1.Mechanism of Yangjing Zhongyutang in Regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway to Promote Mitochondrial Function and Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Rats with Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ping ZHANG ; Lijuan YANG ; Shenghui CHEN ; Wenliang YAO ; Yuliang ZHOU ; Ling MA ; Huiying WU ; Yanwen XU ; Ziyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):46-55
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyutang (YJZYT) on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress damage mediated by the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and to explore its mechanism in improving ovarian reserve function and follicular development. MethodsForty-two 8-week-old female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into a blank control group (n=7) and a model group (n=35). Rats in the model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CTX (90 mg·kg-1) to establish the DOR model. After modeling, estrous cycles were monitored for 7 consecutive days, and model success was confirmed based on criteria for estrous cycle disruption. After successful modeling, rats were divided into groups for intervention: estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and YJZYT high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (19.98, 9.99, 5.00 g·kg-1). The blank control group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage. All groups received daily gavage once for 4 consecutive weeks. The general state, body weight, and ovarian wet weight of rats were observed and recorded, and the ovarian organ index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe ovarian histomorphological changes and follicular development status. Immunofluorescence was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression levels. Colorimetric assays were employed to measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in ovarian tissues. Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the mRNA expression levels of key genes including SIRT1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited disrupted estrous cycles, obviously reduced body weight, and decreased ovarian index (P<0.05). Ovarian histopathology revealed cortical thinning, loose structure, and a significant reduction in both primordial and growing follicles (P<0.01). Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01), while E2 and AMH levels were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ATP content and mtDNA copy number decreased in ovarian tissue (P<0.01), ROS expression increased, MDA levels rose, while SOD and GSH-Px activities obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM were obviously downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, body weight and ovarian index obviously recovered in rats administered various doses of YJZYT (P<0.05), serum E2 and AMH levels increased, while FSH and LH levels obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), ovarian tissue ATP content and mtDNA copy number were up-regulated, ROS and MDA levels decreased, and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px activity obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), Gene and protein expression levels related to the SIRT1/PGC-1α /NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway were obviously up-regulated compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), HE staining revealed that ovarian structure gradually recovered to integrity in all treatment groups, with a obviously increase in the number of primordial and growing follicles (P<0.05, P<0.01). Granulosa cells were neatly arranged, indicating marked improvement in ovarian function. ConclusionYJZYT may improve ovarian function and follicular development in rats with diminished ovarian reserve by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial function, and alleviating oxidative stress damage.
2.One-year clinical observation of epithelial-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking on the treatment of progressive keratoconus
Jing LU ; Ping MA ; Changjun LAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):451-454
AIM: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of epithelial-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking(CXL)in the management of progressive keratoconus over 1 a period.METHODS:A retrospective pre-post self-controlled study. Data were collected from complete cases of 63 patients(84 eyes)with progressive keratoconus who underwent epithelial-off accelerated CXL between August 2018 and September 2021. Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), refraction, corneal transparency, maximum keratometry(Kmax)of the anterior corneal surface, minimum corneal thickness, endothelial cell counts, and intraocular pressure(IOP)were analyzed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively.RESULTS:No significant differences were observed in UCVA and spherical power before and after surgery(all P>0.05). However, there were significant differences in BCVA, cylinder power, Kmax, minimum corneal thickness, and IOP(all P<0.05). At 12 mo postoperatively, there were no significant differences in BCVA, cylinder power, minimum corneal thickness, and IOP compared with preoperative values(all P>0.05), while Kmax was decreased compared with preoperative value(P<0.05). At 1 mo postoperatively, the corneal endothelial cell count(2519.87±345.28 cells/mm2)was decreased compared with preoperative value(2693.63±313.39 cells/mm2; P<0.001). At 1 wk postoperatively, 22 eyes developed corneal haze(grade 0.5 to 1), and 15 eyes presented with linear corneal stromal opacity at 1 mo postoperatively. In 7 eyes, corneal opacity subsided within 3 to 6 mo after the operation, however, 5 eyes still exhibited corneal nebula or macula without affecting visual acuity.CONCLUSION: After epithelial-off accelerated CXL, the UCVA, BCVA and spherical diopter of patients remained stable over time. The astigmatism and corneal curvature temporarily increased and then gradually decreased. The cornea minimum thickness decreased initially but subsequently returned to preoperative levels. The corneal curvature at 6 and 12 mo after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery, which could effectively prevent the progression of keratoconus. Despite potential localized corneal opacity and macular complications, as well as a possible decrease in corneal endothelial cell count, BCVA remained unaffected, demonstrating favorable safety outcomes.
3.One-year clinical observation of epithelial-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking on the treatment of progressive keratoconus
Jing LU ; Ping MA ; Changjun LAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):451-454
AIM: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of epithelial-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking(CXL)in the management of progressive keratoconus over 1 a period.METHODS:A retrospective pre-post self-controlled study. Data were collected from complete cases of 63 patients(84 eyes)with progressive keratoconus who underwent epithelial-off accelerated CXL between August 2018 and September 2021. Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), refraction, corneal transparency, maximum keratometry(Kmax)of the anterior corneal surface, minimum corneal thickness, endothelial cell counts, and intraocular pressure(IOP)were analyzed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively.RESULTS:No significant differences were observed in UCVA and spherical power before and after surgery(all P>0.05). However, there were significant differences in BCVA, cylinder power, Kmax, minimum corneal thickness, and IOP(all P<0.05). At 12 mo postoperatively, there were no significant differences in BCVA, cylinder power, minimum corneal thickness, and IOP compared with preoperative values(all P>0.05), while Kmax was decreased compared with preoperative value(P<0.05). At 1 mo postoperatively, the corneal endothelial cell count(2519.87±345.28 cells/mm2)was decreased compared with preoperative value(2693.63±313.39 cells/mm2; P<0.001). At 1 wk postoperatively, 22 eyes developed corneal haze(grade 0.5 to 1), and 15 eyes presented with linear corneal stromal opacity at 1 mo postoperatively. In 7 eyes, corneal opacity subsided within 3 to 6 mo after the operation, however, 5 eyes still exhibited corneal nebula or macula without affecting visual acuity.CONCLUSION: After epithelial-off accelerated CXL, the UCVA, BCVA and spherical diopter of patients remained stable over time. The astigmatism and corneal curvature temporarily increased and then gradually decreased. The cornea minimum thickness decreased initially but subsequently returned to preoperative levels. The corneal curvature at 6 and 12 mo after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery, which could effectively prevent the progression of keratoconus. Despite potential localized corneal opacity and macular complications, as well as a possible decrease in corneal endothelial cell count, BCVA remained unaffected, demonstrating favorable safety outcomes.
4.Prevention and Treatment Ideas of Epileptogenesis in Children under the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine
Hanjiang CHEN ; Ping RONG ; Xilian ZHANG ; Siyuan HU ; Rong MA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):251-255
Epileptogenesis is a dynamic process of gradual progression from normal developing brain to pathological epileptic brain, which is the latent and budding stage of epilepsy. Combining the understanding of epileptogenesis in children from Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), we proposed that the viewpoints of constitutional transformation, phlegm pathogen inducing epilepsy, and brain collateral damage, which correspond to key pathological mechanisms, namely gene polymorphism, immunoinflammation, and microvascular dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier, respectively. Based on these insights, strategies for prevention and treatment of epileptogenesis in children, as well as potential research directions are explored.
5.The Oncogenic Role of TNFRSF12A in Colorectal Cancer and Pan-Cancer Bioinformatics Analysis
Chuyue WANG ; Yingying ZHAO ; You CHEN ; Ying SHI ; Zhiying YANG ; Weili WU ; Rui MA ; Bo WANG ; Yifeng SUN ; Ping YUAN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):212-228
Purpose:
Cancer has become a significant major public health concern, making the discovery of new cancer markers or therapeutic targets exceptionally important. Elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression has been observed in certain types of cancer. This project aims to investigate the function of TNFRSF12A in tumors and the underlying mechanisms.
Materials and Methods:
Various websites were utilized for conducting the bioinformatics analysis. Tumor cell lines with stable knockdown or overexpression of TNFRSF12A were established for cell phenotyping experiments and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was employed to investigate the mechanism of TNFRSF12A.
Results:
TNFRSF12A was upregulated in the majority of cancers and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown TNFRSF12A hindered the colorectal cancer progression, while overexpression facilitated malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. TNFRSF12A overexpression led to increased nuclear factor кB (NF-κB) signaling and significant upregulation of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), a transcription target of the NF-κB member RELA, and it was experimentally confirmed to be a critical downstream factor of TNFRSF12A. Therefore, we speculated the existence of a TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis in colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
TNFRSF12A is upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, elevated TNFRSF12A expression promotes tumor growth, potentially through the TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis.
6.Ethical considerations on the be-welling of offspring born from assisted reproductive technology
Hongping WU ; Caihong MA ; Rong LI ; Jie QIAO ; Ping LIU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(5):663-667
In recent years, the number of special clinical cases related to assisted reproductive technology (ART) for pregnancy has been on the rise annually. For example, gamete donation, assisted reproduction for couples of advanced maternal ages, and the ownership and disposition of embryos when one or both partners pass away, all involve the health of offspring and conflicts of interest in the implementation of ART. Although China’s ethical principles for ART include the protection of the offspring, the detailed rules are vague and urgently need to be supplemented and improved. In addition, the clinical application of ART lacks legislative collaborative governance. The corresponding administrative departments, practitioners, and infertile couples should work together. Starting from the perspective of focusing on the well-being of offspring born from the clinical application of ART, while conducting clinical research to address technical challenges, efforts should be made to overcome ethical dilemmas in the application of technology, comprehensively consider the well-being of offspring born from assisted reproductive treatments and help them seek the best care to promote their healthy growth.
7.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
8.Determination of biological activity of teduglutide by a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence method
Xiao-ming ZHANG ; Ran MA ; Li-jing LÜ ; Lü-yin WANG ; Ping LÜ ; Cheng-gang LIANG ; Jing LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):211-217
In this study, we constructed a GLP-2R-HEK293 cell line and established a method for the determination of the
9.The Oncogenic Role of TNFRSF12A in Colorectal Cancer and Pan-Cancer Bioinformatics Analysis
Chuyue WANG ; Yingying ZHAO ; You CHEN ; Ying SHI ; Zhiying YANG ; Weili WU ; Rui MA ; Bo WANG ; Yifeng SUN ; Ping YUAN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):212-228
Purpose:
Cancer has become a significant major public health concern, making the discovery of new cancer markers or therapeutic targets exceptionally important. Elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression has been observed in certain types of cancer. This project aims to investigate the function of TNFRSF12A in tumors and the underlying mechanisms.
Materials and Methods:
Various websites were utilized for conducting the bioinformatics analysis. Tumor cell lines with stable knockdown or overexpression of TNFRSF12A were established for cell phenotyping experiments and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was employed to investigate the mechanism of TNFRSF12A.
Results:
TNFRSF12A was upregulated in the majority of cancers and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown TNFRSF12A hindered the colorectal cancer progression, while overexpression facilitated malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. TNFRSF12A overexpression led to increased nuclear factor кB (NF-κB) signaling and significant upregulation of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), a transcription target of the NF-κB member RELA, and it was experimentally confirmed to be a critical downstream factor of TNFRSF12A. Therefore, we speculated the existence of a TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis in colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
TNFRSF12A is upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, elevated TNFRSF12A expression promotes tumor growth, potentially through the TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis.
10.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail