1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Obesity: A Review
Zijing WU ; Jixin LI ; Linjie QIU ; Yan REN ; Chacha ZOU ; Meijie LI ; Wenjie LI ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):310-318
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and malignant tumors, demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals, the expression of NF-κB is overactivated, which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore, it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors, and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment, aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.
2.Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus Improves Spermatogenesis in Rat Model of Oligoasthenozoospermia by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress-induced Blood-testis Barrier Damage via Regulating SIRT1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Wen DUAN ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Wenjie DING ; Jianning JIN ; Guoqing CHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):29-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the herb pair Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus on oxidative stress-induced blood-testis barrier dysfunction and spermatogenesis in the rat model of oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS) and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-five male SD rats were randomized into a blank group (n=7) and a modeling group (n=28). The OAS model was established by gavage of hydrocortisone aqueous solution combined with single factor electrical stimulation. The modeled rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: model, Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules (3.2 g·kg-1), Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus total flavonoids (0.34 g·kg-1), and L-carnitine (0.38 g·kg-1), and treated for 4 weeks. The sperm quality of rats was assessed by an automatic sperm analyzer. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MAD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the testicular tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to reveal the pathological changes in the testicular tissue and score the spermatogenic function. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of Sertoli cells. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of SIRT1, Nrf2, Occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), connexin 43 (CX43), and β-catenin. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased total sperm count and motility (P<0.05, P<0.01), obvious damage in the testicular tissue and blood-testis barrier structure, reduced score of spermatogenic function (P<0.01), declined levels of GSH-Px and SOD in the testicular tissue (P<0.05), elevated level of MDA, and down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, β-catenin, and occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01) and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, and β-catenin in the testicular tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the testicular tissue, blood-testis barrier structure, and score of spermatogenic function (P<0.01) were improved in the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules group, Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus total flavonoids group, and L-carnitine group. Compared with the model group, the treatment groups presented lowered levels of GSH-Px and SOD (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granule group showed a decline in MDA level. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, β-catenin, and occludin were up-regulated in the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules group and total flavonoids group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe herb pair Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus can regulate the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and alleviate the blood-testis barrier damage, thereby improving the spermatogenic function in the rat model of OAS. Total flavonoids may be the material basis for the therapeutic effect of Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus.
3.Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus Improves Spermatogenesis in Rat Model of Oligoasthenozoospermia by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress-induced Blood-testis Barrier Damage via Regulating SIRT1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Wen DUAN ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Wenjie DING ; Jianning JIN ; Guoqing CHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):29-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the herb pair Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus on oxidative stress-induced blood-testis barrier dysfunction and spermatogenesis in the rat model of oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS) and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-five male SD rats were randomized into a blank group (n=7) and a modeling group (n=28). The OAS model was established by gavage of hydrocortisone aqueous solution combined with single factor electrical stimulation. The modeled rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: model, Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules (3.2 g·kg-1), Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus total flavonoids (0.34 g·kg-1), and L-carnitine (0.38 g·kg-1), and treated for 4 weeks. The sperm quality of rats was assessed by an automatic sperm analyzer. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MAD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the testicular tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to reveal the pathological changes in the testicular tissue and score the spermatogenic function. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of Sertoli cells. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of SIRT1, Nrf2, Occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), connexin 43 (CX43), and β-catenin. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased total sperm count and motility (P<0.05, P<0.01), obvious damage in the testicular tissue and blood-testis barrier structure, reduced score of spermatogenic function (P<0.01), declined levels of GSH-Px and SOD in the testicular tissue (P<0.05), elevated level of MDA, and down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, β-catenin, and occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01) and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, and β-catenin in the testicular tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the testicular tissue, blood-testis barrier structure, and score of spermatogenic function (P<0.01) were improved in the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules group, Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus total flavonoids group, and L-carnitine group. Compared with the model group, the treatment groups presented lowered levels of GSH-Px and SOD (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granule group showed a decline in MDA level. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, β-catenin, and occludin were up-regulated in the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules group and total flavonoids group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe herb pair Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus can regulate the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and alleviate the blood-testis barrier damage, thereby improving the spermatogenic function in the rat model of OAS. Total flavonoids may be the material basis for the therapeutic effect of Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus.
4.Role and significance of artificial intelligence preoperative planning in total hip arthroplasty
Meipeng MIN ; Jin WU ; RAFI URBA ; Wenjie ZHANG ; Jia GAO ; Yunhua WANG ; Bin HE ; Lei FAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(9):1372-1377
BACKGROUND:The preoperative planning of traditional X-ray films is often inaccurate,which can lead to some intraoperative and postoperative complications,increase the operation time and intraoperative blood loss,and to some extent affect the surgical outcome of total hip arthroplasty. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the accuracy and effectiveness of artificial intelligence preoperative planning in total hip arthroplasty. METHODS:Sixty patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty on the affected side were selected.30 of them used artificial intelligence 3D preoperative planning(trial group)and 30 used conventional X-ray film 2D preoperative planning(control group),and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender,age,condition and other general data(P>0.05).The actual intraoperative prosthesis placement and preoperative planning prosthesis matching,intraoperative operation time,intraoperative blood loss,bilateral femoral eccentric distance difference,bilateral joint eccentric distance difference and bilateral lower limb length difference,and Harris score at 3 months after operation were compared between the two groups,and the accuracy and application effect of the two preoperative plans were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Patients in both groups were followed up for 4-6 months postoperatively.One patient in the control group had a posterior dislocation of the prosthesis at 5 days postoperatively,which recovered after performing manual repositioning without re-dislodgement.The rest of the patients did not have postoperative complications or postoperative death.(2)Complete matching rate of the prosthesis on the acetabular side and femoral side was significantly better in the trial group than that in the control group(P<0.05).(3)Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly less in the trial group than those in the control group(P<0.05).(4)The difference in bilateral lower limb length between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05),and the difference in bilateral femoral eccentric distance and bilateral joint eccentric distance was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(5)Harris score of patients in the trial group was significantly higher than that in the control group 3 months after operation(P<0.05).(6)These results confirm that compared with traditional film planning,artificial intelligence preoperative planning can predict the prosthesis type more accurately,shorten the operation time,reduce intraoperative blood loss,diminish the occurrence of postoperative bilateral lower limb inequality,and accelerate postoperative recovery.
5.Chinese practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of ischemic-type biliary lesion after liver transplantation
Yingcai ZHANG ; Xiao FENG ; Zhengran LI ; Jie REN ; Jin WANG ; Fengping ZHENG ; Wenjie CHEN ; Qi ZHANG ; Xiao XU ; Yang YANG
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(5):661-670
Over the years of exploration and development, the surgical techniques and prognosis of liver transplantation in China have been significantly improved, resulting in a notable decrease in the prevalence of postoperative complications. However, ischemic-type biliary lesion remain a non-negligible issue. The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University formulated and published the "Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ischemic-Type Biliary Lesions after Liver Transplantation in Mainland China" in 2015, which has now been updated into a guideline based on current conditions and literature reports. This guideline elaborates in detail on the definition, incidence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention of high-risk factors, and treatment of ischemic-type biliary lesion, aiming to provide standardized and normative guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic-type biliary lesion after liver transplantation, thereby reducing the rate of re-transplantation and fatality, and to improve the overall quality of life of liver transplant recipients.
6.Advances in electrowetting-on-dielectric digital microfluidics technology for disease diagnosis and prevention applications
Wenjie ZHU ; Li WANG ; Wei XIA ; Xilong WANG ; Jing JIN ; Xin WANG ; Yi LU ; Ying CHEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(7):1087-1095
Rapid and accurate diagnostic technologies are crucial for early detection and diagnosis of diseases. Electrowetting-on-dielectric digital microfluidics, with its high-precision detection and high-throughput screening capabilities, significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency in early disease diagnosis and personalized treatment, enabling swift disease detection and widespread screening. This article provides a comprehensive review of the working principles and fabrication processes of digital microfluidic chips based on electrowetting on dielectric method. It details the latest research progress in the areas of nucleic acids, proteins, and cells, organizes the commercialization of digital microfluidics technology, and finally discusses the current challenges and future directions of digital microfluidic chips.
7.Application of plan-do-check-act cycle combined with collective lesson preparation in quality assurance for undergraduate clinical courses
Wenjie ZHANG ; Jin JIANG ; Hua CHAI ; Ping QING ; Yaning LAI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(2):233-236
Comprehensive improvement in course teaching quality is an important link in deepening the reform of undergraduate education and teaching. Since 2018, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, has implemented the collective lesson preparation system of "two meetings, seven decisions, and three preparation sessions" for undergraduate clinical courses, thereby effectively implementing subject cooperation, organizational guidance, and resource integration among clinical teachers and determining the key elements of the course through "teaching, learning, and exam preparations" before class. In the process of course operation, the concept of quality control based on plan-do-check-act cycle is deeply integrated with the collective lesson preparation system, and active implementation of the whole-process quality control loop of planning (plan), organization and implementation (do), inspection of results (check), and treatment and improvement (action) has effectively improved the teaching quality of undergraduate clinical courses.
8.Advances in electrowetting-on-dielectric digital microfluidics technology for disease diagnosis and prevention applications
Wenjie ZHU ; Li WANG ; Wei XIA ; Xilong WANG ; Jing JIN ; Xin WANG ; Yi LU ; Ying CHEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(7):1087-1095
Rapid and accurate diagnostic technologies are crucial for early detection and diagnosis of diseases. Electrowetting-on-dielectric digital microfluidics, with its high-precision detection and high-throughput screening capabilities, significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency in early disease diagnosis and personalized treatment, enabling swift disease detection and widespread screening. This article provides a comprehensive review of the working principles and fabrication processes of digital microfluidic chips based on electrowetting on dielectric method. It details the latest research progress in the areas of nucleic acids, proteins, and cells, organizes the commercialization of digital microfluidics technology, and finally discusses the current challenges and future directions of digital microfluidic chips.
9.Research progress on mechanism of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus and blocking strategies
Xin JIN ; Rui PENG ; Lingling GAO ; Wenjie ZHOU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(4):140-144
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the main route of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in China, and a systematic understanding of the mechanism MTCT of HBV and blocking strategies are of crucial for increasing the success rate of blocking. The combined immunization of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) has achieved good efficacy, but failure in blocking often occurs. Intrauterine infection in pregnant women with high viral load is the main reason for failure, and the infection pathways include placental pathway, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) pathway, and infected germ cells pathway. Antiviral therapy during pregnancy can effectively block intrauterine infections, but various guidelines have not yet reached a consensus on the start time and the HBV DNA threshold. This paper summarized the mechanism and blocking strategies of MTCT in order to provide a reference for further increasing the success rate of blocking.
10.Clinical efficacy and outcome analysis of early abdominal paracentesis drainage for treating patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Jingjing ZHENG ; Hui XIE ; Ge YU ; Shanshan JIN ; Wenjie HUANG ; Guoyong HU ; Ruilan WANG
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2023;23(2):114-119
Objective:To analyse the clinical efficacy and outcome of early abdominal paracentesis drainage (APD) in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods:The clinical data of 107 SAP patients with massive abdominal fluid in Shanghai General People Hospital from May 2017 to December 2021 were collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into APD group ( n=56) and NO-APD group ( n=51) according to whether they underwent APD or not within 3 days after admission. The APD group was then divided into abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) subgroup ( n=29) and NO-ACS subgroup ( n=27) according to whether ACS had occurred or not at the time of puncture. Patients' general data, the duration of systemic inflammatory response (SIRS), length of ICU stay, the trends of intra-abdominal pressure and inflammatory indicators (white blood cell count and the content of C-reactive protein) within 1-3 days after admission, incidence of infection complication, step-up therapy, discharge or death were recorded. Results:The intra-abdominal pressure were 18.6±5.6mmHg , 13.7±4.2mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kpa) in APD group and NO-APD group, respectively. The intra-abdominal pressure of APD group was significantly higher than that of NO-APD group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.000). Compared with NO-APD group, the duration of SIRS was significantly shortened in APD group [3(2, 4) days vs 4(3, 6) days, P=0.029]. On day 1, 2 and 3 after admission, the intra-abdominal pressure was 18.6±5.6 mmHg, 16.4±4.7 mmHg and 13.5±3.9 mmHg in APD group, and was 13.7±4.2 mmHg, 12.3±3.6 mmHg and 11.0±2.6 mmHg in NO-APD group, respectively. The intra-abdominal pressure of the APD group dropped faster than the NO-APD group ( P=0.004). The white blood cell count was (14.8±4.8), (10.5±4.5) and (9.0±3.8)×10 9/L in APD group, and was (14.2±5.4), (12.3±7.3), (11.7±5.3)×10 9/L in NO-APD group, respectively. Compared with the NO-APD group, the decrease rate of white blood cell count was faster in APD group ( P=0.006). The C-reactive protein content was (153.6±47.1), (150.4±10.5) and (108.8±49.4)mg/L in APD group, and were (174.8±31.1), (191.6±29.4) and (186.8±45.5)mg/L in NO-APD group . The content of C-reactive protein in APD group decreased significantly, while that in NO-APD group did not decrease. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( P=0.009). In the subgroup comparisons, the duration of SIRS in the ACS subgroup was significant longer than that in the NO-ACS subgroup [4(3, 5) days vs 2(1, 3)days, P=0.000]. Compared between the two groups and two subgroups respectively, there were no statistically significant differences on length of ICU stay, infection complication rate, advanced treatment rate and mortality. Conclusions:For SAP patients with abdominal fluid, APD in the early stage could shorten the duration of SIRS, decrease intra-abdominal pressure rapidly, improve inflammatory indicators, but could not improve the clinical outcome.


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