1.Effect and Mechanism of Liangyi Paste on Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Naturally Aged Mice with High-fat Diet via Cuproptosis/Oxidative Stress Pathway
Meiling ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yu LIU ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG ; Guoyuan SUI ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):91-99
ObjectiveTaking the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway as the entry point, this study investigated the effect and mechanism of Liangyi Paste on hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice fed with a high-fat diet. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, 80 ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Thirty of them were randomly divided into three groups (10 mice per group): The 12-month-old control group (12MCON), the 15-month-old control group (15MCON), and the 15-month-old group with a high-fat diet (15MHFD). The 12MCON and 15MCON groups were continuously fed a standard diet, while the 15MHFD group started receiving a high-fat diet at 12 months of age. Tissue samples were collected at the corresponding time points for each group. The remaining 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 mice per group): the 20-month-old control group (20MCON), the model group, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangyi Paste groups (2.91 , 5.82 , 11.64 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). The 20MCON group was continuously fed a standard diet, while the other groups started receiving a high-fat diet at 15 months of age. At 18 months of age, the Liangyi Paste groups were administered the corresponding doses of Liangyi Paste by gavage, while the 20MCON and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous gavage (when the mice reached 20 months of age), tissue samples were collected. Hepatic TG levels were measured using assay kits; liver histology and lipid deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Cu2+, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by colorimetry; mRNA and protein expression of genes related to cuproptosis and oxidative stress pathways were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression system. ResultsCompared with 12MCON, the 15MCON group showed significantly increased hepatic TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA levels (P<0.01), decreased SOD (P<0.01), hepatocyte swelling, and disordered arrangement. The mRNA and protein levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit-β (PDHB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 15MCON group, the 15MHFD and 20MCON groups exhibited further increases in TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), and aggravated hepatocyte swelling and disorder. There were increased lipid droplets with mild vacuolization in the 15MHFD group, and no significant lipid deposition was observed in the 20MCON group. FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 20MCON group, the model group demonstrated markedly elevated TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), severe hepatic steatosis, and upregulated expression of FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). All abnormalities were significantly reversed after Liangyi Paste treatment. ConclusionLiangyi paste can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice with a high-fat diet by modulating the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway.
2.Prenatal ultrasound manifestations and postnatal follow-up of fetuses with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome.
Xiaofei LIU ; Ya'nan WANG ; Tizhen YAN ; Shengli ZHANG ; Yanchuan XIE ; Jiwu LOU ; Hongwei JIANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(1):31-35
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the prenatal and postnatal phenotypes of 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) and enhance clinical understanding of this condition.
METHODS:
Data were collected from 86 fetuses diagnosed with 22q11.2DS at four prenatal diagnostic centers across China between January 2014 and August 2025. Prenatal imaging findings, pregnancy outcomes, and postnatal conditions were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among the 86 fetuses, complete ultrasound data were available for 65 cases. Cardiovascular abnormalities were observed in 42 cases, thymic hypoplasia or aplasia in 7 cases, urinary system anomalies in 6 cases, nuchal translucency (NT) thickening in 7 cases, butterfly vertebrae, clubfoot, omphalocele and diaphragmatic hernia in 1 case each, cleft lip and palate in 2 cases, and ultrasound soft markers in 13 cases. The parents of 9 fetuses opted to continue with the pregnancy. Among these, 6 showed no significant ultrasound abnormalities and no related phenotypes postnatally, while the remaining 3 exhibited ultrasound anomalies with postnatal manifestations including developmental delay, immunodeficiency, and cardiac defects.
CONCLUSION
Fetuses with 22q11.2DS may exhibit various ultrasound abnormalities in multiple systems before and after birth. In addition to cardiovascular anomalies, they may also present with thymic hypoplasia or aplasia, thickened NT, and urinary abnormalities. Fetuses with thickened NT or thymic anomalies should be closely monitored, and thymic assessment should be included in routine prenatal imaging evaluations. For fetuses with 22q11.2DS who show no ultrasound abnormalities, the risk of developing severe phenotypes after birth is relatively low, but occult palate clefts and psychiatric disorders cannot be ruled out. Due to limitations in sample size and follow-up duration, above conclusions require further validation through large-scale prospective studies.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Ultrasonography, Prenatal
;
DiGeorge Syndrome/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Male
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Fetus/diagnostic imaging*
;
Phenotype
;
Infant, Newborn
3.Comparison of efficacy and safety of mizoribine and mycophenolate mofetil in kidney transplant recipients: a single-center retrospective study
Xinji YANG ; Weilong SHI ; Zaiwei SONG ; Zhifei XIE ; Herong ZHU ; Wenbin ZHANG ; Hongxian ZHANG ; Lei LIU ; Lei ZHAO ; Lu WANG ; Zhidan WANG ; Shudong ZHANG ; Qiming ZHANG ; Xiaofei HOU
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):625-634
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety differences between the triple immunosuppressive regimen of mizoribine (MZR) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with tacrolimus (Tac) and glucocorticoids of kidney transplant recipients in one year after transplantation. Methods A single-center retrospective cohort study design was adopted. The clinical data of 156 patients who underwent the first allogeneic kidney transplantation at the Third Hospital of Peking University from January 2022 to December 2024 were included. The patients were divided into the MZR group (78 cases) and the MMF group (78 cases) based on the initial immunosuppressive regimen after transplantation. The baseline data, medication use in one year after transplantation, blood routine indicators, adverse events and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. For the repeated-measurement longitudinal data, repeated-measurement analysis of variance was used to evaluate the main effects of the groups, time and their interaction effects. Results At the primary efficacy endpoint, there were no statistically significant differences in the one-year survival rate, graft survival rate and incidence of acute rejection between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In terms of medication patterns and laboratory test indicators, there were significant time main effects and "time × group" interaction effects for Tac dosage (all P < 0.05). The Tac dosage in the MZR group was lower than that in the MMF group from 2 to 3 months after transplantation, and it was higher in the MZR group than in the MMF group from 7 to 12 months and one year after transplantation. White blood cell count in the MZR group was higher at one month after transplantation, and the platelet count was higher one year after transplantation (all P < 0.05). In terms of infection, the incidence of novel coronavirus and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia infections in the MZR group was lower (all P < 0.05). In terms of metabolic indicators, the post-transplantation uric acid level was better in the MZR group than in the MMF group, but the total cholesterol level was higher one year after transplantation (all P < 0.05). In terms of liver function, there was a brief and mild increase in transaminase in the early stage after transplantation in the MZR group. Conclusions During the one-year follow-up after transplantation, both the MZR and MMF regimens demonstrate comparable immunosuppressive efficacy and overall safety in Chinese kidney transplant recipients. The MZR regimen shows clear advantages in reducing specific infection risks, alleviating bone marrow suppression and improving uric acid metabolism, but its potential impact on blood lipids needs to be monitored. Therefore, the MZR regimen may be an effective and safe alternative immunosuppressive option for kidney transplant recipients, especially those with high infection risk, poor hematological tolerance, or comorbid hyperuricemia.
4.Application of mass spectrometry imaging in the diagnosis and molecular mechanism of liver cancer
Qianxue YU ; Yongsheng HU ; Yanqiu HUANG ; Xiaofei CHEN ; Gao LI ; Yue LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(7):329-334
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an emerging molecular imaging technique that combines high spatial resolution and the ability to acquire molecular information. This technology can directly obtain spatial distribution maps of metabolites, proteins, lipids and other molecules in tumor tissues, reveal the abnormal molecular changes during the occurrence and development of liver cancer, and make up for the deficiency of information at the molecular level in traditional imaging (such as CT, MRI). In liver cancer research, MSI has demonstrated unique advantages and application potential in early diagnosis and screening, precise classification, tumor heterogeneity analysis, and exploration of molecular mechanisms. The principle characteristics of MSI technology and its latest progress in the early diagnosis, classification and molecular mechanism research of liver cancer were reviewed, and the current challenges and future development directions were discussed, which aimed to provide a new perspective and theoretical basis for an in-depth understanding of the pathological mechanism of liver cancer and promoted its precise diagnosis and treatment.
5.Application of single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopy surgery in up-lobectomy
Pu ZHANG ; Ziliang LI ; Huan LIU ; Kang GUO ; Juan CHEN ; Jiangli SHANG ; Sanming DENG ; Kai CUI ; Wenhai LI ; Wuping WANG ; Xiaofei LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1240-1245
Objective To analyze the technical essentials of single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopic surgery, and to investigate its surgical efficacy and promotional value. Methods Clinical data of patients who consecutively underwent radical upper lobectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital from March 2023 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgical approach, patients were divided into two groups: the single-microport assisted group (underwent upper lobectomy via single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopy) and the traditional uniportal group (underwent traditional uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy). Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 62 patients were enrolled. There were 30 patients in the single-microport assisted group, with a mean age of (57.4±10.8) years, and 32 patients in the traditional uniportal thoracoscopic group, with a mean age of (57.6±8.7) years. The baseline data were comparable between the two groups. All patients in both groups successfully underwent minimally invasive surgery without conversion to thoracotomy. The operative time in the single-microport assisted group was significantly shorter than that in the traditional uniportal group [(146.03±30.79) min vs. (171.41±36.41) min, P=0.004]. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, duration of chest tube drainage, postoperative pain score, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization cost, or incidence of postoperative complications (all P>0.05). Conclusion Single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopic surgery for upper lobectomy can maximally integrate the advantages of three-port and uni-port VATS while effectively avoiding their disadvantages. It significantly shortens the operative time without increasing postoperative pain or complications, and represents a more minimally invasive, safer, and more convenient surgical approach.
6.Spatio-temporal clustering analysis of influenza in Jiaxing City
WANG Yuanhang ; FU Xiaofei ; QI Yunpeng ; LIU Yang ; ZHOU Wanling ; GUO Feifei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):55-58
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological and spatio-temporal characteristics of influenza in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into perfecting the prevention and control strategies of influenza.
Methods:
Data of influenza in Jiaxing City from 2019 to 2023 were collected from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Population data of the same period were collected from the Zhejiang Health Information Network Reporting System. The epidemiological characteristics of influenza were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Vector map information was collected from the Open Street Map, and the spatio-temporal clustering characteristics of influenza were analyzed using spatial autocorrelation and spatio-temporal scanning.
Results:
A total of 181 501 cases of influenza were reported in Jiaxing City from 2019 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence of 653.93/105. The majority of cases were aged 5 to <15 years (59 785 cases, 32.94%). The majority of the occupations were students (78 239 cases, 43.11%) and pre-school children (33 715 cases, 18.58%). The county (city, district) with the highest reported incidence was Haining City (1 451.70/105), and the town (street) with the highest reported incidence was Chang'an Town (1 932.78/105). Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the incidence of influenza in Jiaxing City from 2019 to 2023 had positive spatial correlations (all Moran's I>0, all P<0.05), with a high-high clustering in the southern region. Spatio-temporal scanning analysis showed that there was a spatio-temporal clustering of influenza in Jiaxing City from 2019 to 2023, with the southern region being the primary-type clustering area and the period between November and January of the following year being the clustering time.
Conclusion
There was a significant spatio-temporal clustering of influenza in Jiaxing City from 2019 to 2023, with winter being the peak season and the southern region being the primary area.
7.Synergistic Activation of LEPR and ADRB2 Induced by Leptin Enhances Reactive Oxygen Specie Generation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Chang LIU ; Jing YU ; Yongjun DU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaofei SONG ; Chang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Yue WANG ; Junfang QIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):457-477
Purpose:
Leptin interacts not only with leptin receptor (LEPR) but also engages with other receptors. While the pro-oncogenic effects of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) are well-established, the role of leptin in activating ADRB2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.
Materials and Methods:
The pro-carcinogenic effects of LEPR were investigated using murine TNBC cell lines, 4T1 and EMT6, and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Expression levels of LEPR, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and ADRB2 in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were analyzed via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry and MitoSox staining, while immunofluorescence double-staining confirmed the co-localization of LEPR and ADRB2.
Results:
LEPR activation promoted NOX4-derived ROS and mitochondrial ROS production, facilitating TNBC cell proliferation and migration, effects which were mitigated by the LEPR inhibitor Allo-aca. Co-expression of LEPR and ADRB2 was observed on cell membranes, and bioinformatics data revealed a positive correlation between the two receptors. Leptin activated both LEPR and ADRB2, enhancing intracellular ROS generation and promoting tumor progression, which was effectively countered by a specific ADRB2 inhibitor ICI118551. In vivo, leptin injection accelerated tumor growth and lung metastases without affecting appetite, while treatments with Allo-aca or ICI118551 mitigated these effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that leptin stimulates the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the activation of both LEPR and ADRB2, resulting in increased ROS production. These findings highlight LEPR and ADRB2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TNBC.
8.Synergistic Activation of LEPR and ADRB2 Induced by Leptin Enhances Reactive Oxygen Specie Generation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Chang LIU ; Jing YU ; Yongjun DU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaofei SONG ; Chang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Yue WANG ; Junfang QIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):457-477
Purpose:
Leptin interacts not only with leptin receptor (LEPR) but also engages with other receptors. While the pro-oncogenic effects of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) are well-established, the role of leptin in activating ADRB2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.
Materials and Methods:
The pro-carcinogenic effects of LEPR were investigated using murine TNBC cell lines, 4T1 and EMT6, and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Expression levels of LEPR, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and ADRB2 in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were analyzed via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry and MitoSox staining, while immunofluorescence double-staining confirmed the co-localization of LEPR and ADRB2.
Results:
LEPR activation promoted NOX4-derived ROS and mitochondrial ROS production, facilitating TNBC cell proliferation and migration, effects which were mitigated by the LEPR inhibitor Allo-aca. Co-expression of LEPR and ADRB2 was observed on cell membranes, and bioinformatics data revealed a positive correlation between the two receptors. Leptin activated both LEPR and ADRB2, enhancing intracellular ROS generation and promoting tumor progression, which was effectively countered by a specific ADRB2 inhibitor ICI118551. In vivo, leptin injection accelerated tumor growth and lung metastases without affecting appetite, while treatments with Allo-aca or ICI118551 mitigated these effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that leptin stimulates the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the activation of both LEPR and ADRB2, resulting in increased ROS production. These findings highlight LEPR and ADRB2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TNBC.
9.Ratio of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain to pulmonary artery systolic pressure for evaluating right ventricular systolic function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Ranran LIU ; Xiaofei CHEN ; Guozhang TANG ; Xiao MA ; Jianan JIANG ; Xiuxiu FU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(2):97-101
Objective To observe the value of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain(RVFWLS)to pulmonary artery systolic pressure(PASP)ratio(RVFWLS/PASP)for evaluating systolic function of right ventricle(RV)in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM).Methods Fifty-two HCM patients were retrospectively collected and divided into group A(RVFWLS/PASP≤0.75,n=26)and B(RVFWLS/PASP>0.75,n=26)according to median RVFWLS/PASP.Meanwhile,26 healthy individuals were included as control group.Parameters of echocardiography and speckle tracking imaging(STI)were obtained and compared among 3 groups.The correlations of RVFWLS/PASP and other parameters were analyzed with linear regression.Results In group A and B,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),RV septal longitudinal strain(RVSepLS),RVFWLS,RV end-diastolic volume index(RVEDVi),RV stroke volume(RVSV),RV fractional area change(RVFAC)and left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS)were all lower,while the ratio of peak E blood flow velocity at mitral orifice diastole to early mitral intervalal annulus diastole velocity(E/e′)were higher than those in control group(all adjusted P<0.05).Compared with group B and control group,group A had higher PASP but lower RV ejection fraction(RVEF)(all adjusted P<0.05).Furthermore,RVFWLS and LVGLS were both lower in group A than in group B(both adjusted P<0.05).Linear regression analysis showed that RVSepLS and RVEF were independently linearly related to RVFWLS/PASP(both P<0.05).Conclusion RVFWLS/PASP could be used to monitor changes of RV systoic function in HCM patients at early stage.
10.Teaching and practice exploration on the integration of multi-disciplines in teaching of operative dentistry
Chunyan WAN ; Keqing PAN ; Jing DENG ; Shuai WANG ; Lingshuang LIU ; Haiping XU ; Xiaofei YU ; Lei MA ; Jing FU ; Mengdong LIU ; Wen SU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(4):529-534
Objective:In order to effectively educate students on tooth defect diseases and restoration techniques, the teaching and research team at the School of Stomatology of Qingdao University developed an integrated course operative dentistry. This course is specifically designed to align with the undergraduate curriculum reform requirements of "Three Early, Two Multiple and One Integration".Methods:The teaching practice of operative dentistry was conducted with the stomatology undergraduates of grade 2020 and 2021. The course group redesigned the curriculum by reorganizing teaching content, rebuilding teaching resources, reconstructing teaching mode, and reshaping the evaluation system. Evaluation of the curriculum design included test scores, satisfaction questionnaires, and teacher self-evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software, including independent sample t-tests for numerical variables and Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for categorical variables. Results:Through the integrated course learning, 92.68% (38/41) of the students of grade 2020 and 97.44% (38/39) of the students of grade 2021 can basically or completely master various dental defect repair schemes and understand the importance of preserving natural tooth. 82.93% (34/41) of the students of grade 2020 and 100.00% (39/39) of the students of grade 2021 could basically or completely master the key points of various dental defect restorations.Conclusions:Through the practice of teaching, it has been confirmed that the integrated course of operative dentistry is beneficial to students' mastering the knowledge and skills of dental defect diseases and their restoration in a more comprehensive way, and is conducive to the cultivation of clinical thinking, hands-on ability and the patient-centered, comprehensive problem-solving thinking, which is in line with the guidance on the innovation and development of medical education.


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