1.Application of Mitophagy in Regulating Ulcerative Colitis Based on "Spleen Dysfunction in Essence Distribution Leading to Endogenous Turbid Pathogens"
Xuli YANG ; Yanwei HAO ; Qiaobo YE ; Lingling YUAN ; Ruijie FANG ; Yi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):176-184
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, non-specific intestinal inflammatory disease. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving interactions among genetic, immune, and environmental factors, and remains incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial damage can trigger the abnormal release of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs), activating inflammatory pathways and thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response in UC. Mitophagy, a core mitochondrial quality control mechanism, can clear damaged mitochondria and effectively reduce the abnormal release of mtDAMPs and the accumulation of harmful substances, thereby mitigating inflammatory damage resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier function and in the prevention and intervention of UC. Notably, the function of the spleen governing transportation and transformation in traditional Chinese medicine shares similarities with the role of mitochondria in energy transformation and substance metabolism. Furthermore, the pathological state of the spleen failing in transportation and transformation may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction, while the pathogenic characteristics of "endogenous turbid pathogen" align with the inflammatory cascade responses triggered by abnormal release of mtDAMPs. Based on this theoretical correlation, this paper aims to explore the correlation between the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "spleen dysfunction in essence distribution leading to endogenous turbid pathogens" and mitophagy. Using the correlation as an entry point, the potential role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of UC was elucidated. Additionally, by considering the epidemiological characteristics of UC in the Southwest region of China, a new thinking for the treatment of UC from the perspective of turbid pathogens was proposed based on the "fortifying the spleen and resolving turbidity" method to provide theoretical support and research enlightenment for further exploring the prevention and treatment of UC with traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Intervention Mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan in Delaying Colitis-associated Colon Cancer via Modulating and Restoring MDSCs and Reshaping Immune Microenvironment
Yanwei HAO ; Chunrun LI ; Zhengwu QU ; Junmei TANG ; Jing GUO ; Yi ZHANG ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):185-194
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the efficacy and related actions of Guizhi Fulingwan in intervening in the mice with colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) based on the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MethodsSixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to a blank group, a model group, an aspirin group (0.04 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Guizhi Fulingwan groups (4.87, 9.75, and 19.50 g·kg-1), with ten mice per group. The CAC mouse model was established via combined induction of azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Drug intervention commenced in week five, with continuous intragastric administration for nine weeks. The food intake, body weight, fecal characteristics, and haematochezia were observed and recorded, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were calculated according to scoring criteria. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the colon tissues of the mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine proliferating cell nuclear antigen-67 (Ki67) expression in the colon tissues, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum of the mice. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the proportion levels of MDSCs, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in the spleen tissues of the mice. The mRNA expressions of MDSC-associated effector molecules, including arginase 1 (Arg1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). After that, an in vitro co-culture model of MDSCs and CD8+ T cells was established, and drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan was used for intervention. The Flow cytometry was employed to assess the effects of drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan with different concentrations on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iNOS in MDSCs and the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. The levels of granzyme B (GZMB) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced body weight, elevated DAI scores, shortened colon length (P<0.01), increased number of tumors and Ki67 expression (P<0.01), and significantly elevated contents of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.01). Significant increases in the number of MDSCs were observed in mouse spleens, alongside marked reductions in the levels of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of MDSC function-associated effector molecules Arg1 and iNOS were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the mice in the middle-dose Guizhi Fulingwan group exhibited increased body weight and significantly decreased DAI scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mice in the middle- and high-dose Guizhi Fulingwan groups exhibited significantly improved colon shortening, significantly decreased number of tumors and Ki67 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly decreased contents of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, administration of Guizhi Fulingwan markedly reduced MDSC infiltration in the spleen of the mice, with different degrees of increase in the levels of both CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside significant decreases in the mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). In vitro cell co-culture shows that administration of drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan significantly decreases the activity levels of ROS and iNOS in MDSCs and promotes the proliferation of CD8+ T cells and the secretion of GZMB and IFN-γ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGuizhi Fulingwan can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and inhibit tumor proliferation in the colon tissues of CAC mice. Its potential mechanism may involve reducing MDSC infiltration, enhancing effector T cells, particularly CD8+ T cell response, and improving the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment.
3.Endovascular recanalization for symptomatic non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion:analysis of its short-term efficacy
Junlei CUI ; Xinyu XIE ; Dayong DU ; Yanwei HOU ; Wenlong ZHANG ; Bo LI ; Hongwu ZHANG ; Heliang ZHANG ; Zaiyu GUO
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(10):1105-1109
Objective To discuss the short-term efficacy of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion.Methods A total of 90 patients with symptomatic non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion,who were admitted to the Department of Neurology of Tianjin Municipal Teda Hospital of China from August 2017 to December 2021,were selected as the research objects.The patients were divided into study group(n=45)and control group(n=45).Percutaneous endovascular recanalization of internal carotid artery occlusion was performed for the patients of the study group,and standardized antiplatelet aggregation and anti-lipid therapy(including oral aspirin,clopidogrel bisulphate and atorvastatin)was adopted for the patients of the control group.The symptom recurrence rate at one year after treatment in both groups was analyzed.Results Of the 45 patients in the control group,4 were lost in touch,and 41 completed the one-year follow-up.Of the 45 patients in the study group,2 patients had failure of surgery,one patient had lost contact visit,and 42 completed the one-year follow-up.Postoperative intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients.After one year of follow-up,in the control group 26 patients(63.41%)developed recurrence of symptoms,presenting as transient ischemic attack(TIA,n=13,31.7%)and cerebral infarction(n=13,31.7%),and in the study group 8 patients(4.76%)developed recurrence of symptoms,presenting as TIA(n=6,14.3%)and cerebral infarction(n=2,4.8%);the incidence of cerebral infarction in the study group was strikingly lower than that in the control group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).In the patients with grade Ⅲ compensation,the recurrence rate of symptoms was remarkably decreased after endovascular recanalization of internal carotid artery occlusion,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).However,in the patients with grade Ⅰ or grade Ⅱ compensation,although the recurrence rate of symptoms was decreased after endovascular recanalization of internal carotid artery occlusion,the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of patients with symptomatic non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion,percutaneous endovascular recanalization of internal carotid artery occlusion is clinically safe,it can significantly decrease the recurrence rate of symptoms.
4.Construction of a new staging system for stage N3 gastric cancer based on the metastatic lymph node ratio
Hongyu ZHANG ; Guanghui LIU ; Yanwei YE ; Chunlin ZHAO ; Yang FU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(2):123-130
Objective:To explore the cut-off value of metastatic lymph node ratio (LNR) for stage N3 gastric cancer and construct a new TNM staging system to predict prognosis.Methods:Clinical data of 4 291 patients from Jan 2004 to Dec 2020 in the SEER database and 567 patients from Jan 2016 to Dec 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University with stage N3 gastric cancer were collected. A new TNrM staging system and a nomogram model were constructed based on the optimal LNR cut-off value and compared with the 8th TNM staging model in terms of prognostic discrimination, prognostic prediction accuracy, and clinical usefulness.Results:The optimal cut-off value of LNR was 0.5. A TNrM staging system was constructed by combining the Nr stage with the T stage. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses showed that the TNrM staging system was a significant prognostic factor (all P<0.05). Based on the 8th TNM and TNrM staging system, two nomograms were constructed in the training set and externally validated in the validation set. Compared with the TNM staging model, the TNrM staging model had a larger C-index and area of time-dependent ROC curve(AUC) (training set: 3-year AUC: 66.5 vs. 74.4, 5-year AUC: 68.9 vs. 75.3; validation set: 3-year AUC: 62.3 vs. 73.1, 5-year AUC: 62.6 vs. 75.8), its overall survival prediction curves were closer to the ideal curve in the calibration curve, and its clinical net benefit was greater in the decision curves. Conclusions:Stage N3 gastric cancer patients with a metastatic lymph node ratio >0.5 have a poor prognosis. The TNrM staging nomogram model constructed based on the lymph node ratio has better prognostic discrimination ability and prediction accuracy and more clinical net benefits compared to the 8th edition of TNM staging nomogram model.
5.The association between knee torsion and multiple bony dysplasia of the lower extremities in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation
Hui ZHANG ; Daofeng WANG ; Xuesong WANG ; Lei HONG ; Yue LI ; Guan WU ; Yanwei CAO
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(4):257-263
Objective To explore the association between knee torsion and multiple bony abnormali-ties of the lower limb in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation(RPD).Methods The preoperative imaging data of RPD patients treated in our institution between May 2020 and October 2024 were col-lected retrospectively.A total of 238 patients were included in this study,with 83.6%being females.All patients underwent standard hip-knee-ankle CT scans,and lower limb bony structural parameters were reconstructed and measured using Mimics 20.0,focusing on variables such as knee torsion,femo-ral anteversion(FAA),femoral distal torsion angle(DFTA),supratrochlear spur,tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove distance(TT-TG),Caton-Deschamps index,and tibial torsion.Bony abnormalities were categorized based on previously established risk thresholds.Moreover,chi-square tests were em-ployed to compare the composition ratio differences between knee torsion and multiple lower limb osse-ous abnormalities.Results Among all affected knees,the proportion of excessive knee torsion was 33.6%,while in cases with osseous abnormalities,the value was over 40%.Compared with cases of low knee torsion,patients with excessive knee torsion showed significantly higher proportions of FAA(41.3%vs.27.2%,P=0.028),excessive DFTA(60%vs.32.9%,P<0.001),supratrochlear spur(55%vs.38.6%,P=0.016),trochlear dysplasia(93.8%vs.73.4%,P<0.001),excessive TT-TG(68.8%vs.43.7%,P<0.001),and patella alta(50%vs.22.2%,P<0.001).Additionally,95%of knees with excessive torsion exhibited two or more bony risk factors,whereas 55%had four or more bony structural abnormalities,which was significantly higher than those of low knee torsion(55%vs.21.5%,P<0.001).Conclusion In RPD patients,excessive knee torsion is associated with multiple low-er limb bony abnormalities.Moreover,patients with high knee torsion(>12°)are significantly more likely to have multiple bony abnormalities than those with low torsion.Therefore,in surgical decision-making for such patients,lower limb bony abnormalities should be assessed comprehensively.
6.Multi-parameter synthetic sequences combined with microview diffusion weighted imaging in predicting the invasion of cavernous sinus by pituitary macroadenoma
Hedan LUO ; Yangyingqiu LIU ; Haonan ZHANG ; Na LIU ; Yukun ZHANG ; Chang YUAN ; Jiayi SUN ; Nan WANG ; Qingwei SONG ; Yanwei MIAO
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(1):70-76
Objective:To investigate the value of MULTI-parametric MR imaging with flexible design (MTP) combined with microview diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting pituitary tumor invasion of cavernous sinus.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. The clinicopathological and imaging data of 59 patients with suspected pituitary tumor who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from December 2021 to August 2024 were prospectively analyzed. According to Knosp classification, patients with pituitary tumor were divided into non-invasive group (28 cases) and invasive group (31 cases). All patients underwent MTP and microview DWI sequence scanning, and the corresponding parameter values [T 1, R 2*, T 2* and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)] were measured on the MTP quantitative map and ADC map at the maximum diameter level of the pituitary tumor. Independent sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the clinical data, quantitative parameter values and proliferation index (Ki-67) between the non-invasive group and the invasive group. Quantitative parameter values with statistically significant differences were jointly included in logistic regression to construct the model. Receiver characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze single variables and logistic model in predicting the value invasion of pituitary tumor cavernous sinus invasion. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the quantitative values and Ki-67 level. Results:There was no significant difference in age and gender between the non-invasive group and the invasive group ( P>0.05). T 1 and T 2* values in invasion group were higher than those in non-invasion group ( Z=4.42, P<0.001; Z=3.43, P<0.001), R 2* values and ADC values in the invasion group were lower than those in the non-invasion group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=4.07, P<0.001; Z=-3.07, P=0.002). The AUC values of T 1, R 2*, T 2*, ADC, logistic model 1(T 1+R 2*+ADC) and logistic model 2(T 1+T 2*+ADC) for predicting pituitary tumor cavernous sinus invasion were 0.835, 0.767, 0.760, 0.733, 0.926 and 0.925, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the value of pituitary tumor T 1 was positively correlated with Ki-67 ( r=0.431, P=0.002). Conclusion:Quantitative parameters of MTP sequence and microview DWI sequence can quantitatively evaluate pituitary tumor invasion of cavernous sinus, and the combination of the two sequences can significantly improve the prediction efficiency.
7.Changes of brain functional connectivity in clinical frontline physicians under high occupational stress risk
Yanwei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Zexuan WANG ; Cunzhao NIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Ge ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1037-1041
Objective To observe changes of brain functional connectivity in clinical frontline physicians under high occupational stress risk using gradient analysis based on MRI.Methods Totally 25 clinical frontline physicians were prospectively enrolled as observation group,while 25 non-medical staff in hospital taken as controls(control group).Brain resting-state functional MRI were acquired and preprocessed with Brainspace toolbox.Brain functional connectivity gradients were calculated,and the gradient components were compared between groups.Results In hierarchical structures of gradient components 1 and 2,significant increase of gradient components were noticed in observation group,mainly including default mode network,visual network and dorsal attention network related brain regions.Conclusion Gradient components of single modal brain regions in clinical frontline physicians significantly increased under high occupational stress risk.
8.Analysis of the infection status of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in Beijing in 2024
Yulan SUN ; Xiangfeng DOU ; Weijia ZHANG ; Yanwei CHEN ; Fu LI ; Haoyuan JIN ; Zhenyong REN ; Dan LI ; Daitao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(2):136-141
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Beijing in 2024, to investigate the infection status of reservoir hosts, vector organisms, and baseline human populations, and provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies.Methods:Epidemiological surveys were conducted on all confirmed cases. Serum samples from healthy populations and reservoir hosts were collected for SFTSV antibody detection. Questing ticks were monitored using the flagging method. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was employed to detect SFTSV in cases, reservoir hosts, and ticks. Positive samples underwent whole-genome sequencing and genetic evolution analysis.Results:In 2024, Beijing reported 15 locally infected cases with 4 deaths. The age of onset ranged from 50 to 80 years (median: 66 years). Cases showed a certain degree of geographical clustering, with June being the peak month of onset. The affected population was predominantly farmers, with a male-to-female ratio of 3∶2. Animal contact history emerged as a significant risk factor alongside tick bites. Parthenogenetic tick populations were identified in Pinggu district, while SFTSV-carrying ticks were detected in endemic areas (Mentougou, Shijingshan, and Fengtai Districts). Viral presence was also confirmed in ticks or dogs from non-endemic areas. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed stable clustering of strains into two distinct genotypes (A and B). Antibody-positive individuals were identified in healthy populations from non-endemic areas.Conclusions:The incidence of SFTS in Beijing is increasing, with natural viral circulation already established in non-endemic regions. Enhanced surveillance and adjusted prevention strategies are urgently needed.
9.Exploring the association between mental stress, lymphocyte subset variations, and coronary lesion severity
Yunpeng CHI ; Lijun ZHANG ; Xiaorong HUANG ; Xiaoran SHEN ; Peijun RAO ; Yanwei LI ; Haiyang CHEN ; Meiyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(1):36-44
Objectives:This study aimed to explore the association between perceived mental stress (MS), lymphocyte subset variations, and coronary lesion severity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods:Patients with CAD were enrolled in this study from September 2023 to May 2024. Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14) was used to evaluate MS during the last 1 month. Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed, including the percentage and absolute counts of CD3 +, CD3 +CD4 +, CD3 +CD8 +, CD3 -CD19 +, CD3 -CD56 +16 +, and the Th/Ts ratio. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0. Results:This study recruited patients with 323 CAD, with an average age of 61 (56, 68) years, including 203 males and 120 females. According to the PSS-14, a score of 14-42 and 43-70 were categorized as normal and increased MS, respectively. Patients with CAD with increased MS had significantly higher Gensini scores than those with normal MS [37(19,64) vs. 28(12,50), Z=-2.19, P=0.029]. Male CAD patients with increased MS exhibited significantly higher Gensini scores [39(20, 58) vs. 26(12, 45), Z=-2.37, P=0.018], levels of CD3 +CD8 +%[28.3%(23.6%,36.6%) vs. 25.9%(21.0%,32.4%), Z=-2.05, P=0.041], and CD3 +CD8 +absolute value [485 (346, 675) vs. 396 (309, 510) cells/μl, Z=-2.55, P=0.011] than those with normal MS. In male patients with CAD, a positive correlation was observed between Gensini scores (correlation coefficient: 0.181, P=0.011), PSS-14 scores, and CD3 +CD8 +absolute value (correlation coefficient: 0.162, P=0.038). Conclusion:This study reveals a positive correlation between MS and coronary stenosis severity, with notable sex differences. In male patients with CAD, higher levels of MS are associated with more severe coronary stenosis. The potential underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of lymphocyte subsets .
10.Palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis: A new target for anti-myocardial fibrosis.
Xuewen YANG ; Yanwei ZHANG ; Xiaoping LENG ; Yanying WANG ; Manyu GONG ; Dongping LIU ; Haodong LI ; Zhiyuan DU ; Zhuo WANG ; Lina XUAN ; Ting ZHANG ; Han SUN ; Xiyang ZHANG ; Jie LIU ; Tong LIU ; Tiantian GONG ; Zhengyang LI ; Shengqi LIANG ; Lihua SUN ; Lei JIAO ; Baofeng YANG ; Ying ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4789-4806
Myocardial fibrosis is a serious cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we identified that the expression of sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1), was increased significantly in the ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, dilated cardiomyopathy patients (GSE116250) and fibrotic heart tissues of mice. Additionally, inhibition or knockdown of SARM1 can improve myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function of myocardial infarction (MI) mice. Moreover, SARM1 fibroblasts-specific knock-in mice had increased deposition of extracellular matrix and impaired cardiac function. Mechanically, elevated expression of SARM1 promotes the deposition of extracellular matrix by directly modulating P4HA1. Notably, by using the Click-iT reaction, we identified that the increased expression of ZDHHC17 promotes the palmitoylation levels of SARM1, thereby accelerating the fibrosis process. Based on the fibrosis-promoting effect of SARM1, we screened several drugs with anti-myocardial fibrosis activity. In conclusion, we have unveiled that palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Inhibition of SARM1 is a potential strategy for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. The sites where SARM1 interacts with P4HA1 and the palmitoylation modification sites of SARM1 may be the active targets for anti-fibrosis drugs.

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