1.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Rosacea Using the Method of Venting Heat and Resolving Stagnation
Yuan SUN ; Yang SHEN ; Runan FANG ; Wenjing CHEN ; Yan ZHAO ; Di GE ; Jianhong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):571-574
This paper summarizes the clinical experience in the syndrome differentiation and treatment of rosacea using the method of venting heat and resolving stagnation. It is considered that the key pathogenesis of rosacea is the accumulation of heat with stagnation. Accordingly, the method of venting heat and resolving stagnation is proposed, which vents and disperses constraint heat by applying approaches such as dredging defensive qi, clearing qi, venting ying (营) level, and cooling blood, while eliminating stagnation and masses through regulating qi, resolving dampness, dispelling phlegm and removing stasis. In clinical practice, a core prescription for venting heat and resolving stagnation is formulated, with flexible modifications made according to the clinical characteristics of different rosacea subtypes, including erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular types, thereby providing therapeutic insights for the treatment of rosacea with traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Shaoyaotang Regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Protect Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Ulcerative Colitis
Dongsheng WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenjing QUAN ; Wanqing XIONG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):69-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in intestinal mucosal barrier damage in ulcerative colitis, as well as the intervention mechanism of Shaoyaotang. MethodsSixty SD rats were allocated into a blank group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.42 g·kg-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (11.1, 22.2, 44.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Shaoyaotang groups. A model of ulcerative colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). After successful modeling, rats were administrated with corresponding agents via gavage for 7 days. Changes in colon length and colon weight were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the pathological changes of the colon, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), junction adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), and claudin-1 in the colon. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the colon. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated DAI score (P<0.01), reduced colon length and colon weight (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed decreased DAI score (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased colon length and colon weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. ConclusionShaoyaotang alleviates intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage to protect intestinal barrier integrity by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Prokaryotic expression of Echinococcus granulosus Polo-like kinase 2 and immunoprotective efficacy of its recombinant protein
Xue WANG ; Mingzhi YAN ; Wenjing QI ; Chuanchuan WU ; Guowu ZHANG ; An GENG ; Mengxiao TIAN ; Jun LI ; Wenbao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):184-193
Objective To prepare the recombinant Echinococcus granulosus Polo-like kinase 2 (rEgPLK2) protein and evaluate its immunoprotective efficacy against cystic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into research and development of novel vaccines against echinococcosis. Methods The Polo-like kinase (PLK) protein sequences were retrieved from 12 species in the NCBI protein database, including E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Multiple sequence alignment was performed using the Clustal Omega program, and structural visualization and homology analysis were conducted using the ESPript 3.2 program. The recombinant plasmid pET-30a-EgPLK2 was transformed into BL21(DE3) competent cells. Protein expression was induced with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to characterize the expression and molecular weight of the rEgPLK2 protein. The purified rEgPLK2 protein was thoroughly emulsified with Freund’s complete adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio. Two New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with multipoint subcutaneous injection on the back at a dose of 300 μg per rabbit for primary immunization. For booster immunizations, the protein was emulsified with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio and administered on days 14, 28, and 42 after the primary immunization at a dose of 150 μg per rabbit. Serum was sampled from the rabbit ear vein on day 7 after the final immunization to yield anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibodies. Antibody titer was determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and antibody specificity was verified by Western blotting. The tissue localization of the EgPLK2 protein was detected in E. granulosus protoscoleces and adult worms using immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Eighteen 6- to 8-week-old female SPF-grade BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups, including the blank control group, rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group, and PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, of 6 mice each group. Mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and PBSISA group received three primary immunizations via intramuscular injection, and animals in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group was inoculated with immunogens prepared by emulsifying rEgPLK2 protein with ISA 201 adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio (6 μg per mouse), while mice in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group received an equal volume of PBS emulsified with ISA adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio. A fourth booster immunization was administered via intraperitoneal injection. Mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group received a booster immunization with 8 μg of rEgPLK2 protein per mouse, and animals in the PBS-ISA group received an equal volume of PBS, with immunizations given at 2-week intervals. Mice in the blank control group were given no treatment, and housed under standard conditions. Tail vein blood was collected from all mice 7 days after the final immunization, and levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG antibody and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3) were measured by indirect ELISA. E. granulosus infection was modelled in mice through injection with 1 000 E. granulosus protoscoleces via intrahepatic portal vein in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and PBS-ISA adjuvant control group 2 weeks after the last immunization. All mice were sacrificed and dissected. The number of cysts was counted in mouse livers, and the cyst reduction rate was calculated. Liver tissues were processed for paraffin sectioning and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and histopathological changes were examined under a light microscope. Results Sequence analysis revealed that EgPLK2 shared a high amino acid sequence homology with E. multilocularis PLK2 (EmPLK2) and contained the typical domains of the Polo-like kinase family, including the serine/threonine protein kinase catalytic domain (STKc) and Polo-box. The IPTG-induced rEgPLK2 protein was mainly expressed in the form of inclusion bodies, and the purified rEgPLK2 protein showed a relative molecular mass of approximately 70 kDa. The prepared rabbit anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibody had a titer of 1 : 256 000, and Western blotting assay showed that this anti-body specifically recognized the rEgPLK2 protein with a relative molecular mass of approximately 70 kDa. Immunofluorescence assay showed that the EgPLK2 protein was localized in the excretory bladder and rostellum of E. granulosus protoscoleces, as well as the tegument, suckers, and inter-proglottid junctions of adult worms. Immunoprotective assay showed that the serum levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies were 2.92 ± 0.49, 0.33 ± 0.10, 0.31 (0.36), and 3.12 (1.73) in mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group, which were all significantly higher than those in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group (0.14 ± 0.04, 0.07 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.04, and 0.11 ± 0.04, respectively) (t = 19.28 and 8.46, Z = 3.75 and 4.15; all P values < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in the serum anti-IgG3 antibody level between the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group [0.07 (0.01) vs. 0.073 (0.07); Z = 0.69, P > 0.05)]. In the mouse model of E. granulosus infections, the area of hepatic lesions was reduced and the inflammatory infiltration was alleviated in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group than in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, and the number of hepatic cysts was higher in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group than in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group [8.00 (2.00) vs. 1.00 (0.75); Z = −2.93, P < 0.01], with a cyst reduction rate of 80.40%. Indirect ELISA assay measured higher serum levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG (3.28 ± 0.48 vs. 0.11 ± 0.04; t = 15.86, P < 0.01), IgG1 (0.29 ± 0.02 vs. 0.09 ± 0.01; t = 15.67, P < 0.01), IgG2a [3.71 (1.09) vs. 0.08 (0.03); Z = 2.88, P < 0.01], and IgG2b antibodies [3.34 (1.01) vs. 0.08 (0.03); Z = 2.88, P < 0.01] in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group than in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, and there was no significant difference in the serum level of the specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG3 antibody between the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group (0.07 ± 0.01 vs. 0.07 ± 0.01; t = 1.29, P > 0.05). Conclusions The prokaryotic expression system has been successfully constructed for the EgPLK2 gene and the anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibody has been obtained. The rEgPLK2 protein exhibits a high immunogenicity, and is effective to protect against E. granulosus infection, and inhibits cyst development, which is a promising candidate vaccine target against cystic echinococcosis.
4.Exploration into the needs and social work intervention of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Yexiang MENG ; Yu CUI ; Wenjing WANG ; Juan YAN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(6):790-798
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive inherited myopathy caused by a pathogenic variant of the amyotrophic protein gene. Currently, DMD patients have needs for treatment, education, and social integration at different stages of the disease. Faced with the multiple needs of DMD patients, based on the professional value and ethics of social work, the integrative orientation of social work, and the multiple roles of social workers, social workers can build a comprehensive service system centred on DMD patients and provide multiple services. Specifically, social work intervention paths can enhance the health and well-being of DMD patients and improve their quality of life by providing various services such as in-hospital and out-of-hospital health management, psychological support, resource links, empowerment, construction of social support networks, science popularization, and policy advocacy.
5.The relationship between soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, high mobility group protein B1 and the occurrence of heart failure after unstable angina intervention therapy
Yuping YAN ; Wenjing QU ; Caina MA
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(6):548-554
Objective:To investigate the relationship between soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), and heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with unstable angina (UA).Methods:This study was a retrospective study. The data of 196 UA patients who underwent PCI treatment in Xi′an Daxing Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023 were collected through the hospital′s electronic medical record system. The patients were followed up for 6 months after PCI, and the follow-up data were completed. According to the occurrence of heart failure during the follow-up period, they were divided into the occurrence group (35 cases) and the non occurrence group (161 cases). The general data, serum sVCAM-1, HMGB1 and other laboratory indicators before PCI were compared between the two groups, and the relationship between serum sVCAM-1, HMGB1 and the occurrence of heart failure in UA patients after PCI was analyzed.Results:Compared with the non occurrence group, the occurrence group had higher proportion of diabetes mellitus and multi-vessel disease : 28.57% (10/35) vs. 13.66% (22/161), 62.86% (22/35) vs. 32.30% (52/161); larger left ventricular diameter : (4.73 ± 0.54) cm vs (4.52 ± 0.51) cm; higher levels of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), sVCAM-1 and HMGB1: 0.07 (0.05, 0.08) μg/L vs. 0.05 (0.04, 0.06) μg/L, (8.16 ± 1.58) μg/L vs. (7.08 ± 1.21) μg/L, (458.26 ± 41.23) μg/L vs. (422.19 ± 37.41) μg/L, (6.39 ± 1.44) μg/L vs. (5.24 ± 1.45) μg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the occurrence of heart failure in UA patients after PCI may be related to a larger left ventricular diameter, abnormal levels of serum cTnI, sVCAM-1, and HMGB1 ( P<0.05). Restrictive cubic spline (RCS) analysis revealed a non-linear dose-response relationship between serum sVCAM-1, HMGB1, and the occurrence of heart failure in UA patients after PCI ( P<0.05). When serum sVCAM-1 ≥ 422.37 μg/L and HMGB1 ≥ 5.26 μg/L, the risk of heart failure in patients after PCI increased with the level of both. Serum sVCAM-1 and HMGB1 had a positive interactive effect on the occurrence of heart failure in UA patients after PCI. Decision curves and column charts were drawn to measure the model, it was found that the predictive model constructed with serum sVCAM-1 and HMGB1 assisted serum cTnI had certain predictive efficacy for the occurrence of heart failure in UA patients after PCI. Conclusions:The occurrence of heart failure in UA patients after PCI may be related to abnormally high levels of sVCAM-1 and HMGB1. As the levels of both increase, the risk of heart failure in patients increases. Using both to assist in predicting the risk of heart failure in patients has certain value.
6.Preliminary analysis of urinary exosomes metabolomic biomarkers in lupus nephritis patients
Ping YANG ; Wenjing LIU ; Hong YAN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):650-655
Objective:To analyze the distinctive urinary exosomal metabolites in patients with lupus nephritis (LN).Methods:In this case-control study, urine samples were collected from 29 LN patients (5 males and 24 females; age, 32?±?12 years old) admitted to the Department of Rheumatology in the Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital form October 20th, 2022 to March 10th, 2024, as well as from 20 healthy volunteers (4 males and 16 females; age 34?±?11 years old) undergoing routine physical examinations. Exosomes were isolated using polyethylene glycol precipitation, and metabolomic profiling was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The preprocessed data matrix was analyzed via principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) use R lamguage. Differential metabolites were screened based on the variable importance in projection (VIP) values derived from the OPLS-DA model and Student′s t-test. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:Metabolomic analysis identified a total of 963 metabolites. Based on the criteria of VIP>1 and P<0.05, three differential exosomal metabolites—L-tryptophan, L-isoleucine, and L-phenylalanine—were ultimately selected. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.774, 0.783, and 0.789, respectively, with a combined AUC of 0.847. Conclusion:This study preliminarily identified characteristic urinary exosomal metabolites in LN patients, providing novel insights and strategies for the subsequent identification of biomarkers in LN.
7.Association of MUFAs and PUFAs intake with risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:a secondary analysis based on Dryad data
Na FENG ; Yang XU ; Jing JI ; Di BAI ; Gen LIU ; Wenjing ZHU ; Yafan SONG ; Yan ZHANG ; Tuo HAN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(4):690-697
Objective To investigate the relationship between daily intake of monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFAs)and polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs)and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and to determine the threshold values of daily MUFAs and PUFAs intake for NAFLD risk.Methods Date were collected from the Dryad database.We enrolled a total of 1 068 healthy subjects aged 18 years and older(534 in the control group and 534 with NAFLD group)who had physical check-up in the Affiliated Nanping First Hospital of Fujian Medical University from April 2015 to August 2017.Comprehensive medical histories were obtained through questionnaires;information on dietary intake was collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and daily MUFAs and PUFAs intake were calculated.Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups,and Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline(RCS)analyses were used to explore the relationship between daily MUFAs or PUFAs intake and NAFLD.Results Compared with the control group,the prevalence of hypertension,tea drinking,body mass index(BMI),daily energy intake,and daily MUFAs and PUFAs intakes were significant higher in patients with NAFLD(all P<0.05),but the proportion of physical activities was significantly lower(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting other confounding factors such as age,gender and BMI,for every 10 g increase in daily MUFAs or PUFAs intake,the risk of NAFLD increased by 53%(95% CI:1.25-1.87,P<0.001)and 3.30 times(95% CI:2.98-6.20,P<0.001),respectively.RCS indicated an approximately linear relationship between daily MUFAs intake and NAFLD(P for nonlinearity=0.064)and a nonlinear relationship between daily PUFAs intake and NAFLD(P for nonlinearity<0.05).Subgroup analysis results were generally consistent,and there was statistical evidence of interactions between MUFAs and factors such as gender,hypertension and education level,with interaction between PUFAs and BMI observed(P<0.05).Conclusion Increased daily intake of MUFAs or PUFAs is significantly associated with an increased risk of NAFLD,and further research is needed to clarify their specific roles in hepatic lipid accumulation.
8.Human infection with Orf virus:one case report and literature review
Wenjing DENG ; Chunsheng HOU ; Xufeng YAN ; Wenguo JIANG ; Xinghua GAO ; Xueyun WANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(8):1140-1146
Human infection with Orf virus is a rare zoonotic disease in clinical practice,mainly caused by human contact with infected sheep or its pollutants.It is commonly seen in shepherds and slaughterhouse workers.The le-sion mainly involves the skin.Since it is rare in clinic and difficult to diagnose and treat,it is easy to be misdiag-nosed and underdiagnosed.This paper reports a case of human infection with Orf virus,with locally dense skin le-sions.The clinical diagnosis and treatment processes of this case are analyzed,and relevant literatures are reviewed retrospectively,so as to improve clinical understanding on this disease.
9.Preliminary study on circRNA N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation in hippocampus of APP / PS1 double transgenic mice with Alzheimer 's disease
Linna YAN ; Jing XIONG ; Wenjing LYV ; Xin ZHANG ; Zixuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(2):188-193
Objective:To assess the levels of circRNA and N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation in hippocampal tissue of Alzheimer's disease(AD)mice and wild-type(WT)mice, and to explore the potential role of circRNA m6A methylation modification in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.Methods:Differentially expressed circular RNAs(circRNAs)in the hippocampal tissue of APPswe/PS1dE9(APP/PS1)double-transgenic Alzheimer's disease(AD)model mice and matched wild type mice were identified using RNA high-throughput sequencing(RNA-seq).Subsequently, Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses were conducted on the source genes of these circRNAs.Validation of the RNA-seq results was performed using real-time quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR).Furthermore, the SRAMP website was utilized to predict potential m6A modification sites on the differentially expressed circRNAs.Finally, circRNAs with high confidence were validated and analyzed through methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR(MeRIP-qPCR).Results:In comparison to the control group, 21 circRNAs exhibited differential expression in the APP/PS1 group, with 15 being up-regulated and 6 down-regulated.GO analysis revealed that the source genes of these differentially expressed circRNAs were primarily associated with synapse structure and function, while KEGG analysis indicated their involvement in the Hippo signaling pathway and Lipid metabolism.qRT-PCR results confirmed that the expression patterns of the differentially expressed circRNAs were consistent with the RNA-seq findings.Specifically, the expression of mmu-Bai3_0007 in the APP/PS1 group was significantly lower than that in the control group(0.033±0.002 vs.1.006±0.136, t=12.38, P<0.01), and the m6A methylation level of mmu-Bai3_0007 was also notably reduced in the APP/PS1 group compared to the control group(0.144±0.018 vs.0.431±0.087, t=5.62, P<0.01). Conclusions:The m6A methylation modification of Bai3circRNA could play a role in Alzheimer's disease by regulating the expression of Bai3 circRNA.
10.Establishment of real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method for detecting the N subgenome of SARS-CoV-2
Taoli HAN ; Zhi ZHANG ; Jiaxin ZHAO ; Pan LU ; Yang JIAO ; Jianhong ZHAO ; Yan GAO ; Shiyao ZHANG ; Kuankuan LIU ; Yujie LIU ; Ru FAN ; Wenjing LI ; Lingli SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):96-101
Objective:To establish a fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR assay based on N_sgRNA of SARS-CoV-2 and preliminarily apply it on real samples.Methods:Recombinant plasmid, specific primers and probes of N_sgRNA were designed and synthesized based on Wuhan-Hu-1/2019_MN908947 and synthesis mechanism of subgenomic RNA (sgRNA). Using recombinant plasmid as amplification templates, the optimal reaction conditions and reaction system were screened according to the Ct value, fluorescence intensity, and shape of amplification curve and was evaluated for sensitivity, reproducibility, and specificity. Meanwhile, the possibility of practical application of the method was explored by testing 172 clinical samples and 256 municipal wastewater samples. Results:A qRT-PCR assay for N_sgRNA in SARS-CoV-2 was initially established. The detection limit of the assay was 20 copies/mL, and the variation coefficients of in-batch (0.002%~0.767%) and batch to batch repetition (0.016%~0.752%) were less than 1%. Only N_sgRNA recombinant plasmid was detected in the specificity assay. So the method is more highly sensitive, specific and reproducible. The RatiosgRNA/ gRNA of clinical samples HK.3, EG.5.1, JN.1 and their sub-lineages and their corresponding urban sewage samples in epidemic period were significantly different ( P<0.05). There is a strong correlation between the median of RatiosgRNA/ gRNA in clinical samples and sewage samples in the same period (correlation coefficient r=1.000, P=0.010). Conclusions:In this study, a qRT-PCR method for detecting N_sgRNA of SARS-CoV-2 was established and the method has the characteristics of higher sensitivity, stronger specificity and better repeatability, and it can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.

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