1.Serum Metabolomics of Simulated Weightless Rats Treated with Taikong Yangxin Pills
Xiaodi LIU ; Xuemei FAN ; Yiming WANG ; Mengjia YAN ; Yongzhi LI ; Jiaping WANG ; Junlian LIU ; Guoan LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):147-153
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Taikong Yangxin Pills on the metabolism of simulated weightless rats based on metabolomics and discuss the metabolism mechanism. MethodsIn the simulated space capsule environment on the ground, the rat model of simulated weightlessness was established by the tail suspension method. Rats were randomly grouped as follows: out-of-capsule control, in-capsule control, model, and high (3.0 g·kg-1) and low (1.5 g·kg-1) doses of Taikong Yangxin Pills, and they were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 28 days. The serum levels of endogenous metabolites in rats were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The obtained data were processed by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to screen for differential metabolites and potential biomarkers. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for pathway enrichment analysis to explain the metabolic regulation mechanism of the drug. ResultsCompared with the out-of-capsule control group, the in-capsule control group showed elevated levels of thirteen metabolites, including 14-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid (P<0.05), which suggested that the space capsule environment mainly affected the metabolism of α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid in the rats. Compared with the in-capsule control group, the model group showed lowered levels of fourteen metabolites, including 4-imidazolone-5-propionic acid, isocitric acid/citric acid, and L-tyrosine (P<0.05), which were recovered after the treatment with Taikong Yangxin pills (P<0.05). The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that weightlessness induced by tail suspension and drug intervention mainly involved the phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, histidine metabolism, and citric acid cycle. ConclusionThe simulated space capsule environment and simulated weightlessness induced by tail suspension can both affect the metabolism level of rats. Taikong Yangxin pills can ameliorate the metabolic abnormality in the rat model of weightlessness by regulating various amino acids and energy metabolism-related pathways.
2.Early assessment of responsive neurostimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy in China: A multicenter, self-controlled study.
Yanfeng YANG ; Penghu WEI ; Jianwei SHI ; Ying MAO ; Jianmin ZHANG ; Ding LEI ; Zhiquan YANG ; Shiwei SONG ; Ruobing QIAN ; Wenling LI ; Yongzhi SHAN ; Guoguang ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):430-440
BACKGROUND:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the first cohort of people in China treated with a responsive neurostimulation system (Epilcure TM , GenLight MedTech, Hangzhou, China) for focal drug-resistant epilepsy in this study.
METHODS:
This multicenter, before-and-after self-controlled study was conducted across 8 centers from March 2022 to June 2023, involving patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were undergoing responsive neurostimulation (RNS). The study was based on an ongoing multi-center, single-blind, randomized controlled study. Efficacy was assessed through metrics including median seizure count, seizure frequency reduction (SFR), and response rate. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships of basic clinical factors and intracranial electrophysiological characteristics with SFR. The postoperative quality of life, cognitive function, depression, and anxiety were evaluated as well.
RESULTS:
The follow-up period for the 19 participants was 10.7 ± 3.4 months. Seizure counts decreased significantly 6 months after device activation, with median SFR of 48% at the 6th month (M6) and 58% at M12 ( P <0.05). The average response rate after 13 months of treatment was 42%, with 21% ( n = 4) of the participants achieving seizure freedom. Patients who have previously undergone resective surgery appear to achieve better therapeutic outcomes at M11, M12 and M13 ( β <0, P <0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in patients' scores of quality of life, cognition, depression and anxiety following stimulation when compared to baseline measurements. No serious adverse events related to the devices were observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
The preliminary findings suggest that Epilcure TM exhibits promising therapeutic potential in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures. However, to further validate its efficacy, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are required.
REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2200055247).
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Drug Resistant Epilepsy/therapy*
;
Adult
;
Young Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
China
;
Adolescent
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Quality of Life
;
Single-Blind Method
;
Seizures
;
Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods*
3.Arsenic trioxide preconditioning attenuates hepatic ischemia- reperfusion injury in mice: Role of ERK/AKT and autophagy.
Chaoqun WANG ; Hongjun YU ; Shounan LU ; Shanjia KE ; Yanan XU ; Zhigang FENG ; Baolin QIAN ; Miaoyu BAI ; Bing YIN ; Xinglong LI ; Yongliang HUA ; Zhongyu LI ; Dong CHEN ; Bangliang CHEN ; Yongzhi ZHOU ; Shangha PAN ; Yao FU ; Hongchi JIANG ; Dawei WANG ; Yong MA
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2993-3003
BACKGROUND:
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI.
METHODS:
In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS:
A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent.
CONCLUSION
Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals
;
Arsenic Trioxide
;
Autophagy/physiology*
;
Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology*
;
Arsenicals/therapeutic use*
;
Oxides/therapeutic use*
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
4.Current status an prospects of research on the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine in manned spaceflight
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):291-296
This article procides a review of the current research status of the application of traditional Chinese medicine in manned spaceflight:(1)Current status of theoretical research on traditional Chinese medicine in aerospace;(2)The research and application status of traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic technology in aerospace;(3)Current status of traditional Chinese medicine intervention research on aerospace medicine issues;(4)The current status of traditional Chinese medicine non pharmacological intervention research on aerospace medicine issues;(5)The application status of traditional Chinese medicine in China's manned space missions.Looking ahead to the future,we aim to build a discipline of traditional Chinese medicine in space from the aspects of theoretical establishment,technological method innovation,and product development for manned lunar landing and deep space exploration missionss.
5.Application and research progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in radiation environmental protection
Yuanbing ZHU ; Jiaping WANG ; Yongzhi LI ; Weihong LU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):317-321
With the ongoing development of nuclear energy,radiotherapy,and space exploration,ionizing radiation poses a growing threat to human health.Studies have confirmed that high-intensity or prolonged exposure can lead to apoptosis,genetic damage,immune dysfunction,and multisystem disorders,underscoring the urgent need for effective protective strategies.This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in radiation protection and assess its potential applications in extreme environments such as aerospace.A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize existing research on anti-radiation effects of single herbs,compound prescriptions,and Chinese patent medicines.The pharmacological features and action mechanisms of heat-clearing and detoxifying,tonifying,blood-activating,and tranquilizing herbs were analyzed,with emphasis on their applications in radiotherapy support and aerospace radiation protection.TCM exerts radioprotective effects through multiple biological pathways,including antioxidation,free radical scavenging,DNA repair,immune regulation,and tissue regeneration.Some Chinese patent medicines have been clinically applied as adjuncts to chemo-and radiotherapy,demonstrating benefits in reducing side effects and improving treatment tolerance.Certain herbal components have also shown promising potential in space radiation protection research.TCM has significant potential in radiation protection,particularly in high-risk settings such as spaceflight,where it offers integrated regulatory and protective effects.Future research should focus on elucidating mechanisms,standardizing efficacy evaluation,and promoting clinical translation to support its broader application in nuclear energy,medical radiotherapy,and deep space exploration.
6.Protective effects of Qiang Gu Kang Wei extraction against muscle atrophy induced by simulated microgravity in rats
Dan WU ; Leiyu TIAN ; Shuyu LI ; JiaPeng LIU ; Junlian LIU ; Yongzhi LI ; Qian WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):367-371
Objective Observe the impact of Qang Gu Kang Wei extraction(KW)on skeletal muscle atrophy in simulated weightlessness rats by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial fusion.Methods SD rats were randomy divided the control group(Control),the simulated weightlessness group(TS),and the KW group(TS+KW).Rats were treated with KW with or without tail suspension(TS)for 28 days,and the cross-sectional areas of the gastrocnemius muscle were compared with a control group.The expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)and key proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion were also analyzed.Results KW treatment reduced the loss of muscle cross-sectional area caused by TS.TS increased the protein expression of glucose-regulated Protein 78(GRP78)and components of the ERS signaling pathways,while KW treatment reduced this increase.TS also inhibited the expression of mitofusin 2(MFN2),which was increased by KW treatment.Additionally,KW treatment promoted the interaction between GRP78 and the endoplasmic reticulum protein sigma-1 receptor(Sig-1R).Conclusion KW may attenuate muscle atrophy caused by simulated weightlessness by regulating ERS and mitochondrial fusion fusion.
7.Olfactory diagnostic analysis system based on a low-pressure chamber,simulated weightless human bedridden volunteers,and general population oral odor mapping analysis
Quanchun FAN ; Chong XU ; Junlian LIU ; Xiaorui WU ; Yu LIU ; Jiaping WANG ; Shuang ZHAO ; Yongzhi LI
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):380-384
Objective Hypobaric chamber and simulated weightless bed are essential methods for aerospace medical research,and conducting state assessment of volunteers before and after hypobaric chamber and simulated weightless bed tests is an essential guideline for aerospace implementation medicine.To further improve the efficiency of human condition assessment,in addition to the conventional biochemical and physiological indicators,the human oral exhaled gas can be used for condition assessment,and the olfactometry acquisition equipment and analysis software can collect and detect most volatile gases to complete the human oral exhaled gas data acquisition.Conducting comparative analysis of olfactory mapping data from different populations may be a means to assess the status of the body.Methods The olfactometry acquisition equipment was used to collect the oral exhaled breath olfactometry profiles of the general population,hypobaric cabin volunteers,and ambulatory volunteers.The olfactometry analysis software was used to calculate the 12 eigenvalues of the olfactometry profiles and the t-SNE downscaling,and the radar plots were used to analyze the olfactometry profiles of the general population,low-pressure cabin volunteers,and ambulatory volunteers respectively.A comparative analysis of different populations was conducted.Results(1)The t-SNE mapping data of the general population and the ambulatory volunteers were almost indistinguishable;(2)the t-SNE mapping data of the hypobaric cabin volunteers and the general population had a slight overlap,but the distinguishability of the vast majority of the t-SNE mapping data was obvious;(3)the t-SNE mapping data of the hypobaric cabin volunteers and the ambulatory volunteers were distinguishable with no overlap,and the ambulatory t SNE data are highly aggregated,and the distribution of t-SNE data in low-pressure cabin is more discrete;(4)there are 2-3 sensors with large eigenvalues and a large range of variation for both low-pressure cabin volunteers and recumbent volunteers after training activities,and the common sensor with a large range of variation is S6.Conclusion Olfactory diagnostic analysis mapping may be a means to assess the health status of the body and may be useful for spaceflight health status assessment in the future.The analysis and application of flight health state assessment can be a reference in the future.
8.Study on the facial spectrum and color characteristics of patients with essential hypertension
FU Hongyuan ; CHUN Yi ; JIAO Wen ; SHI Yulin ; TU Liping ; LI Yongzhi ; XU Jiatuo
Digital Chinese Medicine 2024;7(4):429-440
Methods:
From September 3, 2018, to March 23, 2024, participants with essential hypertension (receiving antihypertensive medication treatment, hypertension group) and normal blood pressure (control group) were recruited from the Cardiology Department of Shanghai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Coronary Care Unit of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, the Physical Examination Center of Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Gaohang Community Health Service Center. This study employed the propensity score matching (PSM) method to reduce study participants selection bias. Spectral information in the facial visible light spectrum of the subjects was collected using a flame spectrometer, and the spectral chromaticity values were calculated using the equal-interval wavelength method. The study analyzed the differences in spectral reflectance across various facial regions, including the entire face, forehead, glabella, nose, jaw, left and right zygomatic regions, left and right cheek regions as well as differences in parameters within the Lab color space between the two subject groups. Feature selection was conducted using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, followed by the application of various machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), Naïve Bayes (NB), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). The reduced-dimensional dataset was split in a 7 : 3 ratio to establish a classification and assessment model for facial coloration related to primary hypertension. Additionally, model fusion techniques were applied to enhance the predictive power. The performance of the models was evaluated using metrics including the area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to interpret the outcomes of the models.
Results:
A total of 114 participants were included in both hypertension and control groups. Reflectance analysis across the entire face and eight predefined areas revealed that the hypertensive group exhibited significantly higher reflectance of corresponding color light in the blue-violet region (P < 0.05) and a lower reflectance in the red region (P < 0.05) compared with control group. Analysis of Lab color space parameters across the entire face and eight predefined areas showed that hypertensive group had significantly lower a and b values than control group (P < 0.05). LASSO regression analysis identified a total of 18 facial color features that were highly correlated with hypertension, including the a values of the chin and the right cheek, the reflectance at 380 nm and at 780 nm of the forehead. The results of the multi-model classification showed that the RF classification model was the most effective, with an AUC of 0.74 and an accuracy of 0.77. The combined model of RF + LR + SVM outperformed a single model in their classification performance, achieving an AUC of 0.80 and an accuracy of 0.76. SHAP model visualization results indicated that the top three contributors to ideal prediction results based on the characteristics from the facial spectrum were the reflectance at 380 nm across the entire face and of the nose as well as the a value of the chin.
Conclusion
Within the same age group, patients with essential hypertension exhibited significant and regular changes in facial color and facial spectral reflectance parameters after the administration of antihypertensive drugs. Furthermore, facial reflectance indicators, such as the overall reflectance at 380 nm and the a value of the chin, could offer valuable references for clinically assessing the drug efficacy and health status of patients with essential hypertension.
9.Outcomes of empirical versus precise lung segmentectomy guided by artificial intelligence: A retrospective cohort study
Jian CHEN ; Bicheng ZHAN ; Yong TANG ; Yongzhi LIU ; Genshui LI ; Jian LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(10):1422-1427
Objective To compare the clinical application of empirical thoracoscopic segmentectomy and precise segmentectomy planned by artificial intelligence software, and to provide some reference for clinical segmentectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the patients who underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy in our department from 2019 to 2022. The patients receiving empirical thoracoscopic segmentectomy from January 2019 to September 2021 were selected as a group A, and the patients receiving precise segmentectomy from October 2021 to December 2022 were selected as a group B. The number of preoperative Hookwire positioning needle, proportion of patients meeting oncology criteria, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative chest drainage time, postoperative hospital stay, and number of patients converted to thoracotomy between the two groups were compared. Results A total of 322 patients were collected. There were 158 patients in the group A, including 56 males and 102 females with a mean age of 56.86±8.82 years, and 164 patients in the group B, including 55 males and 109 females with a mean age of 56.69±9.05 years. All patients successfully underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy, and patients whose resection margin did not meet the oncology criteria were further treated with extended resection or even lobectomy. There was no perioperative death. The number of positioning needles used for segmentectomy in the group A was more than that in the group B [47 (29.7%) vs. 9 (5.5%), P<0.001]. There was no statistical difference in the number of positioning needles used for wedge resection between the two groups during the same period (P=0.572). In the group A, the nodule could not be found in the resection target segment in 3 patients, and the resection margin was insufficient in 10 patients. While in the group B, the nodule could not be found in 1 patient, and the resection margin was insufficient in 3 patients. There was a statistical difference between the two groups [13 (8.2%) vs. 4 (2.4%), P=0.020]. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of postoperative thoracic drainage, postoperative hospital stay, or conversion to open chest surgery (P>0.05). Conclusion Preoperative surgical planning performed with the help of artificial intelligence software can effectively guide the completion of thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy. It can effectively ensure the resection margin of pulmonary nodules meeting the oncological requirements and significantly reduce the number of positioning needles of pulmonary nodules.
10.Efficacy of zero-pressure percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with hands-free pneumatic lithotripsy in the one-stage treatment of calculous pyonephrosis
Zhonghua WU ; Yongzhi WANG ; Ping CHEN ; Tongzu LIU ; Bing LI ; Xinghuan WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(12):1047-1050
[Objective] To evaluate the efficacy and safety of zero-pressure percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) combined with hands-free pneumatic lithotripsy in the one-stage treatment of calculous pyonephrosis in the non-acute infection phase. [Methods] Clinical data of 15 patients' treated during Feb.2022 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Double-sheath negative pressure PCNL was adopted, with zero-pressure gravity perfusion where the perfusion height was at the level of the patients' kidney, not exceeding 20 cm above the kidney.Pneumatic lithotripsy was performed without the need to hold the device with hand. [Results] The median stone diameter was 28 (range 22—40) mm, with a median stone density of 1028 (range 765—1305) Hu.All operations were successful.The median operation time was 55 (range 35—90) min.Postoperative low fever (Clavien grade Ⅰ) occurred in 1 case, and high fever (Clavien grade Ⅱ) occurred in 1 case, with no complications of Clavien grade Ⅲ or above.The initial stone-free rate was 73.3%, and the stone-free rate after one month was 93.3%. [Conclusion] For patients with calculous pyonephrosis in the non-acute infection phase, one-stage treatment using zero-pressure PCNL combined with hands-free pneumatic lithotripsy demonstrates good efficacy and safety.

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