1.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
2.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
3.Risk factors for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis and effectiveness of risk assessment models
Liu YANG ; Gang ZHU ; Longfei ZENG ; Benjian GAO ; Bo LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):647-654
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors and independent risk factors for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), to analyze the effectiveness of three commonly used risk assessment models for thrombosis (Caprini score, Padua score, and Wells score), and to provide a reference for clinical identification of high-risk individuals and optimization of prevention and treatment strategies. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 320 patients with ANP who were admitted to Luzhou People’s Hospital and The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from April 2013 to April 2024, and according to the presence or absence of DVT during hospitalization, the patients were divided into thrombosis group with 25 patients and control group with 295 patients. After propensity score matching, the two groups were compared in terms of past history and various examination results during hospitalization. The risk factors for lower extremity DVT in ANP patients during hospitalization were analyzed through univariate and multivariate Logistic regression, and a DVT risk prediction model was established based on independent influencing factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the performance of models, and the DeLong test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAfter matching, the patients were divided into thrombosis group with 24 patients and control group with 112 patients. The clinical characteristics analysis showed that compared with the control group, the thrombosis group had significantly higher degree of pancreatic necrosis, D-dimer level, Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score, and proportion of patients undergoing dialysis (all P<0.05). The multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that BISAP score, degree of pancreatic necrosis, and D-dimer level were independent risk factors for lower extremity DVT in ANP patients during hospitalization (all P<0.05). The BISAP-Caprini score model had an AUC of 0.832 (95% confidence interval: 0.722 — 0.942, P<0.001) in predicting the risk of lower extremity DVT, with a Youden index of 1.661, an optimal cut-off value of 0.26, a sensitivity of 75.0%, and a specificity of 91.1%. ConclusionD-dimer, BISAP score, and the degree of pancreatic necrosis are independent risk factors for lower extremity DVT in patients with ANP during hospitalization, and the BISAP-Caprini score model can effectively predict the risk of DVT in ANP patients.
4.An AI-Driven Research Pathway for Upholding Fundamental Principles and Breaking New Ground of Traditional Chinese Medicine Under the Guidance of Complexity Science
Lijiang REN ; Longfei LI ; Jinkai CHEN ; Qingyong HE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1137-1141
Complexity science and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) share a profound intrinsic compatibility. To address the limitations of reductionist approaches in guiding the dynamically holistic theory and practice of TCM, this paper develops a novel research pathway under the guidance of complexity science, using the open complex giant systems (OCGS) theory as its practical framework, upholding the fundamental principles of TCM and breaking new ground of artificial intelligence (AI). The core tasks of this pathway involve the objectification and structured diagnosis-treatment systems, and the construction of a complex, large-scale TCM model. The paper further delineates the data architecture design and reinforcement learning training pathway. Acknowledging the differences in information processing between the human brain and computers, it proposes a training strategy that minimizes manual labeling of "syndromes" and instead focuses on the training paradigm of "herb-human interaction → syndrome manifestation → dosage adjustment". Under the guidance of complexity science theory, TCM is poised for deep integration with AI technology, driving technological innovation powered by data and computational capabilities.
5.Rutin inhibits ultraviolet irradiation-induced dermal fibroblast senescence and melanogenesis in mouse ear skin
Bolin DUAN ; Qianwen LI ; Yue LE ; Mengmeng GENG ; Longfei LUO ; Tiechi LEI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(9):801-807
Objective:To investigate effects of rutin on ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) -induced human dermal fibroblast (FB) senescence and melanogenesis in mouse ear skin.Methods:The third- to fifth-passage FBs were divided into 4 groups: a blank control group, a UVR group, a rutin group, and a combined treatment group. In the UVR group, FBs were irradiated using an ultraviolet irradiator at a single dose of 0.6 J/cm 2 UVA combined with 0.03 J/cm 2 UVB once daily for 5 consecutive days; FBs in the rutin group were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium containing 50 μmol/L rutin for 5 days; the combined treatment group received both UVR and the treatment with 50 μmol/L rutin for 5 days; the blank control group underwent no treatment. β-Galactosidase staining was performed to assess the senescence of FBs, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure the telomere length in FBs, and Western blot analysis to detect the expression levels of stem cell factor (SCF) in FB cell lysates and culture supernatants. FB culture supernatants were collected from each group, and mixed with M254 medium at a ratio of 3∶1 to prepare conditioned medium, which was then used to treat PIG1 melanocytes for 24 hours. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the tyrosinase (TYR) expression in PIG1 melanocytes in each group, while the 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay was applied to assess the proliferative activity of PIG1 cells in each group. Ten Dct-LacZ transgenic mice were divided into a control group and a UVR group. For each mouse, 5% rutin-containing cream was topically applied to the right ear after UVR, while the left ear treated with the cream base alone served as a control. Skin biopsies were performed after 4 weeks, followed by X-gal staining and Avidin/fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) staining to count the numbers of melanocytes and mast cells in mouse ear skin. Results:In the UVR group, the number of senescent FBs (25.67 ± 2.89), relative protein expression levels of SCF (1.95 ± 0.22), and relative levels of SCF in the cell culture supernatant (1.52 ± 0.34) were all significantly higher than those in the blank control group (5.67 ± 1.56, 0.95 ± 0.11, 1.01 ± 0.31, respectively), while these indicators were significantly lower in the combined treatment group (12.00 ± 1.63, 1.32 ± 0.19, 1.15 ± 0.32, respectively) than in the UVR group (all P < 0.05). The relative telomere length in FBs was significantly shorter in the UVR group (0.49 ± 0.12) than in the blank control group (0.94 ± 0.11; LSD- t = 3.15, P = 0.021), but significantly longer in the combined treatment group (0.81 ± 0.13) than in the UVR group (LSD- t = 4.30, P = 0.034). After the treatment with FB conditioned medium, the relative expression level of TYR in PIG1 melanocytes and the number of EdU-positive cells were significantly higher in the UVR group (2.54 ± 0.21, 33.54 ± 3.21, respectively) than in the blank control group (0.97 ± 0.19, 21.45 ± 2.51, respectively; both P < 0.001), but significantly lower in the combined treatment group (1.63 ± 0.12, 18.54 ± 3.87, respectively) than in the UVR group (both P < 0.001). X-gal staining and Avidin/FITC staining showed that the numbers of melanocytes and mast cells in the mouse left ear skin in the UVR group (5.00 ± 1.22, 98.60 ± 8.47, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the mouse left ear skin in the control group (1.80 ± 0.45, 53.80 ± 5.76, respectively) and those in the mouse right ear skin treated with the rutin-containing cream in the UVR group (2.80 ± 0.45, 69.60 ± 8.89, respectively) (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Rutin may inhibit UVR-induced skin melanogenesis by suppressing the senescence of dermal FBs and paracrine secretion of SCF.
6.A comparative study of laparoscopic pneumovesical Cohen and laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir ureteral replantations for the treatment of primary obstructive megaloureter
Longfei CHEN ; Dian WEI ; Xingwei YANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Lihua GUO ; Lei WANG ; Ji LI ; Quan SUN ; Mingyang SHI ; Yiwei YUE ; Zhongying HAN
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(9):675-679
Objective:To investigate the characteristics and clinical effects of laparoscopic pneumovesical Cohen and laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir ureteral replantations for the treatment of primary obstructive megaloureter (POM) in children.Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted.The clinical data of 51 children with unilateral POM admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2018 to October 2023 were collected.Random number table method was used in the selection of surgical methods.They were divided into the laparoscopic pneumovesical Cohen ureteral replantation group (group A, 22 cases) and the laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir ureteral replantation group (group B, 29 cases) according to the surgical method.The anterior-posterior diameter(APD), maximum ureteral diameter and differential renal function parameters on the affected side were measured by color Doppler ultrasound of the urinary system, and compared between and within the two groups before and after surgery.The operation time, blood loss and postoperative intubation time were compared between the two groups.The incidence of postoperative complications such as reflux, bladder spasm, urinary retention and urinary tract infection was recorded.The independent and paired sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results:The operation time and hematuria duration of group B [(125.7±14.2) min, (1.5±0.6) d] were significantly shorter than those of group A [(142.6±14.7) min, (2.8±0.7) d] (all P<0.05). The APD, maximum ureteral diameter, and differential renal function on the affected side of group A were (21.7±7.9) mm, (11.6±3.2) mm, and (28.2±4.9)% before surgery, and (10.3±4.5) mm, (6.0±2.0) mm and (43.8±4.4)% after surgery, respectively.The APD, maximum ureteral diameter, and differential renal function on the affected side of group B were (21.1±5.6) mm, (11.3±4.6) mm, and (30.2±5.5)% before surgery, and (10.2±4.5) mm, (6.6±2.0) mm, and (42.4±5.2)% after surgery, respectively.There was no statistically significant difference in the values of APD, maximum ureteral diameter, and differential renal function before and after surgery between the two groups of children (all P>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences in the values of APD, maximum ureteral diameter, and differential renal function before and after surgery between the same group of children (all P<0.01). No significant difference was found in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative intubation time, and postoperative complications between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Both surgical methods are effective in the treatment of POM in children.Laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir ureteral replantation has advantages of less operation time compared with laparoscopic pneumovesical Cohen ureteral replantation.
7.Systematic review of risk prediction models for enteral feeding intolerance in ICU patients
Yubing LI ; Qian LU ; Fan LI ; Lichuan ZHANG ; Xiaoge HE ; Aihui LIU ; Longfei YANG ; Di JIANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(13):1705-1712
Objective:To conduct a systematic review of risk prediction models for enteral feeding intolerance in ICU patients.Methods:Relevant literature was searched in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine disc, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus, with search limits from the establishment of the databases up to July 24, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data, using Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool to evaluate the quality of the included studies.Results:A total of 12 studies were included, which included 20 prediction models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve or C-index for these models ranged from 0.70 to 0.94. The overall bias risk of the 12 studies was high, with three studies having good applicability. The bias risk primarily stemmed from issues such as measurement of prediction factors, variable handling, sample size, outcome definition, and model performance evaluation.Conclusions:Existing risk prediction models for enteral feeding intolerance in ICU patients exhibit a high risk of bias. Further validation, optimization, or development of new models is required in the future.
8.Microwave ablation versus hepatic resection in potentially resectable colorectal liver metastasis:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zesong MENG ; Baokun LI ; Longfei CAO ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Guiying WANG
China Oncology 2025;35(10):959-967
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Hepatic resection is the standard treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastasis.Microwave ablation(MWA),as a minimally invasive therapeutic approach,offers an alternative treatment option for these patients.But the clinical efficacy of hepatic resection and MWA in treating colorectal cancer liver metastasis patients is still inconclusive.Literatures were retrieved on comparative studies about the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis with hepatic resection and MWA from multiple databases,including sinoMed,PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,CNKI,Wanfang,etc.The cutoffdate of retrieval was September 2024.Finally,a total of 13 studies comprising 2 057 patients,were included in this study.The papers were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Jadad Scale.All included studies were of high quality.Data extraction focused on postoperative complications,length of hospital stay,surgical duration,hospitalization costs,and patient survival outcomes,including overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software.There were no significant differences in OS(HR=1.03,95%CI:0.85-1.25,P=0.77)and DFS(HR=1.27,95%CI:0.94-1.71,P=0.13)between the MWA group and the hepatic resection group.In the subgroup analysis of patients with≤5 liver metastases and size of metastases≤3 cm,there were no statistically significant differences in OS and DFS between the MWA group and the hepatic resection group.The MWA group exhibited shorter hospital stay,reduced hospitalization costs,decreased surgical duration,less intraoperative blood loss,and lower incidence of complications compared to the hepatic resection group(P<0.05).Therefore,for patients with colorectal liver metastases characterized by a number of liver metastases≤5 and size of metastases≤3 cm,MWA serves as an effective alternative to hepatic resection,with a lower morbidity associated with treatment.Further validation of these findings is warranted through additional randomized controlled trials and cohort studies.The registration number of this Meta-analysis on the PROSPERO platform is CRD42024610278.
9.Exploration and practice of immunology course teaching based on OBE concept
Huifeng LI ; Changfei DUAN ; Nana SUI ; Longfei LI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(11):2748-2751
Based on teaching concept of outcomes-based education(OBE),teaching of immunology was reformed.In terms of theoretical teaching,author adopts diversified teaching method including generative AI-assisted differentiation pedagogy,mind map-ping combined with verbal memorization method,combination of reading literature and experimental teaching and combination of case-based learning(CBL)and problem-based learning(PBL)method.It aims to stimulate students'learning interest and promote stu-dents'active thinking.In practical teaching,validation experiment is reshaped,and practical training is connected with production line,so as to realize deep integration of theory and practice under background of intelligent animal husbandry.Results showed that stu-dents'understanding and application ability of immunology knowledge had been comprehensively improved,which greatly promoted students'subjective initiative and laid a solid foundation for training new veterinary talents with quality and high ability.
10.The effect of Nel-like type 1 molecule on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth
Chen YU ; Longfei HE ; Yao FENG ; Xiao GE ; Yunting CUI ; Ti LI ; Miao YU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(7):518-524
Objective To investigate the effects of Nel-like type 1 molecule(NELL-1)on the proliferation and osteogenic differenti-ation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth(SHEDs).Methods SHEDs was isolated,cultured,and identified.The third generation SHEDs were used for subsequent experiments.SHEDs were divided into 4 groups,and NELL-1 was added to each group at concentrations of 0(control group),50,100,and 200 ng/mL.Cell activity was measured by CCK-8 assay and crystal violet staining.The changes in osteogenic ability were detected by alkaline phosphatase activity.The expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes ALP,OCN and Runx-2 by RT-qPCR were detected.Western blot was used to detect the expression of osteogenesis-related pro-teins ALP,Runx-2 and Col-Ⅰ.Results SHEDs exhibited stem cell characteristics,and 50 ng/mL of NELL-1 protein had a promo-ting effect on SHEDs proliferation(P<0.01).Alkaline phosphatase activity assay showed that after the addition of NELL-1,the osteo-genic effect of each group was better than that of the control group and 50 ng/mL of NELL-1 was the best(P<0.05).RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that 50 ng/mL of NELL-1 significantly promoted the expression of osteoblast-related genes including ALP,OCN and Runx-2 and the protein expression of ALP,Runx-2 and Col-Ⅰ(P<0.05).Conclusion NELL-1 can promote the prolifera-tion and osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs.

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