1.Effects and mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure
Meiling MAO ; Jianqi LU ; Zhide ZHU ; Yan PANG ; Liyu XIE ; Jiayong CHEN ; Xinyu WU ; Xiang XIAO ; Junshen LU ; Weiqi SHI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):160-165
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS The CHF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Modeled rats were divided into model group, Qiangxin decoction low-dose and high-dose groups (12.25, 24.50 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), and chemical medicine group (Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets, 10.42 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group; control group was set up without treatment. Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication or normal saline twice a day for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication, the contents of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in serum and phosphatidic acid (PA) and cardiolipin (CL) in myocardial tissue were all detected; the pathological damage and collagen fibrosis of rat myocardial tissue were observed; the apoptosis of myocardial cells was determined; the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue was observed; the protein expressions of mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were all detected in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with control group,the serum content of NT-proBNP, apoptotic rate of myocardial cells, and relative expressions of S-OPA1 and Drp1 proteins were all increased significantly; serum content of ATP,contents of PA and CL, and relative expressions of Mfn1, Mfn2 and L-OPA1 proteins were all significantly reduced (P<0.05). There were abnormal membrane tissue structure in various layers of myocardial tissue, degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells, and severe fibrosis; the mitochondria were swollen, with reduced or absent cristae, and uneven matrix density. After intervention with Qiangxin decoction, the levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators in serum and myocardial tissue of rats (excluding CL content in the Qiangxin decoction low- dose group) were significantly reversed (P<0.05); the pathological damage of myocardial tissue had significantly improved, fibrosis had significantly reduced, mitochondrial morphology tended to be normal, cristae had increased, and matrix density was uniform. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can regulate myocardial mitochondrial function and structural integrity of CHF rats, thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and antagonizing myocardial fibrosis, the mechanism of which may be associated with activating PA/Mfn/CL signaling pathway.
2.Effects and mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure
Meiling MAO ; Jianqi LU ; Zhide ZHU ; Yan PANG ; Liyu XIE ; Jiayong CHEN ; Xinyu WU ; Xiang XIAO ; Junshen LU ; Weiqi SHI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):160-165
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS The CHF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Modeled rats were divided into model group, Qiangxin decoction low-dose and high-dose groups (12.25, 24.50 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), and chemical medicine group (Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets, 10.42 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group; control group was set up without treatment. Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication or normal saline twice a day for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication, the contents of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in serum and phosphatidic acid (PA) and cardiolipin (CL) in myocardial tissue were all detected; the pathological damage and collagen fibrosis of rat myocardial tissue were observed; the apoptosis of myocardial cells was determined; the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue was observed; the protein expressions of mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were all detected in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with control group,the serum content of NT-proBNP, apoptotic rate of myocardial cells, and relative expressions of S-OPA1 and Drp1 proteins were all increased significantly; serum content of ATP,contents of PA and CL, and relative expressions of Mfn1, Mfn2 and L-OPA1 proteins were all significantly reduced (P<0.05). There were abnormal membrane tissue structure in various layers of myocardial tissue, degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells, and severe fibrosis; the mitochondria were swollen, with reduced or absent cristae, and uneven matrix density. After intervention with Qiangxin decoction, the levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators in serum and myocardial tissue of rats (excluding CL content in the Qiangxin decoction low- dose group) were significantly reversed (P<0.05); the pathological damage of myocardial tissue had significantly improved, fibrosis had significantly reduced, mitochondrial morphology tended to be normal, cristae had increased, and matrix density was uniform. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can regulate myocardial mitochondrial function and structural integrity of CHF rats, thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and antagonizing myocardial fibrosis, the mechanism of which may be associated with activating PA/Mfn/CL signaling pathway.
3.Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification under the IOL protection: a randomized controlled clinical study
Yujiao JIN ; Nan LI ; Qiushuang SUN ; Weiyi JIN ; Meiling JIANG ; Yingfeng LIU ; Yan LU ; Lixia SUN ; Renzhe CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(3):248-255
Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of intraocular lens (IOL) protected phacoemulsification (PHACO) in patients with hard nucleus cataract.Methods:A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted.A total of consecutive 120 patients (120 eyes) with hard nucleus cataract of Emery grade Ⅳ or Ⅴ were enrolled from January 2019 to May 2022.The patients were randomly divided into PHACO group receiving routine PHACO, IOL protected PHACO group receiving PHACO under IOL protection, and extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) group receiving ECCE, with 40 cases (40 eyes) in each group.Finally, 99 patients completed the follow-up, including 30 cases (30 eyes) in PHACO group, 35 cases (35 eyes) in IOL protected PHACO group, and 34 cases (34 eyes) in ECCE group.The total operation time, intraoperative PHACO time and cumulative energy release of each patient were recorded.The corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation in endothelial cell area (CV), hexagonal endothelial cell ratio (6A), corneal astigmatism and the number of eyes with different grades of uncorrected visual acuity were measured and compared after 3-month follow-up.The intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethics Committee of Yanbian University Hospital (NO.2023002).Patients were informed of study content and purpose and signed a consent form before treatment.Results:There was no significant difference in ultrasonic energy and time between PHACO group and IOL protected PHACO group ( P=0.691, 0.982).The total operation time was (38.81±2.73) and (36.45±3.45) minutes in PHACO group and IOL protected PHACO group, significantly shorter than (69.60±4.35) minutes in ECCE group (both at P<0.001).There was no significant difference in age, sex, lens nucleus hardness and other baseline data among the three groups before operation (all at P>0.05).Three months after operation, the number of patients with higher uncorrected visual acuity in PHACO group and IOL protected PHACO group was larger than that in ECCE group ( P=0.006, 0.007).The ECD and 6A in IOL protected PHACO group were (2 155.57±177.88)/mm 2 and (41.31±5.18)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (1 912.64±224.11)/mm 2 and (36.18±3.27)% in PHACO group, and the CV in IOL protected PHACO group was (50.34±5.90)%, which was lower than (55.67±3.30)% in PHACO group, showing statistically significant differences ( P=0.007, 0.003, 0.005).At 1 week and 3 months after the operation, the corneal astigmatism was significantly lower in IOL-protected PHACO group than in ECCE group, but higher than in PHACO group, and the difference were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with conventional PHACO, IOL-protected PHACO can effectively reduce the damage of corneal endothelium caused by ultrasonic energy, shorten the operation time and reduce postoperative inflammatory reaction compared with ECCE, and does not significantly increase postoperative corneal astigmatism.IOL-protected PHACO is an effective improved surgical method for patients with hard nucleus cataract.
4.Effects of Qiangxin decoction on myocardial mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism in chronic heart failure rats
Yan PANG ; Meiling MAO ; Jianqi LU ; Jiayong CHEN ; Meiling TANG ; Puwei HUANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(15):1831-1836
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Qiangxin decoction on myocardial mitochondrial and energy metabolism in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF) based on mitophagy. METHODS Male SD rats were collected to establish CHF model by ligating the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery. The successful modeling rats were divided into model group, Qiangxin decoction group [12.25 g/(kg·d), calculated by crude drug], captopril group [10.38 mg/(kg·d)], and Qiangxin decoction+captopril group (the same usage and dosage as single drug group) according to a random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Another 8 normal rats were selected and received threading in the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery without ligation as the sham operation group. Starting from the second day after successful modeling, the rats in administration groups were given relevant drug intragastrically, twice a day, for consecutive 28 days. After the last medication, the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and free fatty acid (FFA) in infarcted myocardial tissues were detected, the pathological changes and mitochondrial morphology of the infarcted myocardial tissue were observed, as well as the protein expressions of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), p62 were detected in each group. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group, the infarcted myocardial tissue fibrosis was changed evidently, with a large number of mitochondrial swelling and fusion, and internal cristae rupture; the levels of AMP and FFA, the protein expressions of Bax and p62 were all increased or up-regulated significantly in infarcted myocardial tissue, while the level of ATP, and the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and TBK1 were all decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the pathological changes of infarcted myocardial tissue and mitochondrial swelling had been improved; the levels of AMP and FFA, and the protein expressions of Bax and p62 in infarcted myocardial tissue were significantly decreased or down-regulated in administration groups, while the level of ATP, and the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and TBK1 were increased or up-regulated significantly (P<0.05). And the effect of Qiangxin decoction+captopril group was better than that of single drug group. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can alleviate myocardial fibrosis and mitochondrial swelling in CHF rats, and improve their myocardial energy metabolism, which may be related to regulating the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, TBK1 and p62 proteins and promoting myocardial mitophagy.
5.Effects of Electroacupuncture Preconditioning on Local Inflammation and DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc Signaling Pathway in Myo-cardium of Acute Myocardial Ischemia Mice
Minjiao JIANG ; Rou PENG ; Yuhang YAN ; Xiaoer LIU ; Danying QIAN ; Xiaohan LU ; Liyao CHEN ; Meiling YU ; Shengfeng LU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(6):589-597
OBJECTIVE To observe the changes of cardiac function,local inflammation level and macrophage M2 polarization in mice with acute myocardial infarction(AMI after electroacupuncture preconditioning at the Neiguan point,and to explore the possible mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc signaling pathway.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group and electroacupuncture group,with 10 mice in each group.The electroacupuncture group received bilateral electroacupuncture interventions at the Neiguan points,sparse-dense wave,2/15 Hz,1 mA,20 min/time,once a day for 3 consecutive days,and AMI models were performed 0.5 h after the electroacupuncture interventions.The myocardial ischemia model was prepared by ligating the left anterior descending branch.Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac ejection frac-tion(EF and fractional shortening(FS to evaluate cardiac function;HE and TUNEL staining were used to observe the pathological morphology of myocardium and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes,and immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to detect IL-1β,TNF-α and NLRP3 in infarcted myocardium and peripheral blood to evaluate the level of inflammation;flow cytometry was used to detect cardiac macrophage polarization status,and Western blot method to detect the protein expression levels of DNA-PK,p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc in infarcted myocardium.RESULTS Compared with the sham group,the model group showed significantly lower EF and FS(P<0.000 1,significant inflammatory cell infiltration,significantly higher cardiomyocyte apoptotic index(P<0.001,up-regulated expression of IL-1β,NLRP3 and TNF-α in the myocardium and serum(P<0.01,P<0.001,a significant increase in the percentage of macrophages(P<0.001,a decrease in the percentage of cardiac M2-type macrophages(P<0.000 1,and a significant decrease in the expression levels of p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc proteins in myocardium(P<0.05,P<0.000 1.Compared with the model group,EF and FS were significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group(P<0.000 1,inflammatory cell infiltration was re-duced,cardiomyocyte apoptotic index was decreased(P<0.01,and the expression of IL-1β,NLRP3 and TNF-α was down-regula-ted in myocardium and serum(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001;the macrophage percentage was decreased(P<0.05,cardiac M2-type macrophage percentage was increased(P<0.01,and p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc protein expression was enhanced in myocardium(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.000 1.CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture preconditioning may promote macrophage M2 polarization,attenuate local inflammation,and reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis by modulating the DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc signaling pathway,thus im-proving cardiac function and achieving myocardial protective effects.
6.Occupational health strategies and insights for elderly workers in Japan and South Korea in the context of declining birth rates and aging populations
Meiling OU ; Jinxiong CEN ; Guodong LU ; Qiang HOU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(9):982-987
China has a large, advanced, and rapidly aging population, coupled with a trend of decreasing birth rates that is exacerbating the issue of an aging society. It is expected that by 2030, China will become a hyper-aged society. As the demographic dividend gradually diminishes, the working-age population is shrinking in size and becoming increasingly older, making elderly labor force an important resource. Japan and South Korea have accumulated rich experience in promoting the healthy employment and occupational health services for the elderly workforce. It is necessary for China to thoroughly consider the issue and implement corresponding measures. This article compared and analyzed the current employment situation of aging populations in China, Japan, and South Korea, revealing that Japan and South Korea presented certain advantages in healthy employment policies, occupational health measures for the elderly, and digital economy. Taking into account the circumstances in China, we can further strengthen occupational health promotion activities, optimize employment structure, utilize new technologies such as artificial intelligence, promote active aging, ensure the sustainable development of elderly labor force resources, steadily enhance comprehensive national strength, and meet the increasing demand for better quality of life among the people.
7.Clinicopathological features of pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: analysis of 41 cases
Hui YANG ; Haijian HUANG ; Baicheng LI ; Meiling ZHENG ; Zaifeng LI ; Zhi YANG ; Xin CHEN ; Zhaohui LU
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2024;33(11):664-670
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features of pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. A total of 41 cases of pulmonary MALToma who were admitted to multiple centers from April 2002 to August 2023 were collected, including 33 cases from Fujian Provincial Hospital, 5 cases from Binzhou People's Hospital, 1 case from the Second Hospital of Zhangzhou, 1 case from the People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and 1 case from Jinjiang Hospital. The results of pathological morphological examination, immunohistochemical examination and genetic testing of patients were summarized, their clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed, and the relevant literature was reviewed.Results:Among the 41 patients, there were 24 males and 17 females, aged (58±13) years (range: 36-81 years). The longest diameter of the tumor under the gross macroscopic examination was (2.8±2.0) cm, with a range of 0.8-9.7 cm. Under the microscope, diffuse, flakelike and nodular patterns of lymphoid tissue were seen in the lung tissue with small- to medium-sized lymphoid cells including small lymphocytes, centrocyte-like cells, mononuclear cells and plasma cells. A small number of activated cells were noted, and the lymphoid cells grew along the alveoli. In some areas, the lymphoid cells invaded the bronchi, and lymphatic follicular implantation was rare; 1 case was accompanied by large cell transformation. Tumor cells expressed CD20, Pax-5, bcl-2, and CD43, with Ki-67 proliferation index of 2%-20%, and 50% in some areas of 1 case. The positive rate of clonal B-cell receptor gene rearrangement was 100.00% (29/29); the positive rate of MALT1 gene was 18.75% (3/16), and the positive rate of API2-MALT1 fusion was 66.67% (2/3). The treatment methods included surgery, anti-inflammatory therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Follow-up for 4-143 months showed that 43.90% (18/41) had disease-free survival, 21.95% (9/41) had tumor bearing survival, 9.76% (4/41) died, and 24.39%, (10/41) were lost to follow-up. The progression-free survival of patients aged ≥ 60 years was worse than that of patients aged < 60 years ( χ2 = 5.39, P = 0.020). Conclusions:Pulmonary MALToma belongs to indolent B-cell lymphoma, and its diagnosis requires a combination of clinical imaging, pathology and immunophenotyping. If necessary, genetic testing can be used to assist in the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis should be made from pneumonia, low-grade B-cell lymphoma, and extrapulmonary MALToma with lung involvement. The treatment methods include anti-inflammatory therapy, surgical resection and chemotherapy, and the prognosis is good.
8.Potential Mechanism of Action of Qiangxin Decoction (强心汤) for Chronic Heart Failure Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Meiling MAO ; Jianqi LU ; Liyu XIE ; Yan PANG ; Ding ZHANG ; Weiqi SHI ; Shuihua LIU ; Zongyu CAI ; Shiyu ZHANG ; Min HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;64(20):2132-2137
ObjectiveTo reveal the targets and molecular mechanisms of the action of Qiangxin Decoction (强心汤) for the treatment of chronic heart failure based on the combination of network pharmacology and molecular docking. MethodsThe active ingredients of Qiangxin Decoction were retrieved from TCMSP database, and the targets of chronic heart failure were screened by searching GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, PharmGkb, and DrugBank databases, and the intersections were taken to obtain the intersecting targets of Qiangxin Decoction for the treatment of chronic heart failure. STRING platform was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network (PPI), Cytoscape 3.8.0 software was used to calculate the network topology to screen the core targets, and R 4.2.3 was used to construct the “active ingredient-target” network by analyzing the GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. AutoDock 1.5.7 was used for molecular docking to predict the binding performance of active ingredients and core targets. ResultsSeventy-five intersecting targets were identified for the treatment of chronic heart failure with Qiangxin Decoction, among which the core targets were estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1, degree value=7), nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1, degree value=8), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1, degree value=7), and nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (NCOA2, degree value=7). GO enrichment analysis showed that the top 3 items with the smallest P value in molecular function were G protein-coupled amine receptor activity, postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor activity, and neurotransmitter receptor activity (P<0.01); the top 3 items with the smallest P value in biological process were adenylyl cyclase-activated adrenergic receptor signaling pathway, adrenergic receptor signaling pathway, and adenylyl cyclase-regulated G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway (P<0.01); the top 3 items with the smallest P values in cellular composition were components of the postsynaptic membrane, synaptic membrane, and presynaptic membrane (P<0.01). KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the top 5 key signaling pathways were neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, calcium signaling pathway, dopaminergic synapses, cocaine addiction, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G (cGMP-PKG) signaling pathway. The molecular docking results showed that lignans and isoflavones had lower binding energies and more structural stability with the four core targets (ESR1, NCOA1, NR3C1, NCOA2). ConclusionThe treatment of chronic heart failure by Qiangxin Decoction was associated with neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, calcium signaling pathway, dopaminergic synapses, chemoattractant-receptor activation, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, lipids and atherosclerosis, and cAMP signaling pathway, and lignans and isoflavones may be the core active compounds in its treatment of chronic heart failure.
9.A Case of Third-degree Atrioventricular Block after Cardiac Radiofrequency Ablation Treated with the Method of Boosting Qi, Warming Yang and Unblocking Collaterals
Wenkuan LUO ; Jianqi LU ; Meiling TANG ; Puwei HUANG ; Jiatan ZHOU ; Min YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;64(19):2049-2052
Third-degree atrioventricular block is a severe bradyarrhythmia, for which there is no proven effective drugs currently. Permanent pacemaker implantation recommended by the guideline, however, is not suitable for most patients. This paper reported on a case of third-degree atrioventricular block after cardiac radiofrequency ablation who has been treated with the method of boosting qi, warming yang and unblocking collaterals. The TCM syndrome of this case was diagnosed as yang qi depletion and phlegm-stasis blocking the collaterals, for which Baoyuan Decoction and Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction (保元汤合麻黄附子细辛汤) in modification has been used to boost qi, warm yang and raise the sunken, dissolve phlegm, invigorate blood and unblock collaterals. After nearly 7-month treatment, the symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue were basically cured, and the electrocardiogram returned to the normal.
10.A tactical nanomissile mobilizing antitumor immunity enables neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy to minimize postsurgical tumor metastasis and recurrence.
Tao HE ; Mingxing HU ; Shunyao ZHU ; Meiling SHEN ; Xiaorong KOU ; Xiuqi LIANG ; Lu LI ; Xinchao LI ; Miaomiao ZHANG ; Qinjie WU ; Changyang GONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(2):804-818
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become an indispensable weapon against high-risk resectable cancers, which benefits from tumor downstaging. However, the utility of chemotherapeutics alone as a neoadjuvant agent is incapable of generating durable therapeutic benefits to prevent postsurgical tumor metastasis and recurrence. Herein, a tactical nanomissile (TALE), equipped with a guidance system (PD-L1 monoclonal antibody), ammunition (mitoxantrone, Mit), and projectile bodies (tertiary amines modified azobenzene derivatives), is designed as a neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy setting, which aims at targeting tumor cells, and fast-releasing Mit owing to the intracellular azoreductase, thereby inducing immunogenic tumor cells death, and forming an in situ tumor vaccine containing damage-associated molecular patterns and multiple tumor antigen epitopes to mobilize the immune system. The formed in situ tumor vaccine can recruit and activate antigen-presenting cells, and ultimately increase the infiltration of CD8+ T cells while reversing the immunosuppression microenvironment. Moreover, this approach provokes a robust systemic immune response and immunological memory, as evidenced by preventing 83.3% of mice from postsurgical metastasis or recurrence in the B16-F10 tumor mouse model. Collectively, our results highlight the potential of TALE as a neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy paradigm that can not only debulk tumors but generate a long-term immunosurveillance to maximize the durable benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

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