1.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Schisandrin B in Inhibiting Ferroptosis to Ameliorate Methionine and Choline Deficiency-induced Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Zhifeng ZHU ; Wenting LI ; Yongjun CAO ; Yuanyuan LIN ; Yifei LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):74-83
ObjectiveNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic stress liver injury. Ferroptosis is involved in the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Exploring the efficacy and mechanism of schisandrin B in treating NAFLD facilitates the development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsThe molecular structure of schisandrin B was obtained by searching against PubChem, and the related targets were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction. The active ingredients and their targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the high-throughput experiment- and reference-guide database of traditional Chinese medicine (HERB). GeneCards and FerrDb were searched for the targets of NAFLD and ferroptosis. The common targets were taken as the core targets, and the protein-protein interaction network of the core targets was established. DAVID was used for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed between schisandrin B and core targets, and the binding energy was calculated. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a methionine and choline-deficiency (MCD) diet for the modeling of NAFLD. Mice were randomized into normal, model, positive drug (essentiale), and low- and high-dose schisandrin B groups. The body mass and liver index of mice were measured after drug administration. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum and those of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and Fe2+ in the liver homogenate were measured by biochemical assay kits. The pathological changes of the liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and red oil O staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in the serum. Western blotting and real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin, and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) in the liver tissue. ResultsA total of 2 370, 2 547, and 1 451 targets of schisandrin B, NAFLD, and ferroptosis were obtained, in which 90 common targets were shared by the three. Enrichment analyses predicted 505 GO terms and 92 KEGG pathways. Molecular docking suggested that schizandrin B had strong binding affinity with the key targets of ferropstosis (SLC7A11 and SLC3A2). Animal experiments showed that schizandrin B significantly decreased the liver index, lowered the levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, alleviated hepatocyte ballooning and inflammatory cell infiltration, and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver of NAFLD mice. In addition, schisandrin B significantly lowered the levels of MDA, 4-HNE, and Fe2+, elevated the level of GSH, up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of SLC7A11, SLC3A2, and GPX4, and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of transferrin in the liver tissue. ConclusionSchisandrin B can alleviate NAFLD by inhibiting ferroptosis in hepatocytes.
2.Thirteen serum biochemical indexes and five whole blood coagulation indices in a point-of-care testing analyzer: ideal protocol for evaluating pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Mingtao LIU ; Li LIU ; Jiaxi CHEN ; Zhifeng HUANG ; Huiqing ZHU ; Shengxuan LIN ; Weitian QI ; Zhangkai J CHENG ; Ning LI ; Baoqing SUN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(2):158-171
The accurate and timely detection of biochemical coagulation indicators is pivotal in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Despite their reliability, traditional laboratories often lag in terms of rapid diagnosis. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has emerged as a promising alternative, which is awaiting rigorous validation. We assessed 226 samples from patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University using a Beckman Coulter AU5821 and a PUSHKANG POCT Biochemistry Analyzer MS100. Furthermore, 350 samples were evaluated with a Stago coagulation analyzer STAR MAX and a PUSHKANG POCT Coagulation Analyzer MC100. Metrics included thirteen biochemical indexes, such as albumin, and five coagulation indices, such as prothrombin time. Comparisons were drawn against the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer. Bland-Altman plots (MS100: 0.8206‒0.9995; MC100: 0.8318‒0.9911) evinced significant consistency between methodologies. Spearman correlation pinpointed a potent linear association between conventional devices and the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer, further underscored by a robust correlation coefficient (MS100: 0.713‒0.949; MC100: 0.593‒0.950). The PUSHKANG POCT was validated as a dependable tool for serum and whole blood biochemical and coagulation diagnostics. This emphasizes its prospective clinical efficacy, offering clinicians a swift diagnostic tool and heralding a new era of enhanced patient care outcomes.
Humans
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Point-of-Care Testing
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Critical Care
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Blood Coagulation Tests/methods*
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Male
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Blood Coagulation
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Reproducibility of Results
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Prothrombin Time
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Aged
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Adult
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Point-of-Care Systems
3.Research progress on epigenetic changes induced by ionizing radiation
WANG Suyi ; SONG Li ; LIU Zhifeng ; JIANG Rongyue ; SONG Yue ; XIA Lu ; YANG Fan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):361-364
Ionizing radiation (IR) is a genotoxic agent that can play an important role in the occurrence and development of various diseases by inducing epigenetic changes. Studies have shown that the basic mechanisms of IR-induced epigenetic changes include abnormal DNA methylation, increased oxidative stress levels, changes in histone modifications, and regulation by microRNAs. These can lead to health hazards such as malignant tumors, genetic effects, nervous system damage, circulatory system diseases, and radiation-induced cataracts. This article collected relevant literatures regarding epigenetic changes induced by IR from 2005 to 2024, and reviewed the basic mechanisms of IR-induced epigenetic changes and the associated disease risks, providing the reference for radiation protection in occupational exposure and radiotherapy.
4.The characteristics and mechanism of dynamic changes of different components in microenvironment in regulating the progression of liver fibrosis
Huilan ZHAO ; Zongxu LIU ; Shumin LI ; Zhifeng WANG ; Minghui LIU ; Qian SHENG ; Kunbin KE ; Xinan SHI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):755-760
The liver has diverse functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and immune defense, and the maintenance of hepatic microenvironment homeostasis is crucial for overall bodily health. The hepatic microenvironment consists of the components such as parenchymal cells, non-parenchymal cells, and non-cellular components. Chronic inflammatory responses induced by various etiological factors may promote the formation and progression of liver fibrosis. During the dynamic progression of liver fibrosis, from the early to advanced stages, various components within the hepatic microenvironment undergo a series of changes, which can promote the malignant progression of liver fibrosis. An in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying such changes in each component of the liver fibrosis microenvironment is of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and discovering potential treatment strategies.
5.Distribution and drug resistance of Enterobacter cloacae in Gansu Province from 2019 to 2023
Zhifeng WANG ; Xiaofang LIANG ; Dandan DU ; Keke LI ; Qianqian LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhangping LU ; Lianhua WEI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(19):3000-3004
OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical distribution characteristics and drug resistance of Enterobacter cloa-cae in Gansu Province from 2019 to 2023,providing reference for the prevention and control of E.cloacae infec-tions in this region.METHODS Data on the distribution and drug resistance of E.cloacae from hospitals in mem-ber units of the Gansu Antimicrobial Surveillance Network between 2019 and 2023 were collected.In vitro drug susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion(K-B)method,minimum inhibitory con-centration method,and fully automated instrumentation,followed by analysis of the susceptibility results.RESULTS From 2019 to 2023,a total of 402 490 bacterial strains were isolated and cultured in Gansu Province,including 17 417 strains of E.cloacae,with a detection rate of 4.33%.The bacteria were primarily iso-lated from sputum specimens(62.81%),followed by urine(7.37%)and wound pus specimens(6.07%).The de-partmental distribution was dominated by internal medicine(44.96%)and surgery(28.50%).The highest detec-tion rate was observed in the adult group(15-65 years,45.79%).E.cloacae exhibited varying degrees of resist-ance to over 20 antibacterial drugs,but the overall drug resistance rate showed a declining trend(P<0.05).The highest drug resistance rate was observed for cefazolin(96.40%-98.38%),while the lowest was for tigecycline(0.44%—2.92%).Carbapenem-resistant E.cloacae demonstrated an increasing trend in drug resistance rates,with imipenem resistance ranging from 2.79%to 3.71%(P=0.044)and meropenem resistance ranging from 1.29%to 3.41%(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS The isolation rate of E.cloacae in Gansu Province remains stable,with a declining trend in drug resistance to multiple antibacterial drugs.However,the increasing drug resistance to carbapenems warrants attention.
6.Clinical characteristics and risk factors of delayed viral clearance in 562 Chikungunya fever patients in Shunde region, Guangdong Province, 2025
Zuning REN ; Guotao LYU ; Qun LIN ; Zhifeng HONG ; Shuichun WAN ; Feng KANG ; Yanling OUYANG ; Chunhua TU ; Guo RAO ; Hua LIANG ; Yawei LIU ; Yan ZHU ; Jie PENG ; Jie SHEN ; Hong LI
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(8):449-456
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of the Chikungunya fever outbreak in Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province in July 2025 and the risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance.Methods:A total of 562 patients with Chikungunya fever admitted to three designated hospitals in Shunde District from July 10 to 30, 2025 were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into four age groups including minors (<18 years), young adults (18 to 39 years), middle-aged adults (40 to 64 years) and elderly adults (≥65 years). The differences of clinical characteristics among these age groups were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were performed using chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Pairwise comparisons between groups were conducted using the Bonferroni or Games-Howell or Dunn method. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance (>7 days). Results:The mean age of the 562 enrolled Chikungunya fever patients was (44.8±21.3) years. Fever, arthralgia and rash were the three core symptoms, with incidence rates of 87.5% (492/562), 88.4%(497/562) and 69.6%(391/562), respectively. At discharge, only 54.1%(304/562) of patients achieved complete symptom resolution, while 26.5%(149/562) still had arthralgia and 36.1%(203/562) had residual rash. Significant differences were observed among age groups in the incidence of fever ( χ2=9.43, P=0.024), peak body temperature ( F=6.54, P<0.001), incidence of arthralgia ( χ2=26.89, P<0.001), duration of arthralgia ( F=12.68, P=0.001), incidence of rash ( χ2=68.99, P<0.001), rate of residual rash at discharge ( χ2=32.37, P<0.001), lymphocyte count ( F=12.94, P<0.001), platelet count ( F=14.95, P<0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) ( H=94.18, P<0.001). Further pairwise comparisons revealed that compared to the middle-aged and elderly groups, the minor group had a higher incidence of fever and a lower incidence of arthralgia, and the duration of arthralgia was shorter than the elderly group (all P<0.008 3). Compared with the other three groups, the elderly group had lower incidence and residual rate of rash, and lower platelet counts (all P<0.008 3), and higher levels of CRP (all P<0.05). The elderly group had lower lymphocyte counts compared to the minor and young adult groups (both P<0.05). Significant differences were found among age groups in the time to viral RNA clearance ( F=5.77, P=0.003) and length of hospital stay ( F=11.64, P<0.001), with the elderly group having significantly longer duration for both compared to the other three groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (odds ratio ( OR)=1.049, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.015 to 1.083), longer duration of fever ( OR=1.529, 95% CI 1.086 to 2.155) and longer duration of arthralgia ( OR=1.927, 95% CI 1.318 to 2.817) were independent risk factors for delayed viral RNA clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Patients with Chikungunya fever in Shunde District primarily present with fever, arthralgia and rash. The incidence and characteristics of these three core symptoms show age-related variations. Elderly patients and those with longer durations of fever or arthralgia are more likely to experience delayed viral clearance.
7.Study on the protective effect of renal interstitial fibrosis by 1,25(OH)2D3 based on NF-κB signaling pathway
Huifeng GONG ; Yijing KONG ; Chunjiang ZHANG ; Dong LIU ; Zhifeng LIN
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(25):61-65
Objective To explore the mechanism of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3]in renal interstitial fibrosis mediated by nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)and inflammatory cytokines.Methods Taking the renal interstitial fibrosis model induced by transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)as the research object,they were divided into blank group(HK-2 cells+complete culture medium),model group(5ng/ml TGF-β1 stimulated HK-2 cells for 48 hours),intervention group A[with 10-7mol/L 1,25(OH)2D3 intervention for 24 hours on the basis of model group],intervention group B[with 10-7mol/L 1,25(OH)2D3 intervention for 48 hours on the basis of model group]and intervention group C[with 10-7mol/L 1,25(OH)2D3 intervention for 72 hours on the basis of model group].The cell morphology,activity,protein expression and inflammatory factor levels of each group were observed and compared.Results The cell viability of model group was significantly lower than that of blank group(P<0.05),the cell viability of intervention groups A,B and C was significantly higher than that of model group(P<0.05).The protein expressions of p-NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65 and smooth muscle actin α(α-SMA),as well as the levels of interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in model group were significantly higher than those in blank group,while the protein expression of E-cadherin was significantly lower than that in blank group(P<0.05).The protein expressions of p-NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65 and α-SMA,as well as the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in intervention groups A,B and C were significantly lower than those in model group,while protein expression of E-cadherin was significantly higher than that in model group(P<0.05).Among them,the change in intervention group A was the most significant.Conclusion 1,25(OH)2D3 can alleviate renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines,and 24 hours may be the optimal intervention time window.
8.Three cases of refractory ulcerative colitis in children treated with vedolizumab
Fenglian LIN ; Yang MENG ; Zhifeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(3):261-262
This article reports three cases of refractory ulcerative colitis in children treated with vedolizumab. Combined with domestic and foreign literature, the effectiveness and safety of the drug for children are discussed to provide a reference for the subsequent exploration of individualized treatment.
9.Research progress of inflammatory bowel disease complicated by depression and anxiety and the comorbid mechanisms
Zhifeng WU ; Xu CAI ; Xiya JIN ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(6):492-498
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic recurrent inflammatory bowel disease, is associated with depression and anxiety. Intestinal inflammation increases susceptibility to psychiatric disorders through a multidimensional network of immune-inflammatory, neuroendocrine, intestinal flora, and intestinal barrier abnormalities. Conversely, psychiatric stress exacerbates the pathology of IBD through immune regulation, intestinal barrier disruption, and microenvironmental alterations. Therefore, it is important to explore the mechanisms of comorbidity between IBD and depression and anxiety to optimise clinical management. This article reviews the comorbid mechanisms of IBD and depression and anxiety from the perspectives of immune-inflammatory axis, intestinal flora-metabolic pathway, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and neuroendocrine regulation in the context of rodent models, and explore potential intervention strategies, with the aim of providing new ideas and targets for therapeutic and transformation research in this field.
10.Characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever:a cross-sectional study
Shiying LU ; Danwen ZHENG ; Xintian HONG ; Yuping LIU ; Guangzong LI ; Zhifeng HONG ; Jinghua YANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Banghan DING ; Yuntao LIU ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Xin YIN ; Jingwei SHUI ; Xiaofei FAN ; Hai LAN ; Zhongde ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(11):1531-1539
Objective To explore the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome characteristics of patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever and to provide empirical data to support the application of TCM in diagnosing and treating Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect clinical data(sex,age,days since onset,and comorbidity underlying disease conditions)and TCM with four-examination information(symptoms,tongue manifestations,and pulse manifestations)from 255 patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever who visited Lecong Hospital of Shunde,Foshan,the Third People's Hospital of Shunde District of Foshan,Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University Affiliated Chencun Hospital between July 23 and July 29,2025.Factor and cluster analyses were used to summarize TCM syndrome characteristics and analyze core pathogenesis in conjunction with clinical features.Results Among the 255 patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever,131 were male and 124 were female,with a age of(49.05±17.93)years and a disease duration of(3.26±1.78)days.Among the four types of examination information in TCM,35 items exhibited a frequency exceeding 10%.The most prevalent symptoms were arthralgia(180 patients,70.59%),exanthem(153 patients,60.00%),fatigue(99 patients,38.82%),anhidrosis(98 patients,38.43%),pruritus(96 patients,37.65%),and fever(92 patients,36.08%).Tongue and pulse manifestations were primarily white fur(155 patients,60.78%),pink tongue(111 patients,43.53%),slippery pulse(143 patients,56.08%),and greasy fur(134 patients,52.53%).Patients with disease onset≤3 d had a higher incidence of arthralgia,fatigue,fever,aversion to cold,generalized muscle pain,aversion to wind,insomnia,headache,sweating,low-grade fever,poor appetite,loose stool,hyperhidrosis,and red tongue than those with disease onset≥4 d(P<0.05).Patients with disease onset≥4 d had a higher incidence of pink tongue and thick fur than those with disease onset≤3 d(P<0.05).The syndrome elements in patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever predominantly manifested on the defensive exterior,with involvement of the sinew-bone joints,skin-muscle,and spleen.Pathogenic factors were primarily characterized by external winds,dampness,and heat.Factor and cluster analysis result indicated three TCM pathogenesis progression patterns:imbalance of the defensive exterior with wind-dampness conflict and heat transformation;dampness-heat flowing into muscles and meridians causing joint obstruction and qi blood stasis;and dampness-heat congelation resulting in qi mechanism obstruction,consumption of body fluids,and infiltration of the skin.Conclusion Patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever primarily present with fever,joint pain,and rashes.In TCM,this condition falls under the category of"dampness-warmth"syndrome.Its etiology is attributed to pathogens,with transmission occurring through mosquito bites.The core pathogenesis of TCM is the invasion of the defensive exterior and dampness-toxic heat accumulation.The therapeutic principles focus on clearing heat pathogens,resolving dampness pathogens,dispersing wind pathogens,and promoting the resolution of rashes.


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