjun YANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(9):1202-1211
Tumor microenvironment(TME)is the cellular environment for tumor development,growth,and metastasis.Adenosine(ADO)is an immunosuppressive metabolic product that is continuously upregulated in TME,with various types and wide distribution of receptors.The complex and dynamic interactions between ADO and tumor cells constantly influence tumor progression.ADO can di-rectly or indirectly promote tumor development and progression by promoting tumor generation and metastasis,mediating the immune escape of tumor,and modulating tumor-infiltrating immune cells.Based on the characteristics of ADOs in TME,this article reviews the latest advances in the dynamic alterations of ADO in TME,in order to provide insights into tumor treatment targeting the ADO pathway.
7.Research advances in cholesterol metabolism based on the role of tumor immunomodulation
Jiayu ZHANG ; Xinting ZHU ; Leng HAN ; Zhengyun ZHANG ; Xiuyan HUANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Jie LI ; Cheng GUO ; Quanjun YANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(11):1500-1505
Cholesterol,as an important component of cell membranes,plays a multifaceted role in mediating tumor immunomodulation and drug intervention.In case of cholesterol metabolic imbalance,the accumulation of cholesterol metabolic intermediates,the changes in concentrations,and the regulation of related signaling pathways can affect tumor immunity by promoting inflammation and inhibiting immune cell function.Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that controlling cholesterol metabolism can inhibit tumor growth,re-shape body immune regulation,and enhance antitumor immunity.A deep understanding of the association between immune cells and cholesterol metabolic pathways in the tumor microenvironment can help to develop novel drugs targeting cholesterol metabolism.This article reviews the multifaceted role of cholesterol and its derived metabolites in the tumor microenvironment by regulating various types of immune cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells,tumor-associated macrophages,dendritic cells,and T-lymphocytes,as well as the characteristics of tumor immunomodulation mediated by cholesterol metabolism and the advances in pharmaceutical re-search on improving the immune function of the body by intervening against cholesterol,in order to further provide new ideas and a thera-peutic basis for cholesterol modulation and intervention in tumor im-munotherapy.
8.Preliminary Study on Construction Method of Type 1 Diabetes Model in Banna Miniature Pig
Kai LIU ; Yuqi HU ; Yatian GENG ; Wenjie CHENG ; Jing WANG ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Jiayu LI ; Deling JIAO ; Hongye ZHAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(4):384-392
Objective To construct a Type 1 diabetes model in miniature pigs and explore postoperative care strategies for effectively prolonging the survival time of the model pigs.Methods Seven Banna miniature pigs were selected for pancreatectomy.Glucose,vitamins,and antibiotics were administered for 3-5 days after surgery to aid recovery.Blood glucose and urine glucose levels were measured twice a day in the morning and evening to adjust insulin supplementation accordingly.The model pigs were observed daily and records were kept,including orexis,psychosis,weakness,skin ulcer,and feces and urine.Body weight was measured weekly until the death of the model animals.Based on the model pigs'condition,glucose injection and Ringer's lactate solution were administered to supplement nutrition and correct electrolyte imbalances.Results All seven Banna miniature pigs showed typical symptoms of diabetes:random blood glucose levels higher than 11.1 mmol/L after pancreatectomy,far exceeding the average blood glucose level of 6.0 mmol/L in normal pigs;positive urine glucose;and progressive weight loss.These features indicated the successful construction of Type 1 diabetes model.Additionally,Type 1 diabetic pigs that survived more than 8 weeks showed progressive hair loss and skin ulceration.Euthanasia was performed on model pigs when they were unable to stand or even eat independently,and pathological examination and HE staining were conducted on tissues collected from affected organs such as the liver,kidneys,and skin.Pathological sections revealed liver congestion,massive glycogen accumulation,ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes,and progressive liver fibrosis,along with glomerular congestion,vacuolar degeneration in renal tubular epithelial cells,proteinuria,dermal congestion,thinning of vascular walls,and varying degrees of parakeratosis and dyskeratosis in the liver,kidneys,and skin tissues due to prolonged hyperglycemia.The average survival time of the constructed Banna miniature pig diabetes model was 44 d,with a maximum survival time of 121 d.Conclusion Type 1 diabetes model can be constructed successfully in Banna miniature pigs through pancreatectomy.With meticulous postoperative care,a long-term Type 1 diabetes model with significant complications can be achieved,providing a stable large-animal model for Type 1 diabetes treatment strategies.
9.Application value of a multi-dimensional digital monitoring platform for perioperative period in gastric cancer patients
Jiayu LI ; Zhiwei JIANG ; Gang WANG ; Huafeng PAN ; Miaomiao GE ; Haifeng WANG ; Pengyan XU ; Yuling CAI ; Nan HAIOU ; Cheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(4):601-608
Objective:To investigate the application value of a multi-dimensional digital moni-toring platform for perioperative period in gastric cancer patients.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrec-tomy in The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from July 2022 to January 2024 were collected. There were 35 males and 15 females, aged (64±12)years. All patients followed the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery, and the multi-dimensional digital monitoring platform based on wearable monitoring equipment was used to implement perioperative management measures. Observation indicators: (1) results of heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring; (2) results of blood glucose and blood oxygen monitoring; (3) results of exercise and sleep monitoring; (4) results of body composition monitoring. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(IQR). Repeated measurement data were analyzed using the repeated ANOVA. Measurement data with skewed distri-bution were transformed to normal distribution by SPSS transformation function before testing. For comparison between pre- and postoperation, paired sample t test was used for measurement data with normal distribution, and nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used for measure-ment data with skewed distribution. Results:(1) Results of HRV monitoring. From preoperation to the third day after surgery, the standard deviation normal to normal heart beat of 50 patients was changed from(103±26)ms to(101±36)ms, the mean of the standard deviations of normal to normal heart beat calculated per 5 min segment was changed from (45±16)ms to(33±12)ms, the number of pairs of adjacent NN intervals differing by more than 50 ms in the entire recording was changed from 6.02%(4.96%) to 5.79%(4.20%), the low frequency power was changed from 376.78(468.96)ms 2 to 742.79(525.20)ms 2, the high frequency power was changed from 273.61(273.58)ms 2 to 397.48(164.87)ms 2, the ratio of low frequency power to high frequency power was changed from 1.6±0.5 to 1.6±0.6, showing significant differences in above indicators before and after operation ( F=34.43, 26.15, 24.58, 5.51, 6.11, 6.02, P<0.05). (2) Results of blood glucose and blood oxygen monitoring. From preoperation to the third day after surgery, the blood glucose of 50 patients was changed from 6.75(2.05)mmol/L to 6.90(2.63)mmol/L, showng a significant difference before and after operation ( F=45.84, P<0.05). The blood oxygen was changed from 97.00%(5.00%) to 97.50%(3.00%), showing no significant difference before and after operation ( F=2.25, P>0.05). (3) Results of exercise and sleep monitoring. From preoperation to the third day after surgery, the number of steps fo 50 pati-ents was changed from 3 043(1 224) to 1 473(767), sleep duration was changed from(8.2±1.1)hours to(7.3±0.8)hours, sleep score was changed from 80±10 to 78±5,showing significant differences in above indicators before and after operation ( F=716.46, 29.02, 47.32, P<0.05).(4) Results of body composition monitoring. The body weight of 50 patients was changed from (63±8)kg to(61±8)kg before and after operation, body fat rate was changed from 24%±8% to 22%±9%, muscle mass was changed from 43 (12)kg to 41(17)kg, body mass index was changed from (23.0±2.6)kg/m 2 to(22.1±2.5)kg/m 2, showing significant differences in above indicators before and after operation ( t=8.19, 3.00, Z=-2.78, t=7.34, P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in basal metabolic indicators from (1 390±134)kcal to (1 379±139)kcal before and after operation ( t=1.02, P>0.05). Conclusion:The multi-dimensional digital monitoring platform for preoperative period can accurately monitor the perioperative stress level and evaluate the postoperative recovery of gastric cancer patients, which can present the visual results.
10.Network pharmacology and experimental validation to reveal the pharmacological mechanisms of Qizhu prescription for treating breast cancer
Jiayu Sheng ; Junyi Cheng ; Wenjie Chu ; Mengting Dong ; Ke Jiang
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(3):303-315
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism underlying the effects exerted by the Qizhu prescription (QZP) in breast cancer (BC), and the respective targets.
Methods:
Expression data from the ArrayExpress and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BC. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs to identify genes involved in protein–protein interactions. Molecular docking was used to explore the dynamic relationship between active molecules and targets. Cell function experiments and animal studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of hub genes and active QZP compounds on BC cell behavior.
Results:
Among the 25 evaluated BC-related targets of QZP, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exhibited the highest degrees of dysregulation. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the anti-BC targets of QZP primarily affected drug responses and pathways in cancer cells. Molecular docking analysis suggested potential interactions between EGFR and quercetin/luteolin, as well as between MMP1 and luteolin/kaempferol/quercetin. Quercetin significantly reduced BC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor development in vivo. Treatment of BC cells with quercetin decreased the expression or activation of several associated proteins.
Conclusion
The findings of our study provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine against BC, with particular reference to QZP.


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