1.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction and its active fractions on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Jinbiao YANG ; Xingtong CHEN ; Yunyue ZHOU ; Ruihong YANG ; Qiao WANG ; Shuang XUE ; Yukun ZHANG ; Wenying NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):299-304
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) and its active fractions in ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS BYHWD and its effective fractions obtained through ethanol precipitation, as well as 30% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 75% ethanol fractions (namely, the CC effective fraction, 30YC effective fraction, 50YC effective fraction, and 75YC effective fraction), were prepared. These preparations were administered to rats via intragastric administration to prepare corresponding drug-containing serum (blank serum and simvastatin-containing serum were prepared using the same protocol). Human L02 hepatocytes were divided into control group, model group, simvastatin-containing serum group, BYHWD-containing serum group, CC-containing serum group, 30YC-containing serum group, 50YC-containing serum group, and 75YC-containing serum group. Except for the control group, other groups were given 0.2 mol/L oleic acid for 24 h to induce a lipid accumulation model, and then intervened with 20% drug-containing serum/blank serum for 24 h. The lipid deposition in cells was observed, and the proportion of lipid droplet area was calculated; the levels of triglycerides (TG) and indicators of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] as well as liver function [alanine amino- transferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST)] in cells were detected; protein and mRNA expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1)/glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) signaling pathway were also measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, cells in the model group exhibited severe cellular steatosis, with a significantly increased proportion of lipid droplet area, as well as the elevated levels of TG, ALT, AST, and MDA in cells, along with significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1 and GPAT (P<0.05). The level of SOD, mRNA expression of AMPK, as well as the protein phosphorylation level of AMPK were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, cellular steatosis was alleviated in all drug-containing serum groups, and the levels of most of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BYHWD and its active fractions can exert a therapeutic effect on improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the AMPK/SREBP-1/GPAT signaling pathway, inhibiting oxidative stress responses, and reducing lipid deposition.
2.COLEC12high tumor-associated macrophages orchestrate lenvatinib resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via paracrine NRG1-HER2/HER3 signaling
Jianxing ZHANG ; Liang QIAO ; Zongfeng WU ; Dinglan ZUO ; Shanshan HUANG ; Shaoru LIU ; Zhenkun HUANG ; Yi ZENG ; Yu LI ; Yichuan YUAN ; Chenwei WANG ; Wei HE ; Jiliang QIU ; Yunfei YUAN ; Yi NIU ; Binkui LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):772-786
Background/Aims:
Lenvatinib resistance remains a critical barrier in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms and strategies for reversing resistance remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Integrated transcriptomics of lenvatinib-resistant patient tumors and an acquired-resistance murine model identified a novel macrophage subpopulation. Functional validation employed CRISPR-SAM screening, conditioned medium (CM) assays, subcutaneous/orthotopic xenografts, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Mechanistic studies included ChIP-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacologic targeting. Clinical relevance was assessed in a retrospective cohort.
Results:
Resistant HCC exhibited significant enrichment of a COLEC12high TAM subset , which correlated with poor survival and treatment response. These TAMs secreted neuregulin-1 (NRG1) , activating HER2/HER3-AKT signaling in tumor cells to drive cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance. Mechanistically, in TAMs COLEC12 sequestered STAT1 in the cytoplasm, preventing its phosphorylation, and thereby derepressing STAT3-mediated NRG1 transcription. Depletion of NRG1 reversed the stemness phenotypes and resensitized tumors to lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high NRG1 expression predicted an inferior lenvatinib response and shorter survival. Crucially, the bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody zenocutuzumab restored lenvatinib efficacy in PDOs, PDXs, and murine models.
Conclusions
Our work establishes the COLEC12high TAM/NRG1 axis as a master regulator of therapeutic resistance and identifies NRG1 as a predictive biomarker, providing a clinically actionable strategy to overcome lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
3.Transthoracic Echocardiography-guided Double Cavity Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Pregnant Women:Two Cases Report
Huayuan YUAN ; Mingpeng FU ; Yulong GUO ; Jian LI ; Zhiling LUO ; Yu QIAO ; Guodong NIU ; Tao GUO
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(9):922-925
X-ray is usually used to determine anatomy and localization during conventional permanent pacemaker implantation.But X-ray exposure might induce radiation injury to fetus.In this paper,we reported 2 cases successful double cavity permanent pacemaker implantation in pregnant women woman at 13 weeks of gestation under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography.The postoperative pacing parameters were good,the whole process was finished with zero radiation,and there were complications during pregnancy.Both cases resulted in full-term pregnancies and the natural delivery of healthy newborns.Pacemaker electrodes were in normal position as confirmed by post-delivery X-ray examinations.
4.2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net for detecting unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms with MR angiography
Zongren NIU ; Qiang MA ; Jingjing DU ; Yande REN ; Mengjie LI ; Yaqian QIAO ; Yueshan TANG ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):245-249
Objective To observe the value of 2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net models constructed based on 2D maximal intensity projection(MIP)and 3D time-of-flight MR angiography(3D TOF-MRA)images,respectively,also of their combination for MRA detecting unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms(USIA).Methods Totally 973 patients with single USIA and 300 subjects who underwent healthy physical examination were retrospectively collected and divided into training set(n=923,containing 723 cases of USIA and 200 healthy subjects)and test set(n=350,containing 250 cases of USIA and 100 healthy subjects)at the ratio of 7:3.Pre-processed 3D TOF-MRA and the obtained 2D-MIP images in training set were imported into 3D U2-Net and 2D SECara-Net models for training and adjusting parameters,respectively.The efficiency of 2 models and their combination for detecting USIA were evaluated.Results The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of 2D SECara-Net model for detecting USIA in test set was 78.80%(197/250),95.00%(95/100)and 83.43%(292/350),of 3D U2-Net model was 82.80%(207/250),86.00%(86/100)and 83.71%(293/350),respectively.The specificity of 2D SECara-Net model was higher than that of 3D U2-Net model(P=0.030),while no significant difference of sensitivity nor accuracy was found between 2 models(both P>0.05).The specificity of the combination of the 2 models was 99.00%(99/100),higher than that of 3D U2-Net model(P<0.05),and the sensitivity and accuracy of the combination was 91.20%(228/250)and 93.43%(327/350),respectivelty,both higher than those of 2 single models(all P<0.05).Conclusion 2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net models had similar,sensitivity and accuracy for MRA detecting USIA.Combination of them could improve the detecting efficacy.
5.Transthoracic Echocardiography-guided Double Cavity Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Pregnant Women:Two Cases Report
Huayuan YUAN ; Mingpeng FU ; Yulong GUO ; Jian LI ; Zhiling LUO ; Yu QIAO ; Guodong NIU ; Tao GUO
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(9):922-925
X-ray is usually used to determine anatomy and localization during conventional permanent pacemaker implantation.But X-ray exposure might induce radiation injury to fetus.In this paper,we reported 2 cases successful double cavity permanent pacemaker implantation in pregnant women woman at 13 weeks of gestation under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography.The postoperative pacing parameters were good,the whole process was finished with zero radiation,and there were complications during pregnancy.Both cases resulted in full-term pregnancies and the natural delivery of healthy newborns.Pacemaker electrodes were in normal position as confirmed by post-delivery X-ray examinations.
6.Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, Weakness in Limbs, Edema, and Dyspnea: A Rare Inflammatory Myopathy with Positive Aniti-mitochondrial Antibodies and Cardiac Involvement
Chunsu LIANG ; Xuchang ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jiaqi YU ; Yingxian LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Yanli YANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Ruijie ZHAO ; Na NIU ; Xuelian YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):248-255
This article presents a case study of a patient who visited the Geriatric Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to "palpitations, shortness of breath for more than 2 years, limb weakness for 6 months, edema, and nocturnal dyspnea for 2 months". The patient exhibited decreased muscle strength in the limbs and involvement of swallowing and respiratory muscles, alongside complications of heart failure and various arrhythmias which were predominantly atrial. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of multiple autoantibodies and notably anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with anti-mitochondrial antibody-associated inflammatory myopathy. Treatment involved a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, along with resistance exercises for muscle strength and rehabilitation training for lung function, resulting in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. The case underscores the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing and treating rare diseases in elderly patients, where careful consideration of clinical manifestations and subtle abnormal clinical data can lead to effective interventions.
7.2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net for detecting unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms with MR angiography
Zongren NIU ; Qiang MA ; Jingjing DU ; Yande REN ; Mengjie LI ; Yaqian QIAO ; Yueshan TANG ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):245-249
Objective To observe the value of 2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net models constructed based on 2D maximal intensity projection(MIP)and 3D time-of-flight MR angiography(3D TOF-MRA)images,respectively,also of their combination for MRA detecting unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms(USIA).Methods Totally 973 patients with single USIA and 300 subjects who underwent healthy physical examination were retrospectively collected and divided into training set(n=923,containing 723 cases of USIA and 200 healthy subjects)and test set(n=350,containing 250 cases of USIA and 100 healthy subjects)at the ratio of 7:3.Pre-processed 3D TOF-MRA and the obtained 2D-MIP images in training set were imported into 3D U2-Net and 2D SECara-Net models for training and adjusting parameters,respectively.The efficiency of 2 models and their combination for detecting USIA were evaluated.Results The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of 2D SECara-Net model for detecting USIA in test set was 78.80%(197/250),95.00%(95/100)and 83.43%(292/350),of 3D U2-Net model was 82.80%(207/250),86.00%(86/100)and 83.71%(293/350),respectively.The specificity of 2D SECara-Net model was higher than that of 3D U2-Net model(P=0.030),while no significant difference of sensitivity nor accuracy was found between 2 models(both P>0.05).The specificity of the combination of the 2 models was 99.00%(99/100),higher than that of 3D U2-Net model(P<0.05),and the sensitivity and accuracy of the combination was 91.20%(228/250)and 93.43%(327/350),respectivelty,both higher than those of 2 single models(all P<0.05).Conclusion 2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net models had similar,sensitivity and accuracy for MRA detecting USIA.Combination of them could improve the detecting efficacy.
8.Era Implications,Development Trends,and Implementation Strategies of Ideological and Political Education in the Curriculum of Higher Institutions of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xuebin QIAO ; Zhipeng CHEN ; Hao NIU ; Wankun DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2406-2410
Ideological and political education within the curriculum of higher institutions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) not only bears the important responsibility of promoting China's outstanding traditional culture but also serves as a vital domain for upholding integrity and innovation in medical education. These institutions must profoundly comprehend the contemporary significance of curriculum-based ideological and political education, clarify its core role in talent cultivation, leverage the distinctive advantages of TCM culture, and promote the organic integration of ideological education and professional training. By reviewing the current situation and development trends of ideological and political education in the curriculum of higher TCM institutions, this paper has analyzed the challenges in teaching design, teachers' ideological and political literacy and competence, and the integration of ideological content with specialized courses, and has proposed implementation strategies such as using TCM culture as a guiding force, strengthening teachers' teaching capacity in ideological and political education, developing distinctive educational resources, and improving evaluation and incentive mechanisms. These strategies aim to effectively enhance the impact of ideological and political education in the new era, fostering well-rounded TCM talents with both moral integrity and professional competence.
9.Textual Research on Lianggesan from Ancient Literature and Its Modern Clinical Application
Weilu NIU ; Chengqi LYU ; Mengjie YANG ; Shunxi WANG ; Jingkang QIAO ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Jianwei LI ; Gang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):223-234
Lianggesan was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang, which was composed of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Natrii Sulfas, Gardeniae Fructus, Forsythiae Fructus, Scutellariae Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(GRR), Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, Lophatheri Herba and Mel. It was clinically applied to treat fire-heat syndrome in the upper and middle Jiao, and the curative effect was positive. In this study, the bibliometric method was used to conduct a detailed textual research on the formula name, medicinal composition, dosage evolution, origin and processing, functional indications and other aspects of Lianggesan. Research revealed that Lianggesan has six other names, such as Lianqiao Yinzi, Lianqiao Jiedusan, Jufang Lianggesan, Jiegu Lianggesan, Hejian Lianggesan and Qingji Lianggesan. Based on the edition of Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang, an analysis of the evolution of its formula composition revealed that the missing Chinese medicines were predominantly bamboo leaves and honey, while the added Chinese medicines were primarily supplements introduced to address changes in disease manifestations. After textual research, the dosage for one dose of Lianggesan from Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang was as follows:826 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 826 g of Natrii Sulfas, 826 g of GRR, 413 g of Gardeniae Fructus, 413 g of Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, 413 g of Scutellariae Radix, and 1652 g of Forsythiae Fructus. Decocting method was as following:Grinding the Chinese medicines into coarse powder(2-4 mm), taking 8.16 g per dose, adding 300 mL of water, along with 2 g of Lophatheri Herba and 5 g of Mel, and decocting to 140 mL. The residue was removed and taken warmly 30 min after meals. It was recommended to take it three times daily until improvement was achieved. The origins of the 9 Chinese medicines were consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Except for GRR, which required single frying(stir-frying), the remaining medicines were all raw products. The description of the function of this formula in ancient books was summarized as purging fire and promoting bowel movements, clearing heat from the upper body and purging the lower body, and the main syndromes included facial redness, tongue swelling, red eyes, etc. In modern applications, the formula is primarily used for respiratory and digestive system diseases, including acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, herpetic angina and aphthous stomatitis, covering 142 types of diseases. In summary, this paper can provide a basis for further research and development of Lianggesan through the literature review and key information combing.
10.Clinical distribution of TCM syndromes of ulcerative colitis and its relationship with mucosal image under colonoscopy features and histological grade
Xiang CHEN ; Longjiang ZHANG ; Mingliao NIU ; Shuaibo QIAO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):766-771
Objective:To explore the distribution of TCM syndromes in ulcerative colitis (UC) and their relationship with the characteristics colonoscopy mucosal and histological grading.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the TCM syndrome classification, colonoscopy mucosal images, and histological grading of 303 UC patients at Henan Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024. The characteristics and correlation of colonoscopy mucosal images and histological grading in UC patients with different TCM syndrome types was explored.Results:The top three TCM syndrome types of UC patients were large intestine damp-heat syndrome (24.75%), spleen-qi deficiency syndrome (21.12%) and liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency syndrome (19.80%). Compared with the syndrome of spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation, heat and toxin exuberance, cold and heat mixed syndrome, liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome, spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome, spleen qi deficiency syndrome, yin and blood deficiency syndrome, blood stasis and intestinal collateral syndrome, patients with colonic damp-heat syndrome type Ⅰ accounted for the highest proportion ( χ2=12.79, 16.24, 4.26, 16.54, 11.53, 14.16, 7.75, 10.91, P<0.05). The proportion of type Ⅲ patients was the lowest ( χ2=30.57, 33.59, 12.71, 23.63, 7.90, 19.88, 18.31, 17.31, P<0.05). Among the patients with different TCM syndrome types, the proportion of large intestine damp-heat syndrome in histological grade Ⅳ was the highest (66.67%), the proportion of blood stasis and intestinal meridian syndrome in histological grade Ⅲ was the highest (53.33%), the proportion of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome in histological grade Ⅱ was the highest (50.00%), and the proportion of spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome in histological grade Ⅰ was the highest (40.00%). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the large intestine damp-heat syndrome was significantly correlated with the characteristics of colonoscopy mucosal image and histological grade ( r=-0.563, 0.612, respectively, all P<0.001). The syndrome of spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation, heat and toxin exuberance, yin and blood deficiency, blood stasis and intestinal collateral were significantly positively correlated with the characteristics of colonoscopy mucosa ( r=0.373, 0.342, 0.263, 0.331, all P<0.05). The syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency and spleen and kidney yang deficiency were significantly negatively correlated with histological grade ( r=-0.417, -0.425, all P<0.01). Conclusions:The main TCM syndromes are large intestine damp-heat syndrome, spleen-qi deficiency syndrome and liver-qi deficiency syndrome, which are significantly correlated with the mucosal features and histological grade of colonoscopy. Colonoscopy and histophiologic examination can be used as objective indicators for TCM syndrome differentiation.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail