1.Exploration of the Intervention Mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏) on Psoriasis Model Mice Based on Caspase-1/GSDMD Protein Pathway
Yatong LI ; Yuanwen LI ; Yutong DENG ; Xuewen REN ; Xuewan WANG ; Xinhui YU ; Tangyunni LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):170-177
ObjectiveTo explore the possible action mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏, QAO) in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into four groups, blank group, model group, calcipotriol group and QAO group, with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, psoriasis was induced by applying imiquimod cream to the dorsal skin. After modeling for 6 hours daily, the calcipotriol group and QAO group were treated with 0.5 g of calcipotriol ointment or 0.5 g of QAO, respectively, applied to the treated dorsal skin. The blank group and the model group received no treatment. The skin lesions were observed, and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was assessed every other day. After 7 days, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was performed on dorsal skin tissue to observe pathological changes. The levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) were determined by enzym-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of Caspase-1,Pro-Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin-D-N (GSDMD-N) were detected by Western Blot (WB). The protein levels of GSDMD were observed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group mice showed redness, erythema, and white scales on their skin, with histological observations indicating epidermal thickening, elongated spines, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The PASI scores of the skin tissue on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were elevated; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein increased; the protein levels of Caspase-1, Pro-Caspase-1,GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the QAO group and calcipotriol group showed lighter skin lesions; the PASI scores on day 5 and day 7 in the QAO group, and on day 3, 5, and 7 in the calcipotriol group, were reduced; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein, and the protein level of Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N, as well as level of IL-18 and IL-1β decreased in both groups; in the calcipotriol group, Pro-Caspase-1 protein level also decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the calcipotriol group, the QAO group showed slightly redder skin, more obvious thickening of the stratum corneum, and less capillary dilation; the PASI scores on day 3 and day 7 increased, while the score on day 5 was reduced; the protein level of Pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and the level of IL-18 and IL-1β were increased in the QAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionQAO can effectively relieve psoriasis dermatitis in mice. Its potential mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Caspase-1/GSDMD protein pathway, down-regulation of IL-18 and IL-1β levels, and alleviation of pyroptosis.
2.A Randomized Controlled,Double-Blind Study on Huaban Jiedu Formulation (化斑解毒方) in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris with Blood-Heat Syndrome
Xuewen REN ; Yutong DENG ; Huishang FENG ; Bo HU ; Jianqing WANG ; Zhan CHEN ; Xiaodong LIU ; Xinhui YU ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1679-1686
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Huaban Jiedu Formulation (化斑解毒方, HJF) in treating psoriasis vulgaris with blood-heat syndrome. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group, with 30 cases in each. The treatment group received HJF granules orally, one dose a day, combined with topical Qingshi Zhiyang Ointment (青石止痒软膏), while the control group received placebo granules, one dose a day, combined with the same topical ointment. Both groups were topically treated twice daily of 28 days treatment cours. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), visual analogue scale for pruritus (VAS), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and psoriasis life stress inventory (PLSI) were assessed before treatment and on day 14 and day 28. Response rates for PASI 50 (≥50% reduction) and PASI 75 (≥75% reduction), as well as overall clinical efficacy, were compared between groups. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were measured before and after 28 days of treatment. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. ResultsAfter 28 days of treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in PASI total score, lesion area score, erythema, scaling, and infiltration scores, pruritus VAS score, TCM syndrome score, DLQI, PLSI, and serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly greater improvements in PASI total score and erythema score, TCM syndrome score, serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels, and PASI 50 response rate after 28 days (P<0.05). Between-group comparisons of score differences before and after 28-day treatment revealed that the treatment group showed significantly better improvements in PASI total, lesion area score, erythema score, TCM syndrome score, DLQI, PLSI, and inflammatory markers (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The total effective rate on day 14 and day 28 was 40.00% (12/30) and 83.33% (25/30) in the treatment group, versus 6.90% (2/29) and 41.38% (12/29) in the control group, respectively. The clinical efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). Mild gastric discomfort occurred in 3 patients in the treatment group and 1 in the control group. ConclusionHJF can effectively improve skin lesions and TCM symptoms relieve pruritus, enhance quality of life, and reduce inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-17, in patients with blood-heat syndrome of psoriasis vulgaris, with a good safety profile.
3.Advances in diagnosis and treatment of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma
Shui LIU ; Jiyao SHENG ; Xuewen ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(4):223-228
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) is a special type of primary liver cancer, which is characterized by dual phenotypic differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Due to the lack of specific diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, the preoperative diagnosis is difficult, the treatment is not easy, and the prognosis is poor. Routine serology, imaging examination and histological biopsy are the main methods of preliminary screening and diagnosis of cHCC-CC. Patients with resectable cHCC-CC should be treated with surgical treatment if possible, but whether they should receive liver transplantation remains a careful choice. There is still no unified standard for local treatment and systemic treatment for advanced patients, and its efficacy is still controversial. Systemic treatment including platinum drugs can benefit some patients. The potential value of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced cHCC-CC patients has been highlighted. The introduction of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model has provided a strong guarantee for the comprehensive treatment of patients, and the development of xenogenetic model and multi-omics technology has provided a considerable prospect for the realization of individualized treatment for patients. The present situation and progress of diagnosis and treatment of cHCC-CC are discussed in order to provide reference for clinical practice.
4.Analysis and Prediction of Disease Burden of Depression in Old Age in China from 1990 to 2021
Xiaolin BAO ; Hongjuan WEI ; Xinxin BIAN ; Xiumei MA ; Yin GAO ; Yingyan ZHANG ; Wei LIU ; Yuexian MA ; Weixin ZHANG ; Xuewen YANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;16(2):361-369
To analyze the trends in disease burden and risk factors of depression among the elderly population in China from 1990 to 2021, and to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention, treatment, and policy-making of geriatric depression in China. Data on the disease burden of geriatric depression in China from 1990 to 2021, including the number of incident cases, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), incidence rate, and DALY rate, were extracted from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database.The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trends by calculating the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC).The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was employed to predict the disease burden of geriatric depression over the next five years.Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to describe the risk factors for geriatric depression in China in 1990 and 2021. From 1990 to 2021, the number of incident cases and the incidence rate of geriatric depression in China showed an overall upward trend.The most significant increase in incidence was observed in the 60-64 age group, while the prevalence rate increased notably in the ≥ 95 age group.TheDALY rate showed the most pronounced upward trend in the 65-69 age group.The incidence, prevalence, and DALY rates of geriatric depression were higher in women than in men.Major risk factors included child hood sexual abuse and intimate partner violence, with the impact of intimate partner violence being particularly significant among women.The ARIMA model predicted that the incidence, prevalence, and DALY rates of geriatric depression in China would decline over the next five years, with a greater decline observed in women than in men. From 1990 to 2021, the incidence, prevalence, and DALY rates of geriatric depression in China showed an overall upward trend, with higher rates observed in women than in men.Greater attention should be paid to the elderly female population, with a focus on early prevention to reduce the disease burden of geriatric depression.
5.Protective effect of Qideng Mingmu capsule on retinal vessels in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy
Chunmeng LIU ; Shan DING ; Xuewen DONG ; Dandan ZHAO ; Siyuan PU ; Li PEI ; Fuwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(5):428-435
Objective:To investigate the effect of Qideng Mingmu capsule on the formation and remodeling of retinal neovascularization in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR).Methods:Thirty-six postnatal day 7 (P7)SPF grade C57BL/6J pups were divided into normal group, OIR group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group by random number table method, with 9 mice in each group.The mice in the normal group were raised in normal environment.The mice in the other three groups were fed in hyperoxic environment of (75±2)% oxygen concentration for 5 days from P7 to P12 and then were fed in normal environment for 5 days from P12 to P17 to establish the OIR model.From P12, mice in Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group were given intragastric administration of Qideng Mingmu capsule (900 mg/kg) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor apatinib (70 mg/kg) respectively, once a day for 5 consecutive days.On P17, paraffin sections of mouse eyeballs were made and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to count the number of vascular endothelial cells that broke through the internal limiting membrane.The retinal slices were prepared and stained with FITC-dextran to quantify the retinal non-perfusion area, neovascularization density and total vascular density.The distribution and fluorescence intensity of retinal vascular endothelial cell marker CD31 and pericyte marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were observed by double immunofluorescence staining.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression and distribution of retinal hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin).The use and care of animals were in accordance with the Regulations on the Management of Laboratory Animals issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No.2019-30).Results:The number of vascular endothelial cells breaking through the internal limiting membrane in normal group, OIR group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group were (2.83±4.40), (37.33±5.43), (23.83±6.79) and (14.00±9.34), respectively, with a statistically significant overall difference ( F=28.313, P<0.001).There were more vascular endothelial cells breaking through internal limiting membrane in OIR group than in normal group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05).In the observation of mouse retinal slices, there were large non-perfusion areas, neovascularization buds and disordered distribution of blood vessels in OIR group.The distribution of blood vessels was more uniform and the areas of non-perfusion and neovascularization were smaller in Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group than in OIR group.The relative area of central retinal non-perfusion area and neovascularization density were significantly lower in normal group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group than in OIR group (all at P<0.05).The immunofluorescence intensity of CD31 and the absorbance value of HIF-1α were significantly lower, and the immunofluorescence intensity of α-SMA and the absorbance value of VE-cadherin were significantly higher in normal group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group than in OIR group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Qideng Mingmu capsule can inhibit retinal neovascularization formation, increase vascular pericyte coverage, relieve retinal hypoxia and increase vascular integrity in OIR mice.It can protect the retinal vessels of OIR mice.
6.Diagnostic value of CT density features of the fat around pericoronary artery combined with ECG on the severity of disease condition in CHD patients
Jinwen LIU ; Xuewen LI ; Shan WU ; Yayun ZHANG ; Zhijun ZHANG
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(9):47-52
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of density features of computed tomography(CT)of the fat around pericoronary artery of dual-source computer tomography angiography(CTA)combined with electrocardiogram(ECG)on the severity of disease condition in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods:A total of 120 CHD patients who admitted to Shanxi Bethune Hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were selected,and they were grouped according to the New York Heart Association(NYHA).Among of them,86 cases at grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ were divided into grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ group,and 34 cases at grade Ⅳ were divided into grade Ⅳ group.A dual-source CT was used to detect the densities of different coronary branches of Pericardial Adipose Tissue(PCAT)of average coronary artery of proximal left anterior descending artery(pLAD),mid left anterior descending artery(mLAD),proximal left circumflex artery(pLCX),proximal right coronary artery(pRCA),mid right coronary artery(mRCA)and distal right coronary artery(dRCA)of all patients,and ECG was used to detect and record the value of QRS voltage,QRS time limit value and QTc interval of patients.The mean PCAT densities of pLAD,mLAD,pLCX,pRCA,mRCA and Drca,and the QRS voltage and QRS time limit,as well as QTc interval between the two groups were observed and compared.The receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curve was used to analyze the efficacies of the above indicators in single diagnosis and combined diagnosis for the severity of disease condition of CHD patients.Results:The mean PCAT density of pLAD,mLAD,pLCX,pRCA,mRCA,mRCA and dRCA,and QRS time limit and QTc interval of patients in grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ group were significantly lower than those in grade Ⅳ group,with statistically significant difference(t=58.681,5.097,5.902,13.513,P<0.05),respectively.The area under curve(AUC)values of ROC curves of ECG and CT density of the fat around pericoronary artery of CTA were larger than 0.5 for the severity of disease condition in CHD patients,and the highest AUC value of combined diagnosis was 0.966.The results of Pearson linear correlation analysis showed that there were correlations among mean PCAT density,QRS voltage,QRS time limit and QTc interval,and there were significantly negative correlations between QRS voltage and mean PCAT density,between QRS time limit and QTc interval(r=-0.754,-0.280,-0.452,P<0.05),and there were significantly positive correlations among mean PCAT density,QRS time limit,QTc interval and the severity of the disease condition of CHD patients(r=0.983,0.435,0.547,P<0.05),respectively.There was a significantly negative correlation between QRS voltage and severity of disease condition of CHD patients(r=-0.776,P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of CT density features of the fat around pericoronary artery of coronary artery CTA and ECG QRS wave group detection is helpful to the diagnosis for the severity of disease condition of CHD patients,which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and has a certain of application value.
7.Progress of LINGO-1 in neurological diseases
Jiayi LIU ; Hua ZHU ; Xuewen SU
International Journal of Pediatrics 2024;51(1):59-63
LINGO-1,a Nogo receptor-interacting protein-1 rich in leucine repeat sequences and immunoglobulin structural domains,which is specifically expressed in neurological diseases. In recent years,more and more evidences indicate that LINGO-1 plays an important role in glial scar formation,cell death and inflammatory reaction. LINGO-1 inhibits oligodendrocyte activation,and prevents axon and myelin formation and functional recovery,and is therefore considered to be a negative regulator of neuronal survival,neurite extension and axon myelination. The change of LINGO-1 level is related to the occurrence and development of many neurological diseases. This article reviews the physiological function of LINGO-1 and summarizes the latest research progress of LINGO-1 in multiple sclerosis,spinal cord injury,neonatal brain injury and epilepsy,so as to explore new strategies for the treatment of neurological diseases.
8.Effect of moderate-intensity exercise on the level of autophagy in bone tissue of ovariectomized rats
Xun LI ; Weichao ZHANG ; Yingjie LI ; Rong LIU ; Xuewen TIAN ; Pengyi ZHANG ; Xiaoqiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(20):3130-3136
BACKGROUND:Exercise is an effective method for preventing and treating osteoporosis,but it is unclear whether its effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis is related to changes in bone autophagy levels. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of exercise via cellular autophagy on the morphology and mechanical properties of bone tissue in ovariectomized rats,and to explore the mechanism of exercise on bone mass in ovariectomized rats from the perspective of autophagy. METHODS:A rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis was established,and a 24-week moderate-intensity exercise was used for intervention.After the experiment,serum estradiol levels were measured by ELISA,and bone mineral density and bone microstructure of the cortical and trabecular bone were detected by micro-CT.The biomechanical indicators of the tibia were tested by a three-point bending test.Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy.The expression of LC3 and ATG7 proteins was analyzed by western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The serum estradiol level in the ovariectomized group was significantly lower than that of the sham-operation group and ovariectomized+exercise group(P<0.01).The body mass of rats in each group increased,and the order was the ovariectomized group>the ovariectomized+exercise group>the sham-operation group>the sham-operation+exercise group.The bone mineral density and bone mass of rats in all groups significantly increased(P<0.01),but the increase in the ovariectomized group was significantly lower than that of the other groups,and the increase in the ovariectomized+exercise group was significantly higher than that of the ovariectomized group.Compared with the sham-operation group,the bone mineral density of the tibial cancellous bone in the sham-operation+exercise group was significantly increased(P<0.01),while the bone mineral density in the ovariectomized and ovariectomized+exercise groups was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the ovariectomized+exercise group,the ovariectomized group showed significantly lower bone volume fraction,number of trabeculae,and bone mineral density of cancellous bone(P<0.05),extremely significantly lower trabecular thickness(P<0.01),and significantly higher mean trabecular pattern factor,trabecular separation,and structural model index(P<0.01).Compared with the ovariectomized group,the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I ratio and the relative expression of ATG7 protein significantly increased in the ovariectomized+exercise group(P<0.05).Compared with the sham-operation and ovariectomized groups,the number of autophagosomes increased in the sham-operation+exercise and ovariectomized+exercise groups,respectively.To conclude,moderate-intensity treadmill exercise can improve the bone microstructure and biomechanical properties of the tibial cancellous bone and increase bone mass in ovariectomized rats by increasing serum estradiol levels and bone autophagy levels.
9.Overview of the outbreak of varicella in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2022 and analysis of associated factors for breakthrough cases
Xuan DENG ; Xinrui LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Lingzhi SHEN ; Rui YAN ; Xuewen TANG ; Yao ZHU ; Xiaoping XU ; Hanqing HE
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(3):315-324
Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and explore the associated factors of breakthrough cases (BC) from Public Health Emergency Events (PHEEs) of varicella in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2022.Methods:Data on cases were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and the PHEEs Reporting Information Database of Varicella in Zhejiang Province. History records were matched through the Zhejiang Provincial Immunization Information System. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression model with a bidirectional stepwise selection method were performed to explore associated factors for BC during 2019-2022.Results:A total of 144 276 varicella cases were reported from 2019 to 2022, with the annual reported incidence of 47.35-82.80 cases per 100 000 population. Among these cases, 109 172 were non-breakthrough cases (NBC, accounting for 75.67%), 34 517 were BC (23.92%), and the rest 587 cases had unclear vaccination history on varicella (0.41%). A total of 214 PHEEs of varicella were reported, of which 99.07% occurred in school settings. The proportion of PHEEs that occurred in high school increased significantly as time went on ( χ2trend=5.742, P=0.017). Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "BC vs. NBC (as the reference)" indicated that the year of onset ( OR=1.585, 95% CI:1.343-1.878), the month of onset (taking January as the reference, OR=2.311-15.652), city (taking Hangzhou as the reference, Jiaxing OR=2.370, Jinhua OR=2.197, Lishui OR=0.134), age ( OR=0.887, 95% CI: 0.826-0.944), PHEEs setting (taking "primary school and below" as the reference, "high school and above" OR=0.516, 95% CI: 0.305-0.897), and the number of rashes ( OR=0.569, 95% CI: 0.458-0.703) were associated factors. Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "two-dose BC vs. one-dose BC (as the reference)" showed that the age of initial vaccination ( OR=0.045, 95% CI: 0.014-0.107), the time interval from onset to the last dose ( OR=0.037, 95% CI: 0.011-0.087) and the age of onset ( OR=20.724, 95% CI: 8.383-72.485) were associated factors. Conclusion:During 2019-2022, the reported high-risk group of varicella in Zhejiang Province has shifted to adolescents and young adults. Although vaccination could not completely prevent the onset of VZV, it could relieve clinical symptoms and delay the age of onset.
10.Correlation between coronary heart disease and osteoporosis based on coronary CT angiography
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(6):903-906,935
Objective To investigate the correlation between coronary heart disease(CHD)and osteoporosis(OP)based on coronary computed tomography angiography(CTA).Methods Data of patients with coronary CT A were prospectively collected.A total of 130 patients with CHD were included in the experimental group,and 61 patients without CHD were included in the control group matched by age and gender.General information and blood biochemical indexes of patients were collected.Coronary CTA data was transmitted to Shukun Technology software to obtain coronary assessment indicators;Bone mineral density(BMD)of the T9-T11 was measured using quantitative computed tomography(QCT)software.The correlation between CHD and OP was analyzed with the obtained data.Results BMD in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.01),and the fat attenuation index(FAI)was higher than that in the control group(P<0.001).BMD in the experimental group was highly negatively correlated with calcification score(r,=-0.35,P=0.001);The BMD of the extremely low risk group was higher than that of the other three groups(P<0.01);The degree of coronary stenosis was lower in the extremely low and low risk groups than in the other two groups(P<0.001).BMD in the experimental group was highly negatively correlated with the degree of coronary stenosis(r=-0.29,P<0.001);The FAI in the occlusion group was the highest.There was no correlation between BMD and FAI in the experimental group;The degree of coronary stenosis and calcification score in FAI>-70 HU group were higher than FAI≤-70 HU group(P<0.01).Conclusion CHD is closely related to OP.Coronary plaque calcification accelerates bone loss and aggravates coronary stenosis.When the calcification score is more than 100,the effect on coronary stenosis and bone loss is more significant.

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