1.Tangbikang Granules Improve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Zehong YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Xiaolei JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):52-60
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups, and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1, respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg-1 by gavage, while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration, and at 4, 8, 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, GPx4, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the SNCV was significantly slowed down (P<0.01). The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathologically, the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure, disordered and sparse arrangement, axonal atrophy, irregular myelin sheath halo, increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei, obvious endoneurial fibrosis, and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group (P<0.01). The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
2.The mechanism and clinical characteristics in comorbidity of autoimmune liver diseases and autoimmune thyroid diseases
Yinghui RAN ; Wei LU ; Fumei YANG ; Xiaohong LI ; Rong ZHU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):432-437
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) are a group of chronic liver diseases caused by abnormal activation of the immune system, mainly including autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis, and overlap syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that patients with AILD are often comorbid with thyroid diseases, especially autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological association, potential shared pathogenesis, and overlapping features between AILD and thyroid diseases. A deeper understanding of the immunological links between AILD and AITD may provide a theoretical basis for precision medicine and future research.
3.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.
4.Protective strategies and management recommendations for medical staff based on NIOSH's Managing Hazardous Drug Exposures: Information for Healthcare Settings (2023 Edition)
Hengjuan LIANG ; Bo YANG ; Jing WEN ; Xiaohong HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):232-237
The Hazardous Drug Exposure Management: Information for Healthcare Settings (2023 Edition) released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of US provided detailed protection recommendations for medical personnel to mitigate the risks of occupational exposure to hazardous drugs. This study reviewed the literature in terms of hazard identification, occupational exposure assessment, risk assessment, risk management planning, and waste and spill control. It also explored the precautions for each step of hazardous drug handling, aiming to raise medical personnel's awareness of hazardous drug protection and improve their self-protection skills. The findings provided valuable references for medical institutions to develop hazardous drug disposal plans and reduce employees' exposure to hazardous drugs and occupational injuries.
5.Xiaoyaosan Regulates HPT Axis in Rat Model with Syndrome of Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency via CGA/GPX2/TSHβ Pathway for Thyroid Hormone Synthesis
Fang WANG ; Ruxin YUAN ; Lingjin FAN ; Zongli CHEN ; Huaye XIAO ; Liqiang YANG ; Xiaohong LI ; Chuncheng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):1-10
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Xiaoyaosan regulates HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency by observing its effect on the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit (CGA)/glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2)/thyroid-stimulating hormone β-subunit (TSHβ) pathway for thyroid hormone synthesis. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized into six groups: normal, model, high-dose (16.7 g·kg-1), medium-dose (8.35 g·kg-1), and low-dose (4.175 g·kg-1) Xiaoyaosan, and fluoxetine (0.001 8 g·kg-1) groups, with 12 rats in each group. The rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency was induced by chronic restraint stress for 21 days. The intervention groups were treated with Xiaoyaosan decoctions or fluoxetine suspension, respectively. After modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe morphological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue of the rats. Serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of TSH receptor (TSHR) in the thyroid tissue, thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant atrophy and irregularity of thyroid follicles, a marked reduction in colloid secretion, extensive vacuolar degeneration of adenocytes in the anterior pituitary, lowered serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid tissue, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine alleviated the pathological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue, outperforming the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group. Moreover, they elevated the serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.05, P<0.01). The serum TSH level was also elevated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.01). In the fluoxetine group, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, and GPX2 in the hypothalamus were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe downregulation of CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency. Xiaoyaosan may regulate the HPT axis dysfunction by up-regulating the CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway.
6.Effect of Modified Chaihu Shugansan on CaMKⅡ/CREB Signaling Pathway in Rats with Myocardial Ischemia and Depression
Fen WAN ; Xiaohong LI ; Ying CHEN ; Yangyu PAN ; Yanna LUO ; Fangge LU ; Chuncheng ZHENG ; Pengyun KONG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Liqiang YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):1-11
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Chaihu Shugansan on the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in the hippocampus and heart tissue of a rat model with myocardial ischemia and depression and explore the mechanism by which this formula prevents and treats coronary heart disease combined with depression. MethodsThe model of myocardial ischemia combined with depression was established by high-fat diet, intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol (ISO), and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). A total of 108 SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, high (23.4 g·kg-1), medium (11.7 g·kg-1), and low (5.85 g·kg-1) dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan, CaMKⅡ inhibitor (KN93) group, and KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan, with 12 rats in each group. From the first day of modeling to the end of modeling, drugs were administered once a day. In the seventh and eighth weeks, the KN93 group and the KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan were intraperitoneally injected with KN93 three times weekly. At the end of the eighth week, behavioral tests including sucrose preference, open field, and elevated plus maze were conducted. Electrocardiogram (ECG) lead Ⅱ changes were observed in each group of rats, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe changes in heart tissue. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured by using an enzyme-labeled instrument. Creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, while serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB in hippocampal and heart tissue, and Western blot was performed to assess protein expression of CaMKⅡ, phosphorylated (p)-CaMKⅡ, CREB, and p-CREB. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significant reductions in sucrose preference rate, total activity distance in the open field, number of entries into the center area of the open field, and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.01). The ECG showed ST-segment elevation, and HE staining showed serious degeneration of myocardial fibers, disordered arrangement, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. In addition, serum TC and LDL levels increased (P<0.01), and HDL level decreased (P<0.01). CK, CK-MB, LDH, and MCP-1 levels significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB decreased in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), but those increased in the heart tissue (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed improvements in these abnormalities. The KN93 group had reduced sucrose preference, total activity distance in the open field, number of entries into the center area of the open field, and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.01), as well as decreased serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, and MCP-1 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). KN93 also reduced ST-segment elevation, alleviated the degeneration degree of myocardial fibrosis, and lowered inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB in both the hippocampal and heart tissue were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed further improvements in these abnormalities compared to the KN93 group. ConclusionThe modified Chaihu Shugansan exerts antidepressant and myocardial protective effects in rats with myocardial ischemia and depression, possibly related to bidirectional regulation of the CaMKⅡ/CREB signaling pathway, with the high-dose modified Chaihu Shugansan showing the best effects.
7.Psychodrama group therapy based on family parenting intervention for parents of adolescents with depressive disorder: a qualitative study
Hong CHEN ; Lijun CHA ; Yuhan WANG ; Xiaohong YANG ; Hua HU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):102-107
BackgroundFamily factors are known to play a critical role in the development, progression and prognosis of adolescent patients with depressive disorder. Psychodrama group therapy has the potential for bringing about positive change in individual growth and relationship repair, but there is currently insufficient research evidence for the effectiveness of psychodrama group therapy in promoting the recovery in depressive disorder in adolescents through improving the family parenting skills of their parents. ObjectiveTo explore the influence of psychodrama group therapy based on family parenting intervention on parents of adolescent patients with depressive disorder, so as to provide references for promoting the recovery for adolescent patients with depressive disorder. MethodsPurposive sampling was used to recruit adolescent patients who met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder of the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) and hospitalized in the psychiatric outpatient department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from October 2023 to March 2024, and their parents (either mother or father) were taken as the study subjects. Psychodrama group therapy based on family parenting intervention was performed once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. After intervention, semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents who participated in the group, and the interviews were recorded. Content analysis method was employed to perform qualitative analysis on the interview recordings and verbatim transcripts. ResultsAfter receiving psychodrama group intervention based on family parenting, parents of adolescent patients with depressive disorder demonstrated improvement in emotional state, enhanced reflective ability and altered coping style, which were specifically manifested as reducing negative emotions, increasing positive emotions, reflecting on themselves, empathizing with others, adjusting cognition, changing the way of stress regulation, improving communication styles and actively seeking resources. ConclusionApplication of psychodrama group therapy based on family parenting intervention may improve emotional state, reflective ability and coping style of the parents of adolescent patients with depressive disorder. [Funded by Chongqing Education Commission Humanities and Social Science Research Project (number, 19SKGH018); Chongqing Social Science Planning Project (number, 2021WT29)]
8.Cancer therapy-related interstitial lung disease.
Chengzhi ZHOU ; Haiyi DENG ; Yilin YANG ; Fei WANG ; Xinqing LIN ; Ming LIU ; Xiaohong XIE ; Tao LUAN ; Nanshan ZHONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):264-277
With the increasing utilization of cancer therapy, the incidence of lung injury associated with these treatments continues to rise. The recognition of pulmonary toxicity related to cancer therapy has become increasingly critical, for which interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common cause of mortality. Cancer therapy-related ILD (CT-ILD) can result from a variety of treatments including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and radiotherapy. CT-ILD may progress rapidly and even be life-threatening; therefore, prompt diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for effective management. This review aims to provide valuable information on the risk factors associated with CT-ILD; elucidate its underlying mechanisms; discuss its clinical features, imaging, and histological manifestations; and emphasize the clinical-related views of its diagnosis. In addition, this review provides an overview of grading, typing, and staging treatment strategies used for the management of CT-ILD.
Humans
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Lung Diseases, Interstitial/diagnosis*
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Neoplasms/therapy*
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Risk Factors
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects*
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Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*
9.Novel paradigms in KRAS targeting: Unveiling strategies to combat drug resistance.
Xiyuan LUO ; Feihan ZHOU ; Yuemeng TANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Ruilin XIAO ; Minzhi GU ; Jialu BAI ; Decheng JIANG ; Gang YANG ; Lei YOU ; Yupei ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(18):2243-2267
The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog ( KRAS ) mutation is one of the most prevalent activating alterations in cancer. It indicates a poor overall prognosis due to its highly invasive nature. Although several KRAS inhibitors have been developed in recent years, a significant clinical challenge has emerged as a substantial proportion of patients eventually develop resistance to these therapies. Therefore, identifying determinants of drug resistance is critical for guiding treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mutation landscape and molecular mechanisms of KRAS activity in various cancers. Meanwhile, it summaries the progress and prospects of small molecule KRAS inhibitors undergoing clinical trials. Furthemore, this review explores potential strategies to overcome drug resistance, with the ultimate goal of steering toward patient-centric precision oncology in the foreseeable future.
Humans
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Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/metabolism*
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Mutation/genetics*
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Neoplasms/genetics*
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Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*
10.2024 annual report on cardiovascular health and diseases in China: Data and trend.
Mingbo LIU ; Xinye HE ; Xiaohong YANG ; Zengwu WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(23):3037-3049
The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) together with their associated risk factors increasingly impact public health. According to the data provided in the 2024 Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China, the crude incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases among Chinese residents aged ≥18 years, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), angina pectoris treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty/stent implantation and/or coronary artery bypass grafting, stroke, and sudden cardiac death was 620.33 per 100,000 population, with 87.6 for AMI. Stroke had an incidence of 491.0 per 100,000 population. The prevalence of adult coronary heart disease (CHD, aged ≥18 years) was 758 per 100,000 population. The CVD mortality in 2021 remained the highest, exceeding that of cancer and other causes. The crude mortality rate of CVD in 2021 was 364.16 per 100,000 population in rural areas and 305.39 per 100,000 population in urban areas. The crude mortality rates of cerebrovascular diseases and CHD among urban and rural residents in 2021 were 140.02 and 175.58, 135.08 and 148.19 per 100,000 population, respectively. In addition to interpreting the key findings of CVD incidence and mortality in China, we also update the data of associated risk factors, including tobacco use, physical activity, diet and nutrition, overweight and obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, sleep and psychological factors, environmental factors, and the diagnostic conditions of CVD diseases, aiming to provide a scientific foundation for advancing CVD prevention and control, and to inform relevant public health policy development.
Humans
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China/epidemiology*
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Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality*
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Risk Factors
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Adult
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Incidence
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Cerebrovascular Disorders/epidemiology*
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Aged

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