1.Effects of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方) on Methylation Key Genes and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway in Myocardial Tissue of Coronary Heart Disease Model Rats with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Chun ZHANG ; Shumeng ZHANG ; Yan MAO ; Xing CHEN ; Huifang KUANG ; Yi YANG ; Lingli CHEN ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):784-791
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方, YTF) in trea-ting coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome based on DNA methylation. MethodsSeventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=60). The modeling group was subjected to a high-fat diet, intragastric administration of vitamin D3, and subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline to establish the rat model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome. Forty-one successfully modeled rats were then randomly allocated into model group, YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the atorvastatin calcium group, with 8 rats in each group and 1 rat reserved. The YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups received YTF at 6, 12, and 18 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively. The atorvastatin calcium group received atorvastatin calcium tablets at 1.8 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. The control group and the model group received 0.9% sodium chloride injection at 4 ml/(kg·d) by gavage. All administrations were performed once daily for 3 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, serum lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), myocardial enzymes including cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via HE staining. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing was used to analyze differential methylation gene expression among the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group. Western Blotting was used to verify the protein levels of the key genes and downstream signaling pathways. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed increased levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, cTnT, CK-MB, LDH, and IL-1β, along with decreased levels of HDL-C and IL-10 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all treatment groups exhibited decreased levels of TC, LDL-C, CK-MB, and LDH, along with increased IL-10 levels. Among these, the high-dose YTF group demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing cTnT levels compared to the other TCM groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining indicated that the YTF high-dose group ameliorated myocardial cell swelling, disordered arrangement, pyknosis, and disappearance of nuclei, thereby reducing myocardial cell damage. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing identified 240 differentially methylated genes shared by the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group, including 109 hypermethylated and 131 hypomethylated genes; eif2ak3 was identified as a key differentially methylated gene. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (eIf2ak3), phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and Bax, along with a decreased level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the YTF high-dose group showed decreased protein levels of eIf2ak3, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax, and an increased level of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionYTF may regulate key differentially methylated genes such as eIf2ak3 and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, reducing myocardial cell apoptosis, and exerting therapeutic effects in coronary heart disease blood stasis syndrome.
2.Construction of a medication strategy integrating staged modifications of Bushen huoxue decoction with HRT for premature ovarian insufficiency based on the “state-target differentiation and treatment”theory
Lingli WANG ; Qiuwei CHEN ; Xi XIAO ; Tong CHU ; Yue CHEN ; Si CHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1329-1334
OBJECTIVE To explore a synergistic medication strategy integrating stage-specific modifications of Bushen huoxue decoction with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS The connotation of Academician Tong Xiaolin’s “state-target differentiation and treatment” theory and the disease stage characteristics of POI were summarized. The latent stage, subclinical stage, clinical stage and exhaustion stage of POI were classified into corresponding core pathogenesis “states” and key objective indicator “targets”. Taking Bushen huoxue decoction as the basic prescription, its staged modification scheme and its sequential combination with HRT were analyzed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The four stages of POI correspond to four pathogenic states respectively: kidney yin deficiency, kidney deficiency and blood stasis, heart-kidney disharmony, and deficiency of both yin and yang. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and Kupperman score were taken as the evaluation targets of staging. Combined with the “state-target” characteristics of each stage, a medication principle based on Bushen huoxue decoction with syndrome differentiation modification and stage-adjusted administration was established: traditional Chinese medicine dominates in the latent stage, a sequential collaborative regimen is adopted in the subclinical stage, HRT is dominant supplemented by traditional Chinese medicine in the clinical stage, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine is applied to consolidate the root cause in the exhaustion stage.
3.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
4.Pathogenesis and treatment of atherosclerosis in traditional Chinese medicine from the"blood pathway originates from the liver"theory
Liang DONG ; Lingli CHEN ; Jie LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):966-972
Atherosclerosis is a degenerative vascular lesion characterized by chronic inflammation of the vessel wall and represents a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.Although Western medicine has made advances in anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering treatments,research into the dynamic progression of atherosclerosis and multi-target regulation remains limited.In traditional Chinese medicine,these conditions are classified as"vessel bi"and"pulse accumulation."This study is based on the"blood pathway originates from the liver"theory proposed by KE Qin in the Qing Dynasty in his The Annotated ′Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases′.The aim is to systematically elucidate the connotations of this theory and explore atherosclerosis pathogenesis and treatment.This condition originates in hepatic dysregulation,leading to qi stagnation and blood flow obstruction.It then progresses to disharmony between the liver and heart,where excessive wood and fire injure the vessels.This result in the accumulation of phlegm and blood stasis,causing abnormal qi transformation and lipid stagnation.The underlying deficiency lies in liver and kidney yin deficiency,where essence depletion leads to blood thickening and vessel atrophy,ultimately forming a complex pathology characterized by deficiency in origin and excess at the surface.Therapeutic strategies should prioritize dispersing the liver and regulating the blood,while integrating a multi-faceted approach that includes"dispersing stagnated liver qi for relieving qi stagnation to promote qi flow,invigorating blood and eliminating stasis to open the meridians,transforming phlegm and draining turbidity to clarify the source,nourishing the liver and kidneys to strengthen the foundation,and softening the liver and clearing the heart to harmonize yin and yang."This integrative strategy of"dispersing,dissipating,supplementing,clearing,and harmonizing"offers a novel perspective for the dynamic prevention and multi-target regulation of atherosclerosis,combining both theoretical and practical aspects.
5.Research on medical education reform and development in era of"AI+Education"—a case study of"Fundamentals of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology"
Chang LIU ; Jue HU ; Fangguo LU ; Ke WEI ; Lingli CHEN ; Yi NING ; Tao XIONG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1315-1319
In the context of"Artificial Intelligence(AI)+Education"era,this study introduces the teaching reform and devel-opment path of the course"Fundamentals of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology"by Professor Lu Fangguo's team at Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.After twenty years of exploration,the course has successfully transitioned from traditional teaching to intelligent teaching,achieving a comprehensive upgrade in educational concepts,teaching methods,and resources.The reform process is divided into three stages:Early exploration,comprehensive reform,and deepening development.It encompasses the construction of a smart teaching platform,the development and promotion of new forms of digital teaching resources,and the deep integration of ideological and political education.This reform has significantly enhanced teaching quality and students'overall competencies,showcasing the innovative spirit of educators.It has gained nationwide recognition and promotion,providing valuable references for the innovation of medical education in the new era.
6.Reform of Basic Immunology and Pathogen Biology based on"confidence in traditional Chinese medicine culture"
Ke WEI ; Fangguo LU ; Lingli CHEN ; Jue HU ; Chunjing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):694-697
Cultural confidence is an important part of nurturing"confidence in the path,theory,system,and culture of social-ism with Chinese characteristics"students,as well as the important direction of ideological and political courses,and play an impor-tant role for establishing the core values of Chinese socialism.This paper summarized the reform exploration and practical experience of the Basic Immunology and Pathogen Biology through deeply excavating the core ideas of Chinese medicine culture based on the course content for improving the cultural confidence.The object of this paper is to improving the effectiveness of education.
7.Molecular Mechanism of miR-146b Regulating ERK1/2-AP-1 Signaling Pathway Involved in the Rat Model of Diabetes Complicated with Cerebral Infarction
Lingli LIU ; Ruoxuan WEI ; Wei CHEN ; Caixia KONG ; Zhihong LIU
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(2):135-139
Objective To explore whether miR-146b can participate in the brain injury process of diabetic rats with cerebral infarction(DM-CI)by regulating the extracellular regulatory protein kinase(ERK1/2)-activated protein-1(AP-1)signaling pathway.Methods 80 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,DM-CI group,low miR-146b expression group and ERK1/2 inhibition group,with 20 rats in each group.The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score measures brain function in rats.The mRNA levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in rat brain tissue were detected by RT-qPCR.Western blotting detected ERK1/2,AP-1 protein levels in rat brain tissue.TTC staining was used to detect cerebral infarction volume in rats.H&E staining was used to detect brain histopathological changes.Random blood glucose levels were detected by glucose meter in rats.Results Compared with sham operation group,mRNA expression levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in brain tissue of rats in DM-CI group were significantly increased,with statistically differences(t=10.86,15.62,9.87,all P<0.05).ERK1/2 and AP-1 protein levels increased,with statistically differences(t=11.18,23.81,P<0.05).NIHSS score increased and random blood glucose level increased(t=44.49,30.02,all P<0.05),and increased cerebral infarction volume(t=51.05,P<0.05),the structure of brain tissue was disorganized and loose,and edema can be seen in the pericellular space.Compared with the DM-CI group,the mRNA expression levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in the brain tissue of rats with low expression of miR-146b were decreased,with statistically differences(t=38.00,20.03,24.25,all P<0.05).the protein expression of EPK1/2 and AP-1 decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=12.30,26.70,all P<0.05).NIHSS score and random blood glucose level were decreased,with statistically differences(t=38.11,33.77,all P<0.05),cerebral infarction volume decreased(t=16.70,P<0.05),the degree of brain tissue in jury and edema was improved,and the expression levels of ERK1/2 and AP-1 protein and mRNA in brain tissue of rats inhibited by ERK1/2 were decreased,with statistically differences(t=13.61~38.00,all P<0.05),the NIHSS score of rats was decreased,and the random blood glucose level was decreased,with statistically differences(t=16.48,26.61,all P<0.05).Conclusion MiR-146b may be involved in brain functional and structural damage in DM-CI rats by regulating ERK1/2-AP-1 signaling pathway.
8.BRD4 regulates alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition through HMGB1/TGF-β1/Smad pathway
Ruru Chen ; Lu Han ; Hailan He ; Xiaohui Hao ; Heliang Liu ; Lingli Guo
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):247-254
Objective :
To investigate the mechanisms of bromodomain-containing protein 4(BRD4) in TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar type II epithelial cells.
Methods :
MLE-12 cells were stimulated with different concentrations(5 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml) of TGF-β1 for 48 h to establish an EMT cell model. The cells were pretreated with 50 nmol/L BRD4 inhibitor JQ-1, 100 μmol/L high mobility group box 1 protein(HMGB1)inhibitor glycyrrhizin acid(GA), and 3 μg/ml rHMGB1. The experimental groups were divided as follows: control group, TGF-β1 group, JQ-1 group, JQ-1+TGF-β1 group, GA group, GA+TGF-β1 group, and JQ-1+TGF-β1+rHMGB1 group. The effect of JQ-1 on cell viability was examined using cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The protein expression levels of CDH1, ZO-1, Vimentin, α-SMA, BRD4, HMGB1, TGF-β1, Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 were detected by Western blot. The cell migration ability was detected by a scratch test.
Results :
Compared with the control group, the levels of Vimentin and α-SMA in the TGF-β1 group increased, and the levels of CDH1 and ZO-1 protein decreased, suggesting that the EMT model was successfully established. In this model, the expression of BRD4 and HMGB1 significantly increased. Different concentrations of JQ-1 could inhibit the cell viability of MLE-12 in a concentration-dependent manner. Both JQ-1 and GA could effectively alleviate TGF-β1-induced EMT, and reduce the increase in HMGB1 expression and the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway caused by TGF-β1. Moreover, rHMGB1 treatment could reduce the effects of JQ-1 on EMT and the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. Additionally, both JQ-1 and glycyrrhizin could effectively decrease TGF-β1-induced cell migration, whereas rHMGB1 could alleviate the inhibitory effect of JQ-1 on the rate of cell migration.
Conclusion
BRD4 can regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar type II epithelial cells via HMGB1/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling cascade, and BRD4 may be a potential target for inhibition of pulmonary fibrosis.
9.Research on early assessment significance of analysis of interictal electroencephalogram based on the Grand Total Electroencephalography score for cognitive impairment in epilepsy patients
Honghua CHEN ; Lingli JU ; Yanyan JI ; Lihong TAO
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(1):36-45
Objective:To investigate the association between cognitive impairment and manifestation of interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) in epilepsy patients, and the early assessment significance of the Grand Total Electroencephalography (GTE) score.Methods:A totall of 100 patients with primary epilepsy admitted to the Department of Neurology of the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University were continuously collected from January 2019 to January 2024, and they were classified according to the latest version of the epilepsy classification by the International League Against Epilepsy in 2017. General information of all research subjects was recorded, including age, gender, educational level, etc. The disease details of epilepsy patients were recorded, including seizure duration, severity, seizure precursors, post seizure status, and use of anti-seizure medications (ASM). The survey scales and questionnaires used included the interictal GTE, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, National Hospital Seizure Severity Scale (NHS3), Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS). All research subjects were classified into normal cognitive (NC) group, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) group, and dementia group according to MoCA score. Comparisons among multiple groups and pairwise comparisons were conducted. The correlation between 2 variables was analyzed using Spearman rank correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis was employed to screen variables that have an impact on cognitive impairment. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to determine the optimal cut-off point for predicting cognitive impairment in epilepsy.Results:According to the MoCA score, there were 32 (32%) patients in the NC group, 49 (49%) patients in the MCI group, and 19 (19%) patients in the dementia group. There were statistically significant differences in age [(26.31±10.01) years, (43.96±16.19) years, (57.68±16.83) years,respectively; F=29.440, P<0.001], education ( χ2=28.894, P<0.001), ASM ( χ2=11.258, P<0.017), STESS score [2.00(1.75, 2.25), 2.00(2.00, 3.00), 3.50(2.75, 4.25),respectively; H=12.646, P=0.002], STESS score>2 ( χ2=10.075, P=0.006), frequency of rhythmic background activity ( H=17.429, P<0.001), diffuse slow activity ( H=42.033, P<0.001), reactivity of the rhythmic background activity ( H=15.206, P<0.001), paroxysmal activity ( H=25.279, P<0.001), sharp wave activity ( H=15.492, P<0.001) and total GTE score [1 (1, 3), 6 (2, 8), 8 (7, 11),respectively; H=47.871, P<0.001] among the 3 groups. A significant negative correlation was observed between cognitive level (MoCA scores) and total GTE score ( ρ=-0.766, P<0.001), frequency of rhythmic background activity ( ρ=-0.520, P<0.001), diffuse slow activity ( ρ=-0.734, P<0.001), reactivity of the rhythmic background activity ( ρ=-0.438, P<0.001), paroxysmal activity ( ρ=-0.566, P<0.001), and sharp wave activity ( ρ=-0.407, P<0.001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that total GTE score ( t=-5.566, P<0.001), diffuse slow activity ( t=-2.548, P=0.014), reactivity of the rhythmic background activity ( t=-3.891, P<0.001), paroxysmal activity ( t=-3.139, P=0.003), age ( t=-5.493, P<0.001), education ( t=3.379, P=0.001), and STESS ( t=-2.183, P=0.033) were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. In evaluating the cognitive impairment of epilepsy patients, the GTE score had a certain sensitivity (75.0%) and specificity (93.8%), with an optimal critical point value of 5. Conclusions:The interictal EEG of patients with poorer cognitive function is mainly characterized by an increase in slow waves and a decrease in overall background. The increase in slow waves, poor background responsiveness, paroxysmal activity and a high total GTE score may be important factors in predicting the outcome of cognitive impairment in epilepsy.
10.Application of nursing coordination process based on healthcare failure mode and effect analysis management in the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients
Lingli WU ; Yueli CHEN ; Qun WANG ; Xia ZUO ; Min YU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(16):1230-1235
Objective:To explore the application effect of nursing coordination process based on healthcare failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) management in the treatment of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), so as to improve clinical treatment efficiency.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, STEMI patients requiring emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) admitted to the Department of Emergency, Subei People′s Hospital of Jiangsu Province from January to May 2024 were selected by random sampling method. According to the admission time, patients were divided into control group (from January to February 2024, received routine emergency process) and experimental group (from April to May 2024, received nursing coordination process based on HFMEA management). The triage evaluation time, reception time, reporting time of the first electrocardiogram, coming out time of troponin T results, improvement time of preoperative preparation, treatment effect (length of hospital stay, success rate of treatment, nosocomial mortality) and emergency physicians′ satisfaction with nursing work in the two groups were compared.Results:In the 100 STEMI patients, there were 48 cases in the control group, with 23 males and 25 females, aged (61.64 ± 4.37) years old. There were 52 cases in the experimental group, with 26 males and 26 females, aged (62.11 ± 4.61) years old. The triage evaluation time, reception time, reporting time of the first electrocardiogram, coming out time of troponin T results and improvement time of preoperative preparation in the experimental group were (1.65 ± 0.57), (2.46 ± 0.57), (7.58 ± 1.32), (16.43 ± 2.16), (46.18 ± 3.94) min, shorter than (2.48 ± 0.69), (3.41 ± 0.63), (10.69 ± 1.24), (18.66 ± 2.37), (54.37 ± 4.11) min in the control group, the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 4.92-12.12, all P<0.05). The length of hospital stay and nosocomial mortality in the experimental group were (10.16 ± 2.34) d, 3.85% (2/52), lower than (12.38 ± 2.09) d, 16.67% (8/48) in the control group, and success rate of treatment was 90.38% (47/52), higher than 75.00% (36/48) in the control group, the differences were statistically significant ( t=4.99, χ2=4.56, 4.19, all P<0.05). The emergency physicians′ satisfaction with nursing work in the experimental group was (79.43 ± 6.00) points, higher than (64.44 ± 6.54) points in the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( t=11.95, P<0.05). Conclusions:Nursing coordination process based on HFMEA management can effectively improve emergency efficiency in STEMI patients, shorten emergency time and reduce nosocomial mortality.


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