1.Chinese Medicine Regulates Nrf2 Signaling Pathway for Treating Hepatic Fibrosis: A Review
Shuxuan QIU ; Lin GUO ; Ruiying WANG ; Xudong MA ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):276-283
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is an abnormal repair process that occurs after chronic liver injury. It is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the liver, resulting in fibrous tissue hyperplasia, which may further develop into cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Currently, there is a lack of specific anti-HF drugs in clinical practice. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has advantages in the treatment of HF, including multi-component and multi-target interventions with high safety, and can significantly delay the progression of HF. It has therefore become a current research hotspot. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as a key transcription factor involved in antioxidant stress, can effectively intervene in the progression of HF by activating the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes and detoxification genes. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which active components of Chinese medicine (such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and saponins) and TCM compound prescriptions (such as Haobie Yangyin Ruanjian prescription and Biejia Xiaozheng pills) exert anti-fibrotic effects through activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, including enhancing antioxidant capacity, inhibiting inflammatory responses, reducing hepatocyte apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway. In addition, this article points out the current shortcomings in research based on the Nrf2 signaling pathway and proposes corresponding suggestions to promote related studies. It also provides an important theoretical basis for the development of novel anti-HF Chinese medicine targeting Nrf2.
2.Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes
Tae Hee KO ; Yoonhee KIM ; Chunmei JIN ; Byeongil YU ; Minju LEE ; Phuong Kim LUONG ; Tran Nguyet TRINH ; Yeji YANG ; Hyojin KANG ; Yinhua ZHANG ; Ruiying MA ; Kwangmin YOO ; Jungmin CHOI ; Jin Young KIM ; Sun-Hee WOO ; Kihoon HAN ; Jong-Il CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):100-117
Background and Objectives:
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Cardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca2+transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometrybased identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome.Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions
This study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.
3.Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes
Tae Hee KO ; Yoonhee KIM ; Chunmei JIN ; Byeongil YU ; Minju LEE ; Phuong Kim LUONG ; Tran Nguyet TRINH ; Yeji YANG ; Hyojin KANG ; Yinhua ZHANG ; Ruiying MA ; Kwangmin YOO ; Jungmin CHOI ; Jin Young KIM ; Sun-Hee WOO ; Kihoon HAN ; Jong-Il CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):100-117
Background and Objectives:
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Cardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca2+transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometrybased identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome.Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions
This study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.
4.Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes
Tae Hee KO ; Yoonhee KIM ; Chunmei JIN ; Byeongil YU ; Minju LEE ; Phuong Kim LUONG ; Tran Nguyet TRINH ; Yeji YANG ; Hyojin KANG ; Yinhua ZHANG ; Ruiying MA ; Kwangmin YOO ; Jungmin CHOI ; Jin Young KIM ; Sun-Hee WOO ; Kihoon HAN ; Jong-Il CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):100-117
Background and Objectives:
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Cardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca2+transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometrybased identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome.Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions
This study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.
5.A Brief Exploration of Endogenous Wind (内风) by Tracing Its Origin and Development
Xiaojin QIU ; Min LI ; Fei YU ; Ruiying SHU ; Dandan DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):197-200
The historical development of endogenous wind (内风) is traced with time as the thread, based on the progression of factors such as syndromes, causes of disease, and pathogenesis. It is believed that the concept of wind syndrome originated in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), encompassing both exogenous wind (外风) and endogenous wind syndrome. Over time, exogenous wind syndrome gradually evolved into mild syndromes and severe syndromes, while endogenous wind syndrome emerged from severe syndromes of exogenous wind. Endogenous wind syndrome has both syndrome and pathogenic attributes, and its theoretical system has gradually become more refined. Based on the theories of ancient and modern medical practitioners, and combining the holistic perspectives with Xiang (象) thinking, it is proposed that endogenous wind has both physiological and pathological distinctions. The physiological endogenous wind refers to the liver's moderate dispersing and regulating function, which helps to distribute qi (气), blood, and body fluids, while pathological endogenous wind arises from abnormal liver dispersal. Therefore, in clinical practice, different treatment methods, such as tonifying, unblocking, and warming, can be applied according to the differentiation of deficiency and excess in the pathogenesis.
6.Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes
Tae Hee KO ; Yoonhee KIM ; Chunmei JIN ; Byeongil YU ; Minju LEE ; Phuong Kim LUONG ; Tran Nguyet TRINH ; Yeji YANG ; Hyojin KANG ; Yinhua ZHANG ; Ruiying MA ; Kwangmin YOO ; Jungmin CHOI ; Jin Young KIM ; Sun-Hee WOO ; Kihoon HAN ; Jong-Il CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):100-117
Background and Objectives:
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Cardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca2+transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometrybased identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome.Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions
This study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca2+ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.
7.Optimization of linear calibration using two reference substances under complicated chromatographic condition-taking Cassiae Semen as an example
Lingling JIANG ; Ruiying LIANG ; Zhechun LI ; Yi HE ; Xiao LUO ; Shuhong WANG ; Yang YU ; Chang SU
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(3):270-277
Objective:To establish a linear calibration method using two reference substances for seven characteristic peaks of Cassiae Semen under complicated chromatographic condition,and to optimize the method.Methods:Using 15 different types of screened chromatographic columns and 2 components as reference compounds pair,the linear calibration method with 2 reference substances was established to predict the retention time of the other 5 components,and the method was verified by unknown chromatographic columns and unknown samples.Combined with column confirmation number and average coincidence rate of target peaks,the location results were compared comprehen-sively,and the method was optimized according to the defect under the influence of complicated chromatographic condition.Results:The average conformity rate of the target peak of the method before optimization was 73.3%,and the average conformity rate of the target peak of the optimized method was 98.7%.The optimized method has a high-er average peak coincidence rate and a wider range of applicability for the chromatographic column.Conclusion:The optimized linear calibration method using two reference substances can assist the localization analysis of chromato-graphic peaks in the characteristic chromatogram under complicated chromatographic condition.
8.Interpretation of the group standard of " Humanistic Caring Management Standards for Patients in the Operating Room"
Ruiying YU ; Xinyue MIAO ; Qingmin ZHANG ; Yilan LIU ; Shujie GUO ; Huiling LI ; Guo CHEN ; Chunlan ZHOU ; Ting LIU ; Shuhua DENG ; Hongzhen XIE ; Yu CHENG ; Yinglan LI ; Yanlan MA ; Xia XIN ; Yanjin LIU ; Yongyi CHEN ; Gendi LU ; Xiaoqin GAN ; Feng XU ; Zuwei XIA ; Li HE ; Qinqin CHEN ; Fukang ZHANG ; Songmei WU ; Yi LI ; Wenjuan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(7):512-517
Humanistic caring for patients in the operating room refers to providing the whole process of caring medical services for patients in the operating room. In order to standardize humanistic caring services for patients in the operating room of medical institutions, improve the comprehensive service level of the operating room, and enhance the surgical experience of patients, the Chinese Association for Life Care released the group standard " Humanistic Caring Management Standards for Patients in the Operating Room" in December 2023. This article interpreted the basic requirements for humanistic caring of patients in the operating room, the environment and facilities for humanistic caring, the procedures and measures for humanistic caring, and the quality management framework, aiming to assist administrators and clinical practitioners across various levels of medical institutions in accurately understanding and effectively implementing the standard, and to provide essential textual reference and practical guidance for promoting the application of the standard.
9.Clinical significance of molecular classification and hereditary phenotypic characteristics in endometrial carcinoma
Xiaowei WANG ; Jie LIN ; Huang CHEN ; Fang YU ; Honglei ZHANG ; Ye WANG ; Ruiying JIANG ; Bei WANG ; Dingrong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(1):100-107
Objective:To analyze the clinical significance of molecular classification and hereditary phenotype in endometrial carcinoma (EC) based on high throughput sequencing (NGS).Methods:97 EC samples were collected retrospectively from December 2019 to October 2022 in China-Japan Friendship Hospital. NGS technique was used to analyze the molecular classification, POLE hypermutation, microsatellite high Instability/mismatch repair dysfunction (MSI-H/MMRd), P53 protein abnormality (P53 abn), and non-specific molecular profile (NSMP). Lynch syndrome related genes and BRCA1/2 genes were detected by NGS and their genetic characteristics were analyzed. Results:Of the 97 EC cases, 77 were endometrial adenocarcinoma and 20 were other pathological subtypes. The proportions of the four molecular subtypes were 9.3% (9/97) POLE hypermutation, 16.5% (16/97) MSI-H, 17.5% (17/97) P53 abn and 56.7% (55/97) NSMP, respectively. There were significant differences in age, histological type, lymph node metastasis, pathological stage and other parameters among the four molecular types ( P<0.05). 8.2% (8/97) were multiple molecular typing and four multiple molecular typings detected, including POLEmut-MSI-H, POLEmut-P53abn, MSI-H-P53abn, P53abn-P53abn, which accounted for 1.0% (1/97), 3.1% (3/97), 1.0% (1/97) and 3.1% (3/97), respectively. The consistent rate of MSI-H and MMR protein expression was 92.9% ( Kappa=0.818, P<0.001). The coincidence rate between TP53 gene sequencing and P53 protein expression was 88.9% ( Kappa=0.661, P<0.001). In MSI-H type, 25.0% (4/16) were diagnosed as Lynch syndrome, and 75.0% (12/16) were diagnosed as Lynch like syndrome. 7.2% (7/97) BRCA2 somatic variation was detected, while BRCA1/2 germline variation was not detected in 97 cases. Conclusions:EC molecular classification has feasibility and clinical value. High throughput sequencing can detect low frequency mutations of TP53 gene, suggesting that it can provide more accurate molecular information and more accurate molecular typing effect. It is suggested to further detect Lynch syndrome related genes in patients with MSI-H, so as to carry out genetic management for patients and their families and achieve better therapeutic effect.
10.Safety and efficacy evaluation of trans-breast endoscopic approach for lateral neck dissection in the treatment of thyroid cancer
Junkai LI ; Ruiying ZHU ; Haichao YAN ; Xing YU ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):509-513
Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of trans-breast endoscopic approach for lateral neck dissection (LND) in the treatment of thyroid cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients who underwent trans-breast endoscopic LND at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from Dec. 2023 to Aug. 2024. Demographic characteristics, operative duration, postoperative complications, and pathological results were analyzed, with data presented using descriptive statistics.Results:The cohort included 7 males and 73 females, with a mean age of (30.0 ± 6.7) years. The mean diameter of thyroid cancer lesion was (1.3 ± 0.7) cm. The average operative duration was (4.6 ± 1.5) hours, with a 0.0% (0/80) rate of conversion to open surgery. Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) "loss of signal" occurred in 6.3% (5/80) of cases. The mean hospital stay was (2.3 ± 1.0) days. Postoperative complications included transient hoarseness in 3.8% (3/80) and transient hypoparathyroidism in 10.0% (8/80), with no cases of permanent hoarseness or hypoparathyroidism. The mean total number of dissected lymph nodes was 47.8 ± 18.6, with 8.3 ± 6.2 metastatic lymph nodes. The incidence of postoperative lymphatic leakage was 3.8% (3/80), and no cases of incision infection were observed. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain was 4.2 ± 0.4. The mean follow-up duration was 10.3 months, at 3-month follow-up, the cosmetic satisfaction score was 4.5 ± 0.4.Conclusions:The trans-breast endoscopic approach for LND is safe and effective, with high patient cosmetic satisfaction. With appropriate patient selection, it can be considered a viable surgical option for lateral neck dissection in the treatment of thyroid cancer.

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