1.Effects of Yishen paidu formula on renal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure by regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway
Li FENG ; Bowen PENG ; Bin PENG ; Xue FENG ; Shuangyi ZHU ; Wei XIONG ; Xi HU ; Xiaohui SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):174-179
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of the Yishen paidu formula on renal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, Yishen paidu formula low-dose (Yishen paidu formula-L) group, Yishen paidu formula high-dose (Yishen paidu formula- H) group, Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-NC group, and Yishen paidu formula-H+ pcDNA-TXNIP group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for control group, all other rats were fed a diet containing 0.5% adenine to establish a CRF model; the rats were then administered corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically or via tail vein, once daily, for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β were measured in each group. Pathological changes in renal tissue were observed, and the protein expression levels of Collagen Ⅲ, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TXNIP and NLRP3 in renal tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with model group, the renal histopathological damage and fibrosis of rats in Yishen paidu formula-L group and Yishen paidu formula-H group were significantly alleviated. The levels of Scr, BUN, ROS, MDA, TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and the protein expressions of Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TXNIP and NLRP3 were significantly decreased, while SOD levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Moreover, the changes were more pronounced in the Yishen paidu formula-H group (P<0.05). Compared with Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-NC group, above indexes of rats in Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-TXNIP group were reversed significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Yishen paidu formula can inhibit renal fibrosis in CRF rats by suppressing the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway.
2.Expression characteristics and prognostic value of CENPM, and its mechanisms in regulating malignant phenotypes in glioma
YUAN Hao ; ZHANG Siwei ; WANG Mengyue ; SUN Qiaoxin ; BAI Zili ; CHEN Peng
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):418-428
[摘 要] 目的:探究着丝粒蛋白M(CENPM)在脑胶质瘤中的表达特征、临床预后价值及其对肿瘤恶性生物学行为的调控机制,为脑胶质瘤的精准治疗提供潜在靶点。方法:基于中国胶质瘤基因组图谱(CGGA)和癌症基因组图谱(TCGA)数据库分析CENPM在胶质瘤中的表达及其与患者临床病理特征和预后的相关性。通过基因本体论(GO)分析、京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)富集分析和单细胞转录组分析探索CENPM的生物学功能和作用机制。WB法检测CENPM在胶质瘤细胞(LN-18、LN-229、U-138MG、U-251MG)和正常胶质细胞(HEB)中的表达;构建CENPM敲低细胞后,通过CCK-8、集落形成、Transwell和划痕实验评估恶性表型改变。结果:CENPM在WHO高级别胶质瘤中呈高表达(P < 0.05),与肿瘤恶性程度正相关。高表达组患者总体生存期显著短于低表达组(P < 0.01),Cox回归证实CENPM是影响胶质瘤患者预后的独立危险因素(P < 0.05)。功能富集分析结果显示CENPM相关基因主要富集于细胞周期调控、PI3K-Akt通路和免疫相关过程。单细胞分析结果显示CENPM主要在CD8⁺ T细胞高表达,并通过PTN-PTPRZ1/NCL配受体调控细胞通信。体外实验证实CENPM在胶质瘤细胞表达高于正常胶质细胞(LN-18:P < 0.01,LN-299:P < 0.05);敲低CENPM显著抑制迁移(P < 0.05),但增强集落形成,提示其在肿瘤进展中的双重调控作用。结论:CENPM作为胶质瘤独立预后危险因子,通过调控细胞周期、PTN通路和免疫微环境驱动肿瘤进展,其差异化调控机制(抑制迁移、促进增殖)具有潜在的临床转化价值,可作为分子分型和靶向治疗候选标志物。
3.Establishment and Evaluation of Diabetic Macrovascular Atherosclerosis Model with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Ting LUO ; Qingzhi LIANG ; Xi PENG ; Yi SU ; Hongyan XIE ; Chunguang XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):86-98
ObjectiveTo explore the establishment of a rat model of diabetic macrovascular atherosclerosis (DMA) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome induced by high-fat diet, streptozotocin (STZ), and Yin-depleting herbs, and to evaluate its biological characteristics. MethodsForty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=30). Except for the blank group, rats in the model group were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks, followed by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (30 mg·kg-1) to establish a diabetic model. Twenty-four successfully modeled diabetic rats were randomly divided into a model group (n=7), a Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome group (n=8), and a counter-syndrome group (n=9). Except for the model group, rats received intragastric administration of Yin-depleting herbs (1.2 g·kg-1) for 8 weeks. The counter-syndrome group was further treated with Shenqi compound formula (1.69 g·kg-1) for an additional 8 weeks. General condition and body weight were recorded, and syndrome-related indicators were assessed, including precordial temperature, skin moisture content, grip strength, open-field test performance, and tongue appearance. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fasting blood glucose, blood lipids, hemorheological parameters, and coagulation function were analyzed using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Vascular ultrasound and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate vascular lesions. ResultsIn terms of syndrome manifestations, compared with the blank group, body weight increased rapidly during the first 5 weeks in the model, Qi and Yin deficiency, and counter-syndrome groups. After STZ injection combined with Yin-depleting herbal administration at week 5, body weight decreased significantly (P<0.01) and continued to decline until the end of the experiment. Rats exhibited decreased activity, irritability, coarse and yellowish fur with obvious shedding, polydipsia, polyphagia, frequent urination, and dry stools, which were most pronounced in the Qi and Yin deficiency group. Grip strength decreased, peak activity time occurred earlier, total distance in the open-field test was reduced, and residence time was prolonged. Precordial temperature decreased (P<0.01), while paw temperature increased (P<0.05), and skin moisture and oil content were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). In terms of disease-related indicators, compared with the blank group, fasting blood glucose was significantly increased (>16.7 mmol·L-1) in the model and Qi and Yin deficiency groups, and blood lipid levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05). Vascular-related factors ET-1, MCP-1, VCAM-1, and VEGF were significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01), while IGF-1 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Pathological examination of the aortic valve showed valvular thickening and structural disorganization. Carotid artery examination revealed discontinuity of the intima, foam cell accumulation beneath the intima, disordered smooth muscle arrangement, and widened intercellular spaces. Compared with the model group, ET-1, MCP-1, and VEGF levels were significantly decreased in both the Qi and Yin deficiency group and the counter-syndrome group. The reductions in ET-1 and MCP-1 were more pronounced in the Qi and Yin deficiency group (P<0.01), while the decrease in VCAM-1 was more significant in the counter-syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the Qi and Yin deficiency group showed significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and prothrombin time (PT) (P<0.01). The erythrocyte deformability index (TK), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, erythrocyte electrophoresis index, and whole blood low-shear viscosity all showed increasing trends. Vascular ultrasound revealed reduced arterial blood flow velocity, increased vascular resistance, and intimal thickening without plaque formation. The aortic intima showed no obvious overall thickening, with only occasional localized thickening and foam cell presence, and carotid artery injury was observed. ConclusionA rat model of DMA with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome was successfully established using high-fat diet feeding combined with STZ injection and Yin-depleting herbal administration. Shenqi compound formula effectively alleviated Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, regulated glucose and lipid metabolism, improved hemorheological and coagulation function, reduced vascular lesion severity, and demonstrated potential for early prevention and treatment of DMA.
4.Effect of Runmu Xiaoyao Powder on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mice with Dry Eye and Liver Depression-heat Syndrome
Xin PENG ; Xi LONG ; Yuan ZHONG ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):112-122
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of Runmu Xiaoyao powder on mice with dry eye and the syndrome of liver depression-heat syndrome based on the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty-six C57BL/6J female mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a sodium hyaluronate group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose Runmu Xiaoyao powder groups, with 11 mice per group. Except for those in the normal group, mice in the other groups were subjected to mouse models with dry eye and liver depression-heat syndrome by instilling a benzalkonium chloride solution and applying chronic pain stimulation in a dry environment. After modeling, mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose Runmu Xiaoyao powder groups were administered intragastrically with 29.7, 14.85, 7.43 g·kg-1, respectively, twice a day for 14 consecutive days. The mice in the sodium hyaluronate group received 5 μL of sodium hyaluronate eye drops in each eye twice daily. The mice in the normal and model groups were administered intragastrically with an equal volume of deionized water. Measurements were taken of tear secretion in mice, irritability scores, corneal fluorescein staining, and histopathological changes in the cornea, lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and liver tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in corneal and lacrimal gland tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in corneal, lacrimal gland, and meibomian gland tissues. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced tear secretion, significantly higher irritability scores, and more pronounced corneal fluorescence staining, with marked pathological damage observed in the cornea, lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and liver tissue. IL-1β and TNF-α levels in serum were significantly elevated. The protein expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α in corneal and lacrimal gland tissues, as well as the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in corneal, lacrimal gland, and meibomian gland tissues, were all significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the sodium hyaluronate group and Runmu Xiaoyao powder groups with different doses exhibited increased tear secretion to varying degrees, alleviated corneal fluorescence staining and histopathological damage, reduced IL-1β and TNF-α levels in serum, and downregulated protein expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α in corneal and lacrimal gland tissues, as well as the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in corneal, lacrimal gland, and meibomian gland tissues. The high-dose Runmu Xiaoyao powder group demonstrated a more pronounced effect, with multiple indicators showing superior results compared to those in the sodium hyaluronate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRunmu Xiaoyao powder down-regulates the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activity in the cornea, lacrimal glands, and meibomian glands of model mice with dry eye and liver depression-heat syndrome, thereby suppressing inflammatory responses and mitigating ocular surface tissue damage. The therapeutic effect is dose-dependent, and the high-dose group exerts the most prominent effect.
5.Association of serum alanine aminotransferase level with left ventricular hypertrophy in adolescents
JIA Peng, ZHAO Min, SUN Jiahong, XI Bo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1180-1184
Objective:
To investigate the association of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in adolescents, and to provide scientific evidence for the early screening and intervention strategy of cardiac structure damage.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the third follow up survey (October 2023) of the "Huantai Childhood Cardiovascular Health Cohort Study", including 1 156 healthy adolescents aged 12-17 with complete information. The sample population was stratified into low ( Q 1 group), medium ( Q 2 group), and high ( Q 3 group) ALT levels based on tertiles within the same gender and age groups. Inter group comparisons were conducted using analysis of variance and trend test. A multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between ALT levels and LVH, and stratified analyses were performed by gender and age groups.
Results:
With the increase of ALT quantile level, the detection rate of LVH showed an increasing trend ( Q 1: 3.7%; Q 2: 10.6%; Q 3: 16.7%, Z= 5.89 , P <0.01). After adjusting for potential covariates, compared with the ALT group ( Q 1), the group ( Q 3) increased the risk of developing LVH in adolescents ( OR=2.09, 95%CI =1.21-4.12). Stratified analyses by age and sex showed a significant association only in boys and younger individuals aged 12 to 14 years [ OR (95% CI ) were 2.64(1.04-7.67) and 3.24( 1.35 -9.06), both P <0.05)].
Conclusion
Elevated serum ALT levels are associated with an increased risk of LVH in adolescents, and early detection and control of abnormal liver enzyme levels can help reduce early vascular structural damage and prevent adverse cardiovascular events.
6.Advances and prospects of the integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine research
Guicheng Liu ; Xi Long ; Qinghua PENG ; Sainan Tian ; Shujuan Hu
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):300-312
Objective:
To map the research hotspots, developmental trends, and existing challenges in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with multi-omics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through comprehensive bibliometric analysis.
Methods:
China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chaoxing Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to collect literature on the theme of AI in TCM multi-omics research from the inception of each database to December 31, 2024. Eligible records were required to simultaneously address AI, TCM, and multi-omics. Quantitative and visual analyses of publication growth, core authorship networks, institutional collaboration patterns, and keyword co-occurrence were performed using Microsoft Excel 2021, NoteExpress v4.0.0, and Cite Space 6.3.R1. AI application modes in TCM multi-omics research were also categorized and summarized.
Results:
A total of 1 106 articles were enrolled (932 Chinese and 174 English). Publication output has increased continuously since 2010 and accelerated after 2016. Region-specific collaboration clusters were identified, dominated by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that current AI applications predominantly centered on metabolomics and algorithms such as cluster analysis and data mining. Research foci mainly ranked as follows: single herbs, herbal formulae, and disease-syndrome differentiation.
Conclusion
Machine learning methods are the predominant integrative modality of AI in the realm of TCM multi-omics research at present, utilized for processing omics data and uncovering latent patterns therein. The domain of TCM, in addition to investigating omics information procured through high-throughput technologies, also integrates data on traditional Chinese medicinal substances and clinical phenotypes, progressing towards joint analysis of multi-omics, high-dimensionality of data, and multi-modality of information. Deep learning approaches represent an emerging trend in the field.
7.Construction of evaluation index system for function testing of scissors surgical instruments in central sterile supply department
Jun PENG ; Rong XU ; Juan ZHU ; Xi-qiong DING ; Lu-lu HUANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(4):76-81
Objective To establish a scientific and objective index system for the function testing and evaluation of scissors surgical instruments in the central sterile supply department to provide systematic and comprehensive function testing and evaluation indexes for the sterile supply personnel.Methods Firstly,an initial pool of items was developed by literature review and semi-structured interview;secondly,an expert correspondence questionnaire was formed based on group discussion,and the final evaluation indexes were determined after 2 rounds of Delphi expert correspondence in March to June 2023;and lastly,the weights of the evaluation indexes were clarified with the hierarchical analysis method.Results The 2 rounds of Delphi expert correspondence had the effective response rate being 85%and 100%,the expert authority coefficient being 0.94 and 0.96 and the Kendall concordant coeffient being 0.339 and 0.350,respectively,and the consistency test showed all P<0.001.The established index system involved in 3 first-level indicators,7 second-level indicators and 20 third-level indicators,of which the first-level indicators of appearance,structure and performance had the weights of 0.171 2,0.384 7 and 0.444 0,respectively.Conclusion The evaluation index system of scissors surgical instruments developed gains advantages in scientificity,rationality and practicality,and facilitates objective function evaluation of scissors surgical instruments in the central sterile supply department.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(4):76-81]
8.Troubleshooting of Philips Ingenia Series MRI scanners:Three case reports
Hong-wei LI ; Peng-kai BAI ; Xiao-yang CHU ; Xi-ming FENG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):116-120
The principle and composition of Philips Ingenia Series MRI scanners were introduced.Three common faults of Philips Ingenia Series MRI scanners were analyzed in terms of the phenomenon,cause and elimination measure.References were provided for clinical engineers to treat similar faults.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):116-120]
9.Maintenance and common fault analysis of flow cytometer
Chunyan LI ; Yongjun YANG ; Xi PENG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(6):180-185
Flow cytometer plays an indispensable role in the research of each field of life science and clinical medicine.This type of equipment has the characteristics of precision,high cost,precise operation,and high maintenance costs.Therefore,high requirements for technique and environmental are required for operators.Taking BD FACS Aria III flow cytometer as an example,the factors of working environment,the precautions of daily maintenance and care were analyzed.The common fault analysis and processing methods in start-up and shutdown for flow,instrument calibration,cell sorting,data acquisition and image display were described,so as to provide reference for the users of the similar equipment,and maximize the effectiveness of the instrument,and ensure the usage effect of equipment and the lifespan of instrument.
10.Impact of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality of fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples in biobank
Yang-si ZHENG ; Xuan-hao LIN ; Fan LI ; Kun-sheng XIAO ; Xi-feng CHEN ; Chun-peng LIU ; Pei-xiu YAO ; Shao-hong WANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(3):437-445
Objective To investigate the effects of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer(BC)and esophageal cancer(EC)tissue samples in order to establish evidence-based protocols for biobank sample management.Methods The tumor(T)and paired normal(N)tissue samples from 6 cases of BC and 6 cases of EC were collected and cryopreserved in Biobank,Shantou Central Hospital.Mirror paraffin-embedded tissues were simultaneously prepared into sections for morphological analysis.The samples were divided into two groups of<15 min and 15-30 min according to ischemia time,and RNA quality was analyzed at 4 storage periods of 8-10 months(T1),14-16 months(T2),26-28 months(T3)and 38-40 months(T4).Results In 96 analyzed samples,93.8%(90/96)exhibited high quality(RIN≥6),with 89.6%(43/48)in BC and 97.9%(47/48)in EC.Significant differences in RIN were observed between BC group and EC group(8.050 vs.8.600,P=0.009).In EC group,RIN value was significantly negatively correlated with RNA yield(P<0.001).Moreover,RIN values of tumor-normal pairs exhibited markedly significant differences(7.550 vs.9.000,P<0.001).In contrast,no significant difference was detected in BC group(8.200 vs.7.700,P=0.348).Statistical analysis showed that RIN value was positively correlated with 28S/18S(P<0.001),but had no correlation with tumor content(P=0.676)and necrotic content(P=0.055).Neither ischemia time(<15 min vs.15-30 min:8.200 vs.8.300,P=0.932)nor storage periods(T1-T4:8.400,7.700,8.450,8.600,P=0.163)compromised RNA quality.Conclusion Organ origin and tissue type could influence RNA quality of fresh-frozen tissue samples.However,limited ischemia time(≤30 min)and long-term storage period(38-40 months)do not adversely affect RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples.


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