1.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
2.Comparison on imaging quality and semi-quantitative parameters of 18F-FDG whole-body images obtained with domestic NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanners
Biyun MO ; Xingyu MU ; Jie QIN ; Yulong ZENG ; Weixia CHONG ; Nan LI ; Wei FU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(5):816-820
Objective To compare imaging quality and semi-quantitative parameters of 18F-FDG whole-body images obtained with domestic NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanners.Methods Thirty-four patients who underwent 18F-FDG whole-body scanning using NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT systems respectively on the same day were enrolled.The imaging quality and semi-quantitative parameters of 2 kind images,also the mean standard uptake value(SUVmean)of normal tissue,the maximum standard uptake value(SUVmax),peak standard uptake value(SUVpeak),SUVmean of lesions,total lesion glycolysis(TLG)and metabolic tumor volume(MTV)were compared.Results No significant difference of imaging quality nor semi-quantitative parameters of lesions(all P>0.05),while significant differences of SUVmean of aortic arch,liver,lumbar vertebra and spinal cord were found between 2 kind images(all P<0.05).Strong correlations of SUVmax,SUVmean,MTV and TLG of lesions(r,=0.734-0.890,P<0.001),and high correlation of SUVpeak(rs=0.919,P<0.001)were found between 2 kind images.The consistency of SUVmax,SUVpeak,SUVmean,TLG and MTV at the lesion site between 2 kind images were very good to extremely good(ICC=0.891-0.986,all P<0.001),and the differences of all above semi-quantitative parameters were within 95%confidence interval.Conclusion Imaging quality of 18F-FDG whole-body images obtained with domestic NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanners could meet the requirements of clinical diagnosis and treatment,and semi-quantitative parameters obtained based on both images had good consistencies.
3.Based on Metabolomics,the Mechanism of Qufengxiaoschonlein Decoction in the Treatment of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura was lnvestigated
Hua LIU ; Xianqing REN ; Weixia LI ; Qiongqiong XING ; Leying XI ; Yifan LI ; Manxiang YANG ; Ying DING
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):612-625
Objective To study the regulatory effect of Qufeng Xiaodian Formula on serum differential metabolites of allergic purpura,and provide scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic purpura in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into a blank control group(referred to as the blank group),a model group,a compound glycyrrhizin group,a low-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,a medium dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,and a high-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group according to a random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.The model group was constructed by combining dried ginger,pepper,and long pepper with ovalbumin to create an allergic purpura rat model.After successful modeling,each treatment group was intervened with corresponding drugs for 4 weeks.After 4 weeks,serum was collected and non targeted metabolomics screening of serum differential metabolites was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-QTOF/MS).Subsequently,data extraction and multivariate statistical analysis will be conducted to identify potential metabolic pathways.Results Compared with the control group,there were 91 possible differential metabolites in the serum of the model group rats,corresponding to 20 metabolic pathways;Compared with the model group,there were a total of 43 possible differential metabolites in the serum of rats in the wind dispelling and disease eliminating group,corresponding to 15 metabolic pathways.Among them,there are a total of 12 metabolic pathways.Inflammatory metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide can damage vascular endothelium.Ten biomarkers,including arachidonic acid and ceramide,were significantly abnormal in the serum of the model group rats compared to the normal group.The Qufeng Xiaodian formula can significantly reverse these metabolites and significantly enrich them in arachidonic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism pathways.Conclusion Qufeng Xiaodian Formula has a certain regulatory effect on metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide that affect vascular endothelial injury.
4.Diabetic Nephropathy Treatment by Zn Supplementation in a Murine Model of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus:Potential Role of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Lianhong XU ; Weixia SUN ; Wei LIU ; Yanbo LI
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):613-618
Objective To evaluate the renoprotective effects of zinc(Zn)supplementation in diabetes kidney disease(DKD)and to explore its impact on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)signaling pathway.Methods A total of 12 male OVE26 mice(spontaneous type 1 diabetes mellitus mice)aged 3 months and weighing approximately 24-27 g were selected and randomly assigned to a diabetes mellitus(DM)group and a zinc-treated DM(DM/Zn)group(n=6 each).In addition,12 age-matched male FVB mice weighing approximately 27-30 g were selected and randomly assigned to a non-diabetic control(Ctrl)group and a zinc-treated(Zn)group(n=6 each).Mice in the DM/Zn and Zn groups were given zinc supplementation for 3 months,with each mouse receiving 5 mg/kg of zinc sulfate by gavage every other day.Mice in the DM and Ctrl groups were given the same volume of normal saline.At the end of the experiment,the albumin-to-creatinine ratio(ACR)in urine was used as an indicator to evaluate renal function.Sirius red staining was performed to assess renal fibrosis in each group of mice.Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of fibrotic growth factors,including connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),in renal tissue,and the protein expression of Nrf2,an antioxidant substance,and the protein expression levels of its downstream targets,including NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1(NQO1),heme oxygenase 1(HO-1),superoxide dismutase(SOD)-1,SOD-2,and catalase(CAT).Results 1)Compared to the Ctrl group,the urinary protein secretion levels of mice in the DM group exhibited progressive increase.After 3 months of zinc supplementation treatment,the urinary protein secretion levels of mice in the DM/Zn group decreased Compared to that of mice in the DM group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).2)Compared to that in the Ctrl group,the collagen deposition in the renal tissues of mice in the DM group increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),while no obvious change was observed in mice in the DM/Zn group.Compared to the Ctrl group,mice in the DM group exhibited increased expression levels of CTGF and TGF-β1 in the renal tissues,but the expression levels decreased after zinc supplementation treatment,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).3)Compared to that of the Ctrl group,the expression level of Nrf2 in the renal tissues of mice in the Zn and DM groups increased,and the level of Nrf2 in the renal tissues of mice in the DM/Zn group showed a further increase,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).4)Compared to those of the Ctrl group,the protein expression levels of Nrf2 downstream target genes,including NQO1 and HO-1,in the renal tissues of mice in the Zn group increased,and the levels of NQO1 and HO-1 in the renal tissues of mice in the DM/Zn group showed a further increase,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared to those of the mice in the Ctrl group,the protein expressions of Nrf2 downstream target genes,including SOD-1,SOD-2,and CAT of in the renal tissues of the mice in the Zn group increased,while the expression levels of SOD-1,SOD-2,and CAT in the renal tissues of the mice in the DM group decreased,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Zn supplementation could completely inhibit these changes(P<0.05).Conclusions Zn supplementation has therapeutic effects on DKD and mitigates T1DM-induced renal dysfunction and oxidative injury in mice,which may be associated with the activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway.
5.Analysis of clinical characteristics and genetic variations in a case of self-improving collodion ichthyosis in the adult stage
Siming HU ; Mengyao ZHANG ; Weixia WANG ; Jinghui SONG ; Jianguo LI ; Jianbo WANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(5):469-472
Objective:To investigate clinical characteristics and genetic variations in a case of self-improving collodion ichthyosis in the adult stage.Methods:An adult patient with clinically suspected self-improving collodion ichthyosis was collected from the Department of Dermatology, Henan Provincial People′s Hospital in April 2023. Clinical data were collected from the patient and her parents. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from them, and whole blood DNA was extracted. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to screen genetic variation sites, which were then verified by Sanger sequencing. The deleteriousness of the identified variants was assessed using pathogenicity analysis software.Results:The 54-year-old female patient presented with facial and neck flushing, mild dry skin on the trunk and limbs, sheepskin-like skin of the dorsal hand, and short fingers. Genetic testing identified two in-frame deletion mutations c.406_408del (p.E136del) and c.769_801del (p.H257_Q267del) in the non-repetitive region of the ALOX12B gene in the patient, which were inherited from her father and mother respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that both genetic variations were deleterious pathogenic mutations.Conclusions:Two in-frame deletion mutations c.406_408del (p.E136del) and c.769_801del (p.H257_Q267del) were identified in the non-repetitive region of the ALOX12B gene in the patient with self-improving collodion ichthyosis, which may contribute to the clinical phenotype of the patient. The mutation c.769_801del had not been reported in literature.
6.Hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contracture, myopathy, and pulmonary fibrosis: case report and literature review of genotype-phenotype correlations
Weixia WANG ; Chen WANG ; Jinfa DOU ; Lu BIAN ; Jinghui SONG ; Zhenlu LI ; Jianguo LI ; Jianbo WANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(4):356-360
Objective:To report a case of hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contracture, myopathy, and pulmonary fibrosis (POIKTMP), and analyze the genotype-phenotype correlation through a literature review.Methods:The clinical manifestations and genetic testing results of a Chinese Han child with POIKTMP were reported. Relevant literature was searched in databases using ′FAM111B gene′, ′hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contracture, myopathy, and pulmonary fibrosis′ or ′POIKTMP′ as keywords, and the clinical manifestations, mutation sites of the FAM111B gene, and the correlation between them were statistically analyzed.Results:A 6.5-year-old girl developed POIKTMP at 6 months of age. Dermatological examination showed irregular brown patches and dotted hypopigmentation on the face and neck, mainly on the forehead and around the mouth, telangiectasia on the cheeks and nose, pigmentation and hypopigmentation on the limbs and trunk, as well as sparse, pale eyebrows. A total of 39 cases of POIKTMP were retrieved, including this case, all of which had clinical data and were definitively diagnosed. Fourteen variants of the FAM111B gene had been reported, including 1 in-frame deletion variant and 13 missense variants. Among the 39 cases, the incidence of poikiloderma/photosensitivity/facial erythema/telangiectasia was 100% (39/39), alopecia was 87.2% (34/39), and that of hypohidrosis/heat intolerance was 82.1% (32/39). The incidence of extracutaneous manifestations was as follows: tendon contractures/digital sclerosis, 69.2% (27/39) ; elevated liver transaminases, 46.2% (18/39) ; muscle pain/weakness/amyotrophy, 43.6% (17/39). The incidence of eczema-like lesions, bullous lesions, and elevated liver transaminases was significantly higher in the young versus the adult group ( P < 0.05) . Conclusions:This case of POIKTMP was characterized by brown patches, hypopigmentation, and sparse eyebrows. POIKTMP is a progressive multisystem disorder with age-related clinical manifestations. Early genetic testing is crucial for evaluating potential complications and providing genetic counseling.
7.Research progress on the application of machine learning in palliative care
Yuwei MO ; Ning JIANG ; Wenjie WANG ; Yuxing XIE ; Yujing CHEN ; Weixia CHEN ; Li WANG ; Amao TANG ; Li NING
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(7):965-969
With the increasing aging population in China and rising incidence rates of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions, the demand for palliative care services continues to grow. In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence and medical disciplines has advanced significantly, with machine learning research and applications in the palliative care field progressing steadily. This paper reviews the overview of machine learning, its applications in palliative care, and effectiveness evaluations. It also discusses existing limitations in current research and provides recommendations for future studies. The aim is to assist healthcare professionals in improving palliative care services and offer valuable insights for the development of palliative care in China.
8.Comparison on imaging quality and semi-quantitative parameters of 18F-FDG whole-body images obtained with domestic NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanners
Biyun MO ; Xingyu MU ; Jie QIN ; Yulong ZENG ; Weixia CHONG ; Nan LI ; Wei FU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(5):816-820
Objective To compare imaging quality and semi-quantitative parameters of 18F-FDG whole-body images obtained with domestic NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanners.Methods Thirty-four patients who underwent 18F-FDG whole-body scanning using NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT systems respectively on the same day were enrolled.The imaging quality and semi-quantitative parameters of 2 kind images,also the mean standard uptake value(SUVmean)of normal tissue,the maximum standard uptake value(SUVmax),peak standard uptake value(SUVpeak),SUVmean of lesions,total lesion glycolysis(TLG)and metabolic tumor volume(MTV)were compared.Results No significant difference of imaging quality nor semi-quantitative parameters of lesions(all P>0.05),while significant differences of SUVmean of aortic arch,liver,lumbar vertebra and spinal cord were found between 2 kind images(all P<0.05).Strong correlations of SUVmax,SUVmean,MTV and TLG of lesions(r,=0.734-0.890,P<0.001),and high correlation of SUVpeak(rs=0.919,P<0.001)were found between 2 kind images.The consistency of SUVmax,SUVpeak,SUVmean,TLG and MTV at the lesion site between 2 kind images were very good to extremely good(ICC=0.891-0.986,all P<0.001),and the differences of all above semi-quantitative parameters were within 95%confidence interval.Conclusion Imaging quality of 18F-FDG whole-body images obtained with domestic NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanners could meet the requirements of clinical diagnosis and treatment,and semi-quantitative parameters obtained based on both images had good consistencies.
9.Electroacupuncture reduced airway inflammation by activating somatosensory-sympathetic pathways in allergic asthmatic rats.
Hongli MA ; Xiaowen LIU ; Huamei CAI ; Yun YAN ; Weixia LI ; Jing ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(6):702-712
BACKGROUND:
Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment is efficacious in patients with respiratory disorders, although the mechanisms of its action in lung-function protection are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the neuroanatomical mechanisms of EA stimulation at the BL13 acupoint (Feishu, EA-BL13) improvement in asthma.
METHODS:
Allergic asthma was induced by intranasal 2.0% ovalbumin (OVA) instillation combined with intraperitoneal injection of the 10.0% OVA. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-schiff stain were used to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion. Cellular oncogene fos induction in neurons after EA stimulation was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The messenger RNA expression levels of adrenergic receptors were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS:
EA improved airway inflammation and mucus secretion mainly by activating somatosensory-sympathetic pathways ( P <0.001). Briefly, the intermediolateral (IML) nuclei of the spinal cord received signals from somatic EA stimulation and then delivered the information via the sympathetic trunk to the lung. Excited sympathetic nerve endings in lung tissue released large amounts of catecholamines that specifically activated the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) on T cells ( P <0.01) and further decreased the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 ( P <0.001) through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
This study provided a new explanation and clinical basis for the use of EA-BL13 as a treatment for allergic asthma in both the attack and remission stages and other respiratory disorders related to airway inflammation.
Electroacupuncture/methods*
;
Animals
;
Asthma/immunology*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Male
;
Inflammation/therapy*
;
Interleukin-4/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-5/metabolism*
10.Clinical and molecular genetic analysis of nine patients with neonatal Dubin-Johnson syndrome
Tao XU ; Dan LI ; Li GUO ; Mei DENG ; Weixia LIN ; Yuanzong SONG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(5):481-488
Objective:Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS) is a hereditary liver disease caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the ABCC2 gene. As a rare disease, the ABCC2 genotype and clinical phenotype characteristics of DJS patients still need to be summarized in depth. Methods:Nine cases diagnosed with DJS and treated in the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University were collected as the study subjects. Clinical and laboratory data, general information, symptoms, signs, pathological changes, treatment, and prognostic conditions were systematically analyzed. Targeted high-throughput sequencing was used to detect hereditary diseases. The positive results for the family lineage were verified by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the novel ABCC2 variants was evaluated according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines and standards. One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the statistical differences between multiple groups of data. Results:Among the nine DJS cases, seven and two were males, and females. All of them had the initial symptom of jaundice (100%), with a median age of onset of 5 (2,15) days. During the course of the disease, seven (7/9) and two (2/9) cases had hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. All of the patients exhibited direct hyperbilirubinemia, concurrently with elevated total bile acids (TBA) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Serum transaminases (4/9) and alkaline phosphatase levels (3/9) were elevated in some patients. A total of twelve types of ABCC2 variants were detected in nine cases, of which c.2362_2363del (p.Leu788ValfsTer13), c.364C>T (p.Gln122Ter), c.338T>C (p.Leu113Pro) and c.419T>A (p.Ile140Lys) were novel pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants. Jaundice disappeared and alleviated in five cases (5/9) and four cases (4/9), while hepatomegaly improved in five cases (5/9) at the last follow-up at 7.79 (7.0,15.25) months following treatment with drugs such as liver protectives, choleretics, and jaundice-reducing agents. Among them, three cases (3/9) had a normal restored liver size. All patients had varying degrees of improvement in bilirubin, TBA, GGT, and ALP levels. Conclusions:The onset of high GGT cholestatic jaundice is the main clinical manifestation in patients with neonatal DJS. The genetic analysis results showed four novel types of variants, which expanded the ABCC2 gene variation spectrum, providing novel molecular markers for confirming a diagnosis of DJS. The patient's clinical manifestations and laboratory abnormalities improved or disappeared after internal medicine treatment, suggesting that DJS may be a type of genetic disease with a favorable long-term prognosis.

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