1.Effect of Huatan Qushi Huoxue prescription on macrophage efferocytosis mediated by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 in rats with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
Lihui ZHANG ; Sutong LIU ; Qing ZHAO ; Shanzheng LI ; Minghao LIU ; Wenxia ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):345-355
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Huatan Qushi Huoxue prescription on rats with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MethodsA total of 60 specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model A group, model B group, Western medicine group (polyene phosphatidylcholine, 143.64 mg/kg), high-dose Chinese medicine group (Huatan Qushi Huoxue prescription, 20.16 g/kg), and middle-dose Chinese medicine group (Huatan Qushi Huoxue prescription, 10.08 g/kg). All rats except those in the blank control group were given high-fat diet. Samples were collected from the model A group at week 8, and since week 12, the other groups were given the corresponding drug once a day for 8 consecutive weeks, with samples collected at week 20. Body weight, liver wet weight, and liver index were measured for all rats; the microplate method was used to measure the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and free fatty acids (FFA); ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2); HE staining and oil red O staining were performed to observe liver histopathological changes; immunofluorescence assay was used to measure CD68+TREM2+ cells in liver tissue and calculate the phagocytosis rate of macrophages; quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) in liver tissue, and immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of S1P, S1PR1, ADAM17, and TREM2 in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data with homogeneity of variance between groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Welch’s test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data with heterogeneity of variance between groups, and the Tamhane’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Dunn’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model A group and the model B group had significant increases in body weight and liver wet weight, and the model B group had a significant increase in liver index (all P<0.05). HE staining showed diffuse macrovesicular steatosis of liver tissue in the model A group and a large number of hepatocytes with ballooning degeneration in liver tissue in the model group B, with the presence of mixed inflammatory cell infiltration and mild perisinusoidal fibrosis in the lobules and the portal area. Compared with the blank control group, the model A group and the model B group had significant increases in NAS score and oil red O-positive area (all P<0.05), and the model B group had significant increases in these two indicators than the model A group (both P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the model A group and the model B group had significant increases in the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, FFA, IL-1β, IL-6, and sTREM2 and a significant reduction in the serum level of HDL-C, and the model B group had significant increases in the serum levels of ALT, AST, and TNF-α (all P<0.05); compared with the model A group, the model B group had significant increases in the serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, FFA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and sTREM2 and a significant reduction in the serum level of HDL-C (all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed that compared with the blank control group, the model A group had a significant increase in the phagocytosis rate of macrophages (P<0.05), while the model B group had a significantly lower phagocytosis rate of macrophages than the model A group (P<0.05). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that compared with the blank control group, the model A group and the model B group had a significant increase in the mRNA expression level of TREM2, and the model B group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of S1P and S1PR1 (both P<0.05); moreover, compared with the model A group, the model B group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of S1PR1 and TREM2 (both P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that compared with the blank control group, the model A group and the model B group had significant increases in the protein expression levels of S1P, S1PR1, and ADAM17, and the model A group had a significant increase in the protein expression level of TREM2 (all P<0.05); compared with the model A group, the model B group had significant increases in the protein expression levels of S1P, S1PR1, and ADAM17 and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of TREM2 (all P<0.05). Compared with the model B group, each medication group had significant reductions in body weight, liver wet weight, and liver index (all P<0.05); each medication group had significant improvements in hepatic steatosis and inflammatory damage, with significant reductions in NAS score and oil red O-positive area (all P<0.05); each medication group had significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, FFA, IL-1β, and IL-6 (all P<0.05) and a significant increase in the serum level of HDL-C (P<0.05), and the high-dose Chinese medicine group had a significant reduction in the serum level of TNF-α (P<0.05); each medication group had a significant increase in the phagocytosis rate of macrophages (all P<0.05); the high- and middle-dose Chinese medicine groups had a significant reduction in the protein expression level of ADAM17, and the high-dose Chinese medicine group had a significant increase in the protein expression level of TREM2 (all P<0.05). ConclusionHuatan Qushi Huoxue prescription improves lipid metabolism and inflammation in the liver of MASH rats by regulating hepatic macrophage phagocytosis.
2.Gelian Tiaotang Pills Ameliorate Renal Fibrosis in db/db Mice via NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Pathway
Lihui FAN ; Zhigang WANG ; Xia YANG ; Xiaolong MEI ; Kun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):136-145
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Gelian Tiaotang pills on renal fibrosis in db/db mice based on the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsForty db/db mice were randomly assigned into model, positive control (0.001 3 g·kg·d-1 dapagliflozin suspension), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Gelian Tiaotang pills (3.12, 1.56, and 0.78 g·kg·d-1 suspension of Gelian Tiaotang pills, respectively) groups, with 8 mice in each group. Eight db/m mice were selected as the normal group. The normal group and model group were given equal volumes of pure water, while the drug interventions groups were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks. The general conditions of mice were observed daily. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body mass were measured every 4 weeks. Kidneys were weighed after sampling, and the kidney index was calculated. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum creatinine (SCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The pathological changes, extracellular matrix deposition, and renal fibrosis degree were examined by hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-schiff (PAS), and Masson staining, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression of fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group generally had poor general states and increases in the body mass, kidney weight, kidney index, and levels of FBG, TG, TC, SCr, and BUN (P<0.01). In addition, glomerular pyknosis, increased matrix, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, and interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the model group (P<0.01), together with rises in the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the renal tissue (P<0.01) and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, fibronectin, and collagen Ⅰ in the renal tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, 12 weeks of drug interventions reduced the body mass, kidney weight, and kidney index and lowered the levels of FBG, TG, TC, SCr, and BUN in the serum and IL-1β and IL-18 in the renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, drug interventions ameliorated the renal lesions and down-regulated the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, fibronectin, and collagen Ⅰ in the renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). The high-dose group of Gelian Tiaotang pills had the best effects. ConclusionGelian Tiaotang pills may inhibit pyroptosis and reduce inflammatory responses by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway, thus delaying the process of renal fibrosis in diabetes.
3.Mechanism and Combination Therapy of Berberine in Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty liver Disease:A Review
Xiaojie WANG ; Heng ZHANG ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):269-281
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Because of its complex pathogenesis, high clinical prevalence and large population, it poses a great threat and challenge to public health in the world. Therefore, active intervention measures are needed. Currently, western medicine is effective in reducing weight, reducing liver fat content, improving glucose-lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. However, for patients with NAFLD-related fibrosis and cirrhosis, there is still a lack of sufficient histological evidence to support its benefits, and randomized controlled trials are still needed to clarify. Lifestyle intervention is an important cornerstone for the treatment of NAFLD, but there are many problems such as poor implementation and low compliance of patients, and the clinical efficacy is not ideal. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has the significant advantages of multiple pathways and multiple targets. Berberine, the active ingredient of TCM, can interfere with the production of NAFLD from multiple pathways, including increasing energy consumption, weight loss, improving glucose-lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, regulating intestinal flora, restoring bile acid homeostasis, anti-fibrosis and so on, which can play a positive role in the treatment of NAFLD. At the same time, it was found that the combination of BBR with Chinese and western medicines had significant advantages in promoting drug absorption, improving oral bioavailability, increasing the highest biological distribution in the liver, enhancing the overall therapeutic effect of NAFLD, and reducing adverse drug reactions, which could provide reference for clinical medication.
4.Trends in mortality and life loss of gastric cancer in Wenzhou City from 2014 to 2023
YE Zhenmiao ; FAN Lihui ; JIANG Xuexia ; ZHENG Yuhang ; ZHANG Mohan ; LUO Yongyuan ; XIE Yimin ; LI Huijun ; JIN Xi
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):267-271
Objective:
To investigate the trends in mortality and life loss of gastric cancer in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2014 to 2023, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the prevention and control strategy for gastric cancer.
Methods:
The surveillance on causes of death data of permanent residents in Wenzhou City were collected through the Wenzhou Chronic Disease Monitoring and Management Information System from 2014 to 2023. The crude mortality of gastric cancer was calculated, and standardized by the data from the Sixth Chinese National Population Census in 2010. The life loss were measured using potential years of life lost (PYLL) and rate of potential years of life lost (PYLLR). The characteristics of mortality and life loss of gastric cancer in different genders and age groups were described. The trends in mortality and PYLLR of gastric cancer were analyzed using the average annual percent change (AAPC).
Results:
Totally 17 080 deaths were reported due to gastric cancer in Wenzhou City from 2014 to 2023, accounting for 12.58% and ranking third in the order of malignant tumor deaths. The crude mortality of gastric cancer was 20.73/105, and the standardized mortality was 15.22/105, showing decreasing trends (AAPC=-3.311%, -6.470%, both P<0.05). The crude mortality of gastric cancer was 29.22/105 in men and 11.61/105 in women, with standardized mortality rates of 20.81/105 and 8.74/105 (both P<0.05). The crude mortality of gastric cancer appeared a tendency towards a rise with increasing age (P<0.05), reaching the highest rate of 225.88/105 in the group aged 80 to <85 years. The PYLL and PYLLR of gastric cancer were 107 607.50 person-years and 1.37‰. The PYLLR appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2014 to 2023, with AAPC of -6.667% (P<0.05).
Conclusions
The mortality and PYLLR of gastric cancer in Wenzhou City appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2014 to 2023. Men and the elderly populations were the key groups for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.
5.Study on the protective efect and mechanism of paeoniflorin on palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells
Tong LIU ; Shanzheng LI ; Cheng ZHOU ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):499-505
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of action of paeoniflorin (PF) in protecting HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid (PA). MethodsHepG2 cells were stimulated with PA at a concentration of 250 μmol/L to establish a NAFLD model. Compound C at a concentration of 10 μmol/L was used as an inhibitor, and PF at a concentration of 25 μmol/L was used for intervention. The experiment was divided into normal group (CON group) treated with complete culture medium, model group (MOD group) treated with PA, PF treatment group (MOD+PF group) treated with PA and PF, model+inhibitor group (MOD+COM group) treated with PA and Compound C, and model+inhibitor+PF group (MOD+COM+PF group) treated with PA, Compound C, and PF. Kits were used to measure lipid deposition indicators, liver function parameters, oxidative stress indicators, and inflammation indicators; oil red O staining was used to observe lipid deposition; Western Blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of AMPK, SIRT1, PGC-1α, mTOR, Beclin-1, LC3, and P62 in cells. The one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of quantitative data between groups, while the Tukey’s test was used for comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the MOD group, PF improved the levels of TC and TG (P<0.05), reduced the levels of ALT, AST, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05), increased the activity of SOD and CAT and the level of GSH, and reduced the level of MDA in cells (all P<0.05). Oil red O staining showed that PF alleviated lipid deposition in cells. Western blot results showed that compared with the MOD group, PF increased the protein expression levels of p-AMPK, SIRT1, PGC-1α, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, and Beclin-1 and reduced the protein expression levels of p-mTOR and P62 (all P<0.05). ConclusionPF can inhibit PA-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response in HepG2 cells, improve lipid deposition, and promote autophagy via the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α/mTOR signaling pathway.
6.Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cryopreserved deglycerolized red blood cells infusion based on propensity score matching method
Wei YANG ; Fanfan FU ; Lei NIU ; Tingchen XU ; Xin ZHANG ; Hongmei SHI ; Lihui FU ; Chunya MA ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):531-536
[Objective] To compare the efficacy and safety of deglycerolized red blood cells (DRBC) and suspended red blood cells (SRBC) based on the propensity score matching (PSM) method, so as to provide evidence for the rational use of DRBC resources in clinical practice. [Methods] A total of 89 patients who received DRBC transfusion and 2 916 patients who received SRBC transfusion in our hospital from January 2023 to September 2024 were included. A 1∶1 nearest neighbor PSM was used to balance covariates such as gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). The changes of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), and inflammatory markers such as white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil (NE) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Interleukin-6(IL-6) in the last 72 hours after transfusion were analyzed by SPSS 26.0 and R software to evaluate clinical efficacy and transfusion safety. [Results] The baseline of the two groups was balanced after PSM (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the total effective rate between the DRBC group (80.9%) and the SRBC group (86.5%) (P>0.05). In the SRBC group, WBC (×10
/L) increased from 9.634±6.742 to 10.147±6.835, CRP (mg/dL) increased from 5.468±4.647 to 6.174±6.114, and IL-6(pg/mL) decreased from 213.733±587.191 to 157.255±552.626. In the DRBC group, WBC (×10
/L) decreased from 11.123±7.880 to 11.011±8.549, CRP (mg/dL) decreased from 5.729±4.761 to 5.326±4.466, and IL-6(pg/mL) decreased from 238.806±639.060 to 152.255±266.558. Compared with the before treatment, the differences between the SRBC group and DRBC group were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Among all patients included in the statistics, the overall incidence of transfusion adverse reactions was 0.205% (6/2 916) in the SRBC group, and no adverse reactions occurred in the DRBC group. The incidence in the SRBC group was higher than that in the DRBC group. [Conclusion] Based on PSM analysis, there was no significant difference in the efficacy and safety of DRBC transfusion compared with SRBC transfusion, which can provide evidence-based support for routine application.
7.Clinical Effect of Xiaozhi Hugan Capsules in Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Its Impact on Serum IL-6 and MCP-1
Xiaoyan LIU ; Suping MA ; Qingliang MA ; Chunxiao LI ; Lihui ZHANG ; Huaxin CHEN ; Wenxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):185-192
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of Xiaozhi Hugan capsules in treating patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome and its effects on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). MethodsA total of 124 patients with NASH combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome who were admitted to the Department of Spleen, Stomach, and Hepatobiliary Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from July 2020 to December 2022 were selected. According to the random number table method, patients were randomly divided into an observation group (62 cases) and a control group (62 cases). The treatment duration was 6 months. The observation group received Xiaozhi Hugan capsules orally, while the control group received polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules. The efficacy indicators included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores (discomfort/dull pain/distending pain in liver region, fatigue, etc.), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [including fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin level (INS)], free fatty acids (FFA), IL-6, and MCP-1. Adverse drug reactions were recorded. ResultsAfter treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 92.3% (48/52), while that in the control group was 75.5% (39/49). The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (χ2=5.339, P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in both groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the post-treatment scores in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of ALT, AST, TC, FFA, fasting insulin (FINS), HOMA-IR, MCP-1, IL-6, CAP, LSM, BMI, and WHtR were decreased (P<0.05) significantly in both groups, and the observation group showed superior improvement in the above indicators compared to the control group (P<0.05). The observation group exhibited significant reductions in TG and FBG (P<0.05) and an increase in HDL-C (P<0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. The observation group was superior to the control group after treatment (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group during the treatment. ConclusionXiaozhi Hugan capsules have significant clinical efficacy in treating patients with NASH combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome. It reduces hepatic steatosis, lowers liver stiffness, inhibits the expression of serum inflammatory factors, and alleviates liver inflammation. No obvious adverse reactions occur, suggesting it is suitable for clinical application.
8.Clinical Effect of Xiaozhi Hugan Capsules in Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Its Impact on Serum IL-6 and MCP-1
Xiaoyan LIU ; Suping MA ; Qingliang MA ; Chunxiao LI ; Lihui ZHANG ; Huaxin CHEN ; Wenxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):185-192
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of Xiaozhi Hugan capsules in treating patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome and its effects on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). MethodsA total of 124 patients with NASH combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome who were admitted to the Department of Spleen, Stomach, and Hepatobiliary Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from July 2020 to December 2022 were selected. According to the random number table method, patients were randomly divided into an observation group (62 cases) and a control group (62 cases). The treatment duration was 6 months. The observation group received Xiaozhi Hugan capsules orally, while the control group received polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules. The efficacy indicators included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores (discomfort/dull pain/distending pain in liver region, fatigue, etc.), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [including fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin level (INS)], free fatty acids (FFA), IL-6, and MCP-1. Adverse drug reactions were recorded. ResultsAfter treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 92.3% (48/52), while that in the control group was 75.5% (39/49). The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (χ2=5.339, P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in both groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the post-treatment scores in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of ALT, AST, TC, FFA, fasting insulin (FINS), HOMA-IR, MCP-1, IL-6, CAP, LSM, BMI, and WHtR were decreased (P<0.05) significantly in both groups, and the observation group showed superior improvement in the above indicators compared to the control group (P<0.05). The observation group exhibited significant reductions in TG and FBG (P<0.05) and an increase in HDL-C (P<0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. The observation group was superior to the control group after treatment (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group during the treatment. ConclusionXiaozhi Hugan capsules have significant clinical efficacy in treating patients with NASH combined with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome. It reduces hepatic steatosis, lowers liver stiffness, inhibits the expression of serum inflammatory factors, and alleviates liver inflammation. No obvious adverse reactions occur, suggesting it is suitable for clinical application.
9.Association between overweight, obesity, central obesity and hypertension
YE Zhenmiao ; ZHANG Mohan ; FAN Lihui ; XIE Yimin ; JIANG Xuexia ; ZHENG Yuhang ; LUO Yongyuan ; XIA Zhezheng ; JIN Xi ; SUN Qian
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1113-1118
Objective:
To investigate the association between overweight, obesity, central obesity and hypertension, so as to provide the basis for formulating targeted hypertension prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Permanent residents aged ≥18 years were selected in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province from June 2023 to August 2024 by a multistage cluster random sampling method. Data on demographic information, lifestyle, height, weight, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, and blood biochemical indicators were collected through questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. The prevalence of hypertension was calculated and standardized using the data of the Sixth National Population Census in 2010. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to determine overweight and obesity, while WC was used to identify central obesity. The association between overweight, obesity, central obesity and hypertension were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models.
Results:
A total of 38 593 residents were surveyed, including 19 481 (50.48%) males and 19 112 (49.52%) females. The median age was 46.00 (interquartile range, 26.00) years. The rates of overweight, obesity, and central obesity were 32.74% (12 634 individuals), 10.27% (3 963 individuals), and 27.87% (10 755 individuals), respectively. There were 11 813 cases of hypertension, with a prevalence and standardized prevalence of 30.61% and 24.41%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for demographic information, lifestyle, diabetes and dyslipidemia, the likelihood of hypertension in the overweight and obesity groups was 1.927 (95%CI: 1.815-2.045) times and 3.724 (95%CI: 3.404-4.073) times that of the normal BMI group, respectively. The likelihood of hypertension in the central obesity group was 2.346 (95%CI: 2.214-2.486) times that of the normal WC group. The likelihood of hypertension in the central obesity only, overweight only, overweight with central obesity, obesity only and obesity with central obesity groups was 1.586 (95%CI: 1.391-1.809), 1.704 (95%CI: 1.582-1.835), 2.433 (95%CI: 2.254-2.626), 1.768 (95%CI: 1.424-2.194), and 4.466 (95%CI: 4.053-4.921) times that of the normal BMI and WC group, respectively.
Conclusions
Overweight, obesity and central obesity were all associated with hypertension among adult residents. The highest likelihood of hypertension was observed among adult residents with both general obesity and central obesity.
10.Evidence that metformin promotes fibrosis resolution via activating alveolar epithelial stem cells and FGFR2b signaling.
Yuqing LV ; Yanxia ZHANG ; Xueli GUO ; Baiqi HE ; Haibo XU ; Ming XU ; Lihui ZOU ; Handeng LYU ; Jin WU ; Pingping ZENG ; Saverio BELLUSCI ; Xuru JIN ; Chengshui CHEN ; Young-Chang CHO ; Xiaokun LI ; Jin-San ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4711-4729
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease lacking effective therapy. Metformin, an antidiabetic medication, has shown promising therapeutic properties in preclinical fibrosis models; however, its precise cellular targets and associated mechanisms in fibrosis resolution remain incompletely defined. Most research on metformin's effects has focused on mesenchymal and inflammatory responses with limited attention to epithelial cells. In this study, we utilized Sftpc lineage-traced and Fgfr2b conditional knockout mice, along with BMP2/PPARγ and AMPK inhibitors, to explore metformin's impact on alveolar epithelial cells in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model and cell culture. We found that metformin increased the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, particularly the recently identified injury-activated alveolar progenitors (IAAPs)-a subpopulation characterized by low SFTPC expression but enriched for PD-L1. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a reduction in apoptosis among mature AT2 cells. Interestingly, metformin's therapeutic effects were not significantly affected by BMP2 or PPARγ inhibition, which blocked the lipogenic differentiation of myofibroblasts. However, Fgfr2b deletion in Sftpc lineage cells significantly impaired metformin's ability to promote fibrosis resolution, a process linked to AMPK signaling. In conclusion, metformin alleviates fibrosis by directly activating AT2 cells, especially the IAAPs, through a mechanism that involves AMPK and FGFR2b signaling, but is largely independent of BMP2/PPARγ pathways.


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