1.Reconsideraton of Stroke with Syndrome of Combined Blood Stasis and Toxin from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Yunfan ZHANG ; Di ZHAO ; Lina MIAO ; Hongxi LIU ; Jingjing WEI ; Xiao LIANG ; Liuding WANG ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1305-1310
Xiang thinking is a cognitive approach that reflects the relationships between phenomena and their underlying principles by analyzing their external manifestations through methods such as analogy, reasoning, deduction, and symbolism. This article applied xiang thinking to analyze the etiology and pathogenesis of "wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis" in stroke, thereby exploring its impact on the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of this condition. Meanwhile, the article traced the construction process of xiang thinking, and interpreted the concept of "toxin pathogen" in traditional Chinese medicine from four perspectives, state, attribute, origin, and law. Furthermore, the relationship between the process of constructing xiang thinking and the origin of etiology, identification methods, pathogenesis evolution, and treatment strategies for stroke with syndrome of combined blood stasis and toxin was explored, so as to provide insights into research on the etiology and pathogenesis of stroke, as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment approaches.
2.Experience in Treating Ischemic Stroke with Triple-Medicinal Combinations
Xueru ZHANG ; Wei SHEN ; Xiao LIANG ; Xiansu CHI ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):407-410
This paper summarized the clinical experience in treating ischemic stroke with jiao (角) medicine (triple-medicinal combinations). Clinically, the combination of Roucongrong (Cistanche deserticola)-Shanyurou (Cornus officinalis)-Guijia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) is used to nourish the kidneys and liver for disease mechanism of liver-kidney depletion, and foundation deficiency due to insufficient essence and blood; the combination of Xixiancao (Sigesbeckia orientalis)-Tianma (Gastrodia elata)-Gouteng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) is used to extinguish wind and eliminate dampness for treating numbness and swelling of limbs caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Shichangpu (Acorus Tatarinowii)-Yuanzhi (Polygala tenuifolia)-Yujin (Curcumae Radix) is used to improve intelligence, refresh the brain, and clear the mind for treating cognitive impairment, memory loss, or speech difficulties caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Banxia (Pinellia ternata)-Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)- Tianma (Gastrodiae rhizoma) is used to dissolve phlegm and extinguish wind, unblock meridians and relieve dizziness for treating dizziness or headache caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Danggui (Angelica sinensis radix)- Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)-Guijianyu (Euonymus alatus) is used to nourish and activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis and unblock meridians for treating weak limbs and activiry difficulty caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Chaihu (Bupleurum chinense)-Zhiziz (Gardenia jasminoides)-Guanye Jinsitao (Hypericum perforatum) is used to soothe the liver and resolve constraint, cool the blood and calm the mind for treating emotional complications.
3.A case of recurrence early-stage endometrial cancer during pregnancy recieved fertility-preserving retreatment
Jing ZHANG ; Wenyan TIAN ; Ye TIAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiaohong BAI ; Xueru SONG ; Yingmei WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(6):623-627
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a case of recurrence during pregnancy of early-stage endometrial cancer (EEC) after fertility-preserving treatment, and literature review was conducted. The patient underwent two cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation and three cycles of frozen-thawed embryo transfer after fertility-preserving treatment, early abortion after the third transfer and meanwhile the recurrence of endometrial cancer was found. Fertility-preserving retreatment was given after multidisciplinary discussion based on the patient's fertility intention, ultrasound, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and other examinations. After complete remission, the remaining cryopreserved embryos of the patient were tested for euploidy by preimplantation genetic testing, and the euploid embryo was transferred and delivered at term successfully. Fertility-preserving treatment for patients with EEC need comprehensive management to reduce the recurrence rate. Recurrent patients can choose fertility-preserving retreatment under a comprehensive evaluation.
4.P4HA1 mediates YAP hydroxylation and accelerates collagen synthesis in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma.
Xueru LI ; Gangfeng YU ; Xiao ZHONG ; Jiacheng ZHONG ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Qinglong CHEN ; Jinjiang XUE ; Xi YANG ; Xinchun ZHANG ; Yao LING ; Yun XIU ; Yaqi DENG ; Hongda LI ; Wei MO ; Yong ZHU ; Ting ZHANG ; Liangjun QIAO ; Song CHEN ; Fanghui LU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1991-2005
BACKGROUND:
Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a significant challenge in treating glioblastoma (GBM). Collagen remodeling has been shown to be a critical factor for therapy resistance in other cancers. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of TMZ chemoresistance by GBM cells reprogramming collagens.
METHODS:
Key extracellular matrix components, including collagens, were examined in paired primary and recurrent GBM samples as well as in TMZ-treated spontaneous and grafted GBM murine models. Human GBM cell lines (U251, TS667) and mouse primary GBM cells were used for in vitro studies. RNA-sequencing analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the mechanisms involved in collagen accumulation. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to assess the role of the collagen regulators prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) and yes-associated protein (YAP) in sensitizing GBM cells to TMZ.
RESULTS:
This study revealed that TMZ exposure significantly elevated collagen type I (COL I) expression in both GBM patients and murine models. Collagen accumulation sustained GBM cell survival under TMZ-induced stress, contributing to enhanced TMZ resistance. Mechanistically, P4HA1 directly binded to and hydroxylated YAP, preventing ubiquitination-mediated YAP degradation. Stabilized YAP robustly drove collagen type I alpha 1 ( COL1A1) transcription, leading to increased collagen deposition. Disruption of the P4HA1-YAP axis effectively reduced COL I deposition, sensitized GBM cells to TMZ, and significantly improved mouse survival.
CONCLUSION
P4HA1 maintained YAP-mediated COL1A1 transcription, leading to collagen accumulation and promoting chemoresistance in GBM.
Temozolomide
;
Humans
;
Glioblastoma/drug therapy*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
YAP-Signaling Proteins
;
Hydroxylation
;
Dacarbazine/pharmacology*
;
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism*
;
Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Collagen/biosynthesis*
;
Collagen Type I/metabolism*
;
Prolyl Hydroxylases/metabolism*
;
Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/therapeutic use*
5.Effect of embryo cryostorage duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcomes in patients undergoing FET assisted reproduction
Haixia CHEN ; Tuo KUANG ; Fang LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiaohuan MU ; Yonghuan LYU ; Wenyan TIAN ; Xueru SONG ; Xiaohong BAI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):59-66
Objective:To investigate the effect of the embryo cryopreservation duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcome.Methods:A retrospective cohort study of 2 662 frozen-thawed embyro tranfer (FET) cycles was conducted in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. According to embryo cryopreservation duration, the patients were divided into group A (≤1 year, n=2 115), group B (>1 years and ≤3 years, n=319), group C (>3 years and ≤6 years, n=174), and group D (>6 years, n=54). We used the propensity score matching (PSM) to match the baseline data of oocyte retrieval age of the other three groups according to group D at a ratio of 1∶3. Clinical and obstetric outcomes were compared among the four groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of oocyte retrieval age, embryo transfer age, the duration of embryo cryopreservation, endometrial preparation scheme, endometrial thickness, the number of transferred embryos and the number of high-quality embryos on pregnancy and live birth outcome. Results:1) Before PSM, there were significant differences in the maternal age at oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer and duration of embryo cryopreservation among the four groups(all P<0.001). 2) After PSM, the baseline characteristics of oocyte retrieval age reached a balance among the four groups. There were no statistical differences in the number of embryos transfer, the number of high-quality embryos, the transferred embryo stage, the endometrial regimen among the groups (all P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate [37.04% (20/54)] and the live birth rate [33.33% (18/54)] in group D were lower than those in group A [51.57% (82/159), 40.88% (65/159)], group B [50.00% (65/130), 40.77% (53/130)] and group C [49.59% (61/123), 39.02% (48/123)], but the difference was not statistically significant between the four groups ( P=0.310, P=0.781). There were no statistical differences among the four groups in the ratio of male to female newborns, gestational age, birth weight, preterm delivery rate, low birth weight rate, macrosomia rate, birth defects, and premature repture of membranes (all P>0.05). 3) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of high-quality embryos transferred affected the clinical pregnancy outcome (before PSM, OR=2.614, 95% CI: 2.168-3.151, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=1.984, 95% CI: 1.406-2.800, P<0.001) and live birth (before PSM, OR=2.708, 95% CI: 2.198-3.336, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=2.122, 95% CI: 1.474-3.053, P<0.001). The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth, but large sample data are still needed to support this conclusion in the future.
6.A case of recurrence early-stage endometrial cancer during pregnancy recieved fertility-preserving retreatment
Jing ZHANG ; Wenyan TIAN ; Ye TIAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiaohong BAI ; Xueru SONG ; Yingmei WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(6):623-627
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a case of recurrence during pregnancy of early-stage endometrial cancer (EEC) after fertility-preserving treatment, and literature review was conducted. The patient underwent two cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation and three cycles of frozen-thawed embryo transfer after fertility-preserving treatment, early abortion after the third transfer and meanwhile the recurrence of endometrial cancer was found. Fertility-preserving retreatment was given after multidisciplinary discussion based on the patient's fertility intention, ultrasound, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and other examinations. After complete remission, the remaining cryopreserved embryos of the patient were tested for euploidy by preimplantation genetic testing, and the euploid embryo was transferred and delivered at term successfully. Fertility-preserving treatment for patients with EEC need comprehensive management to reduce the recurrence rate. Recurrent patients can choose fertility-preserving retreatment under a comprehensive evaluation.
7.Effect of embryo cryostorage duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcomes in patients undergoing FET assisted reproduction
Haixia CHEN ; Tuo KUANG ; Fang LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiaohuan MU ; Yonghuan LYU ; Wenyan TIAN ; Xueru SONG ; Xiaohong BAI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):59-66
Objective:To investigate the effect of the embryo cryopreservation duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcome.Methods:A retrospective cohort study of 2 662 frozen-thawed embyro tranfer (FET) cycles was conducted in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. According to embryo cryopreservation duration, the patients were divided into group A (≤1 year, n=2 115), group B (>1 years and ≤3 years, n=319), group C (>3 years and ≤6 years, n=174), and group D (>6 years, n=54). We used the propensity score matching (PSM) to match the baseline data of oocyte retrieval age of the other three groups according to group D at a ratio of 1∶3. Clinical and obstetric outcomes were compared among the four groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of oocyte retrieval age, embryo transfer age, the duration of embryo cryopreservation, endometrial preparation scheme, endometrial thickness, the number of transferred embryos and the number of high-quality embryos on pregnancy and live birth outcome. Results:1) Before PSM, there were significant differences in the maternal age at oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer and duration of embryo cryopreservation among the four groups(all P<0.001). 2) After PSM, the baseline characteristics of oocyte retrieval age reached a balance among the four groups. There were no statistical differences in the number of embryos transfer, the number of high-quality embryos, the transferred embryo stage, the endometrial regimen among the groups (all P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate [37.04% (20/54)] and the live birth rate [33.33% (18/54)] in group D were lower than those in group A [51.57% (82/159), 40.88% (65/159)], group B [50.00% (65/130), 40.77% (53/130)] and group C [49.59% (61/123), 39.02% (48/123)], but the difference was not statistically significant between the four groups ( P=0.310, P=0.781). There were no statistical differences among the four groups in the ratio of male to female newborns, gestational age, birth weight, preterm delivery rate, low birth weight rate, macrosomia rate, birth defects, and premature repture of membranes (all P>0.05). 3) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of high-quality embryos transferred affected the clinical pregnancy outcome (before PSM, OR=2.614, 95% CI: 2.168-3.151, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=1.984, 95% CI: 1.406-2.800, P<0.001) and live birth (before PSM, OR=2.708, 95% CI: 2.198-3.336, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=2.122, 95% CI: 1.474-3.053, P<0.001). The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth, but large sample data are still needed to support this conclusion in the future.
8.Study of the correlation between red blood cell distribution width,systemic immune-inflammation index with major depressive disorder
Man JIN ; Hao LIANG ; Shipan ZHANG ; Xueru ZHANG ; Peng JING ; Yue YANG ; Chunyang WANG ; Peiyuan LYU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2024;50(7):409-414
Objective To investigate the correlation between red blood cell distribution width(RDW),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII)and major depressive disorder(MDD).Methods The clinical data of 176 MDD patients hospitalized in the clinical psychology department of our hospital from 2020 to 2022 and 209 non-MDD comparators who were routinely examined in Hebei General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Blood analysis was conducted to obtain values of RDW,SII,and red blood cell distribution width/platelet ratio(RPR).The data was used to plot the receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve to determine the optimal threshold and the area under the curve(AUC)for RDW to discriminate between patients and controls.Result Patients in the MDD group had significantly higher RDW[median and quartiles:13.20(12.70,13.98)vs.12.80(12.40,13.35)],and SII levels[median and quartiles 510.87(350.95,878.12)vs.405.33(313.74,539.92)]compared with those in non-MDD group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in RPR between the two groups(P>0.05).Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that RDW was positively correlated with MDD after adjusting for confounders(OR=3.086,95% CI:1.926-4.944).ROC curve showed that the optimal threshold for RDW to differentiate the risk of developing MDD was 12.85,with an AUC of 0.647(95% CI:0.592-0.702;P<0.001).Conclusion Present study shows that high RDW is a risk factor for the occurrence of MDD and an important parameter for the risk of developing depression.
9.Exploring the Disease Mechanism and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Based on Ascending and Descending of Qi Movement from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Liuding WANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Yifan CHEN ; Yue LIU ; Hongxi LIU ; Di ZHAO ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1443-1448
Xiang thinking is the key way of thinking to construct the life model of human body in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the theory of ascending and descending of qi movement is an important manifestation of xiang thinking in the theory of TCM. Based on the theory of qi movement, this paper interpreted the mechanism of ischemic stroke through the perspective of xiang thinking "earth weakness - wood constraint - fire hyperactivity", as "earth weakness in the central and dampness accumulated to phlegm" "wood constraint and stirring wind led to blood stasis" and "fire hyperactivity and fire toxin showed flaming upward" due to disorder of qi movement. Combined with the "xiang of medicinal properties and therapy methods" to discuss the treatment and prescriptions of ischaemic stroke, applying wind medicinals to elevate ji-earth (己土) and yi-wood (乙木), so that phlegm and stasis can be eliminated, and cold medicinals to descend jia-wood (甲木) and wu-earth (戊土) so that fire toxin can be cleared, with a view to restore ascending and descending of qi movement for ischaemic stroke.
10.MeCP2-induced alterations of transcriptome and m6A modification in retinal pigment epithelial cell
Yongya ZHANG ; Xiaohua LI ; Xueru ZHAO ; Xue LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(5):408-416
Objective:To investigate mRNA and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) changes in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells treated with recombinant human methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and the mechanisms.Methods:The passaged ARPE-19 cells were divided into normal control and MeCP2 groups after adhesion culture.Cells in the normal control group were continuously cultured in normal culture medium, and the cells in the MeCP2 group were cultured in culture medium containing a final concentration of 20 ng/ml of recombinant human MeCP2 protein for 72 hours.Transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) were used to extract and analyze total RNA.Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the edgeR software package based on P<0.05.The biological function of differential genes was determined by gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, and the pathway enrichment analysis was performed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG).Intersection of genes between DEGs and DMGs were screened, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of differential genes. Results:A total of 100 DEGs and 7 441 DMGs genes were screened.According to enrichment analysis, the DEGs were enriched to extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, cell division, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and so on.The DMGs were associated with microtubule cytoskeleton, angiogenesis, epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) signaling pathway, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) -glycation end-products receptor (RAGE) signaling pathway, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway and transforming growth factors-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway and so on.There were 24 up-regulated and 76 down-regulated DEGs.Five DMGs had hypermethylation peaks, and 7 439 DMGs had hypomethylation peaks.After annotation of peaks, 7 626 genes in the normal control group and 8 006 genes in the MeCP2 group had m6A methylation, with 7 360 intersecting genes between the two groups.The m6A methylation in the normal control group and MeCP2 group was concentrated in the CDS, intron and 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) regions of the transcript, with the methylation ratio of 23.62%/22.27%, 48.53%/48.35% and 23.66%/25.28%, respectively.Joint analysis showed that CSPG5 and RBP1 genes related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) had lower amount of mRNA and m6A.Fluorescence quantitative PCR results showed that the relative mRNA expression levels of GSPG5, RBP1 and ZNF484 in MeCP2 group were significantly lower than those in normal control group ( t=7.885, 7.613, 7.345; all at P<0.01). Conclusions:The regulatory mechanism of MeCP2 on EMT in RPE cells is related to m6A methylation modification. CSPG5 and RBP1 genes may be the target genes of m6A methylation and participate in the EMT regulated by MeCP2.

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