1.Effect of Astragali Radix on Gut Microbiota and GLP-1 in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Qi Deficiency Type
Keke HOU ; Lin CHEN ; Zhidan ZHANG ; Yunyi YANG ; Fangli ZHANG ; Yuanying XU ; Hongping YIN ; Lan DING ; Tao LEI ; Wenjun SHA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):161-170
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Astragali Radix-mediated changes in gut microbiota on treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM). MethodsA 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled eighty patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control in the Qi deficiency type. All patients received insulin therapy. The observation group (40 cases) was administered with Astragali Radix Granules, while the control group (40 cases) received a placebo. Both treamtents were taken orally twice daily. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16s rDNA sequencing. Serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glucose metabolism indicators including fasting blood glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2 h PG),glycated albumin(GA), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated. Pancreatic function was evaluated using fasting C-peptide (FCP), 2-hour postprandial C-peptide (2 h CP), and C-peptide area under the curve (AUCcp). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, clinical efficacy, and safety indicators were also observed. ResultsIn terms of glucose metabolism indicators, compared with the baseline, both groups exhibited significantly lower FPG, 2 h PG, GA and HbA1C (P<0.01),while FCP, 2 h CP and AUCcp were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after the treatment, the observation group showed significantly lower FPG, 2 h PG, GA and HbA1C(P<0.05, P<0.01),and significantly higher FCP, 2 h CP and AUCcp (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that Astragali Radix can improve glucose metabolism. In terms of the diversity of gut microbiota, no significant differences were detected in the Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indexes of the two groups compared with their respective baselines. However, compared with the post-treatment control group, the observation group demonstrated significant increases in the Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01). The β-diversity analysis showed significant separation in gut microbiota composition before and after treatment in both groups, indicating that Astragali Radix can significantly alter the structure and improve the diversity of gut microbiota. At the phylum level, compared with the baseline, both groups showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota(P<0.01). The relative abundance of the potentially harmful phylum Proteobacteria was significantly lower in the observation Group after treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the post-treatment control group, the observation group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota(P<0.01). No significant difference was found in Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio between the two groups after treatment, and other phyla showed no significant differences. At the genus level, compared with the baseline, the observation group exhibited a significant increase in Bacteroides (P<0.01) and a significant decrease in Escherichia-Shigella (P<0.01), whereas no significant difference was seen in the control group . Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group after treatment had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroides (P<0.01). No significant differences were seen in other genera. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified potential characteristics taxa: in the observation group, Bacteroidota at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Dubosiella at the genus level, in the control group, Proteobacteria at the phylum level as well as Barnesiella and Staphylococcus at the genus level. Correlation analysis based on a heatmap revealed that GLP-1 levels were positively correlated with Firmicutes, F/B ratio and Fusobacterium, and negatively correlated with Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella. In terms of clinical efficacy, compared with the control group, the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher (P<0.05). Compared with the baseline, the scores for shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, spontaneous sweating and reluctance to speak significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the score for weakness was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.01),indicating that Astragali Radix could improve clinical symptoms and alleviate weakness symptoms. In terms of safety, compared with the baseline, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05,P<0.01),indicating that Astragali Radix did not induce any significant abnormalities in liver and kidney functions. ConclusionAstragali Radix demonstrates the potential to significantly improve the gut microbiota environment in patients of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with Qi deficiency. The therapeutic effect may contribute to glycemic control, possibly mediated by an elevation in GLP-1 level. These findings may support its further clinical investigations and potential applications.
2.Analysis of influencing factors and TCM syndrome classification of skin pruritus in patients with maintenance hemodialysis
Yuanying XIA ; Xiaoping FAN ; Xiaojuan FANG ; Liyan ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(17):20-24
Objective To investigate the influencing factors and Traditional Chinese Medical(TCM)syndrome classification of skin pruritus in patients with maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Methods A total of 174 hemodialysis patients who underwent regular dialysis in Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Jiaxing TCM Hospital from July to September 2024 were selected as study subjects.According to the presence or absence of uremic pruritus(UP),they were divided into pruritus group(n=66)and non-pruritus group(n=108).Both groups of patients were classified into TCM syndromes,and the factors affecting skin pruritus in MHD patients were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis and an evaluation model was established.The evaluation efficiency of the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve.The relationship between TCM syndromes and pruritus degree was analyzed.Results Both groups of patients were mainly characterized by spleen and kidney Qi deficiency,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that β2 microglobulin(β2-MG),blood phosphorus,hyper-sensitive C-reactive protein and parathyroid hormone(PTH)were all risk factors for skin pruritus in MHD patients.The area under the curve of skin pruritus in MHD patients was 0.962(95%CI:0.930-0.995).The underlying syndrome of UP patients was mainly spleen and kidney Qi deficiency,and marked syndrome was mainly blood deficiency and wind-dryness.Conclusion β2-MG,blood phosphorus,hyper-sensitive C-reactive protein and PTH are closely related to the occurrence of skin pruritus in MHD patients.The TCM syndrome of UP patients is mainly characterized by spleen and kidney Qi deficiency,and syndrome of blood deficiency and wind-dryness is mainly characterized by UP patients,and there is a certain correlation between TCM syndrome classification and the degree of skin pruritus.
3.A survey of HPV and vaccine cognition and vaccination intention among primary health care workers in Shanghai
Lei CHEN ; Yuanying LU ; Yahong SHEN ; Qiaoying ZHANG ; Haiying SHI ; Minglu SHANG ; Xiao ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):89-90
Objective To understand the awareness and willingness of primary medical staff in Songjiang District, Shanghai towards human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccines, and to provide references for improving the vaccination willingness of HPV vaccine and primary prevention of cervical cancer. Methods From July to August 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among the in-service medical staff in 17 community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai, using the random sampling method. Descriptive analysis, χ2 test and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 951 valid questionnaires were collected during the survey. The awareness rate of HPV among medical staff was 92.74%, and the awareness rate of HPV vaccine was 93.38%. The maximum score for HPV knowledge was 6 points, with an average score of (3.99±1.34) points. The maximum score for HPV vaccine knowledge was 10 points, with an average score of (5.63±1.61) points. 881 (92.64%) medical staff were willing to receive or recommend HPV vaccination. Multivariate analysis showed that concerns about being infected with HPV (OR=2.648, 95% CI: 1.459-4.806), qualified score on HPV vaccine knowledge (OR=1.717, 95% CI: 1.012-2.912), high price burden of HPV vaccine (OR=0.343, 95% CI: 0.157-0.746), and concerns about side effects of vaccination (OR=0.443, 95% CI: 0.243-0.805) were the influencing factors for medical staff's willingness to vaccinate. Conclusion There is insufficient knowledge of HPV and its vaccines among primary medical personnel in Songjiang District, Shanghai. It is necessary to strengthen the continuing education of medical personnel through multiple channels, supplement the HPV-related knowledge system, and eliminate their concerns about vaccines.
4.Dual effects of branched-chain amino acid on differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through Stat3 pathway
Xinghua Cai ; Jie Gao ; Yuanying Xu ; Huihui Zhang ; Rouzi Maireyanmu ; Wenjun Sha ; Jun Lu ; Tao Lei
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):494-501
Objective :
To investigate the effects of branched-chain amino acid(BCAA) on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and its potential mechanism.
Methods :
3T3-L1 preadipocytes were divided into the Control, differentiation medium(DM), low-concentration BCAA, and high-concentration BCAA groups. A CCK-8 assay was utilized to evaluate pre-adipocyte survival under various BCAA concentrations. Oil-red O staining was used to observe the formation of lipid droplets in adipocytes. Intracellular triglyceride(TG) and total cholesterol(TC) were detected by enzymatic method. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Stat3 and adipocyte differentiation-related genes.
Results :
CCK-8 results showed that the viability of 3T3-L1 cells was not affected when the BCAA concentration was ≤ 10 mmol/L. Compared with the DM group, the low-concentration BCAA groups(0.5 and 1.0 mmol/L) had significantly larger intracellular lipid droplets, increased number of lipid droplets, and elevated levels of the intracellular TC(0.88vs0.68 mmol/g; 0.83vs0.68 mmol/g,P<0.01) and TG(0.77vs0.40 mmol/g; 0.62vs0.40 mmol/g,P<0.01). Nevertheless, the cell differentiation in the high-concentration group(5.0 and 10.0 mmol/L) significantly decreased compared with that in the DM group. Further, levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα, Adiponectin, and FABP4 mRNA and protein expression significantly increased in the low-concentration group, but significantly decreased in the high-concentration group than that in the DM group(P<0.01). In addition, low concentrations of BCAA promoted stat3 phosphorylation, while high concentrations inhibited its phosphorylation(P<0.01).
Conclusion
BCAA have a dual role in regulating the differentiation of preadipocytes through Stat3, i.e. low concentrations of BCAA induce cell differentiation by promoting Stat3 phosphorylation; whereas high concentrations of BCAA inhibit Stat3 phosphorylation and cell differentiation.
5.Analysis of influencing factors and TCM syndrome classification of skin pruritus in patients with maintenance hemodialysis
Yuanying XIA ; Xiaoping FAN ; Xiaojuan FANG ; Liyan ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(17):20-24
Objective To investigate the influencing factors and Traditional Chinese Medical(TCM)syndrome classification of skin pruritus in patients with maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Methods A total of 174 hemodialysis patients who underwent regular dialysis in Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Jiaxing TCM Hospital from July to September 2024 were selected as study subjects.According to the presence or absence of uremic pruritus(UP),they were divided into pruritus group(n=66)and non-pruritus group(n=108).Both groups of patients were classified into TCM syndromes,and the factors affecting skin pruritus in MHD patients were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis and an evaluation model was established.The evaluation efficiency of the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve.The relationship between TCM syndromes and pruritus degree was analyzed.Results Both groups of patients were mainly characterized by spleen and kidney Qi deficiency,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that β2 microglobulin(β2-MG),blood phosphorus,hyper-sensitive C-reactive protein and parathyroid hormone(PTH)were all risk factors for skin pruritus in MHD patients.The area under the curve of skin pruritus in MHD patients was 0.962(95%CI:0.930-0.995).The underlying syndrome of UP patients was mainly spleen and kidney Qi deficiency,and marked syndrome was mainly blood deficiency and wind-dryness.Conclusion β2-MG,blood phosphorus,hyper-sensitive C-reactive protein and PTH are closely related to the occurrence of skin pruritus in MHD patients.The TCM syndrome of UP patients is mainly characterized by spleen and kidney Qi deficiency,and syndrome of blood deficiency and wind-dryness is mainly characterized by UP patients,and there is a certain correlation between TCM syndrome classification and the degree of skin pruritus.
6.Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma exosomal miR-181b-5p promotes tumor associated macrophage polarization by inhibiting PTEN
Hui FAN ; Naikuo ZHAO ; Linlin CHEN ; Zhiguo LI ; Miao LIU ; Yuanying ZHANG ; Chaofeng ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(7):1441-1446
Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma exosomal miR-181b-5p to the polarization of M2 macrophages.Methods:Extracted and identified exosomes from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,and detected the expression of miR-181b-5p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells and their exosomes by qRT-PCR.M0 type macro-phages were divided into PBS group,HEEC exo group,Eca-109 exo group,miR-NC exo group,miR-181b-5p exo group,miR-NC group,miR-181b-5p mimic group,si-NC group,si-PTEN group,miR-181b-5p exo+PTEN group.qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of CD163,CD206,iNOS and TNF-α in each group.The targeting relationship between miR-181b-5p and PTEN were veri-fied by double luciferase reporter gene experiment.Results:miR-181b-5p was significantly overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells TE-13,TE-12,TE-10,Eca-109,KYSE30 and their exosomes(P<0.001).Compared with miR-NC group,the expression of CD163 and CD206 in cells were significantly upregulated in the miR-181b-5p mimic group,as well as the expressions of iNOS and TNF-α were significantly downregulated(P<0.001).The results of double luciferase reporter genes showed that PTEN was the target gene of miR-181b-5p.Compared with si-NC group,the expressions of CD163 and CD206 in cells were significantly upregu-lated in the si-PTEN group,as well as the expressions of iNOS and TNF-α were significantly downregulated(P<0.001).Compared with PBS group,the expressions of CD163 and CD206 in cells were significantly upregulated in the Eca-109 exo group,as well as the expressions of iNOS and TNF-α were significantly downregulated(P<0.001).Compared with miR-NC exo group,the expressions of CD163 and CD206 in cells were significantly upregulated in the miR-181b-5p exo group,as well as the expressions of iNOS and TNF-α were significantly downregulated(P<0.001).Compared with miR-181b-5p exo group,the expressions of CD163 and CD206 in cells were significantly downregulated in the miR-181b-5p exo+PTEN group,as well as the expressions of iNOS and TNF-α were significantly upregulated(P<0.001).Conclusion:Exosomal miR-181b-5p inhibits PTEN expressions to promote M2 macrophage polarization.
7.Study on the relationship between the expression of MMP-2,MMP-9,MMP-13 and disease activity in pemphigus patients
Haixiang ZHANG ; Cheng DING ; Jun WU ; Yuanying ZHAO ; Wenfang LIU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(15):1822-1827
Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2,MMP-9,MMP-13 and disease activity in pemphigus patients.Methods A total of 60 pemphigus patients treated in the dermatology department of the hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were select-ed as the study group,and another 60 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examination in the same pe-riod were recruited as the control group.The levels of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in serum and the expres-sion of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared between the two groups,and the relationship between the expression of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with pemphigus was analyzed.Pemphigus patients were divided into acute phase group(n=22),chronic phase group(n=23)and stable phase group(n=15)according to their disease activi-ty.The expression of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the three groups were compared,as well as the correlation between the three indexes and disease activity.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted for analysis.Results The levels of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in serum and the expression of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the study group were higher than those in the control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).The expression of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in severe patients were higher than those in moderate and mild patients,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The expression of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 and disease activity scores of mononuclear cells in acute attack group were higher than those in chronic attack group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The ex-pression of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were positively correlated with disease activity(rMMP-2=0.545,rMMP-9=0.592,rMMP-13=0.580,P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that compared with the single diagnostic efficacy of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells,the three combined diagnostic efficacy was better.Conclusion The expression of MMP-2,MMP-9 and MMP-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pemphigus patients is related to the disease activity,and these three indicators can be used as reference indicators for the diagnosis of pemphigus disease activity.
8.Design, synthesis and antifungal activity of novel triazoles containing propyl side chains
Haidong ZHANG ; Fumiao YUAN ; Dazhi ZHANG ; Yuanying JIANG ; Shichong YU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice 2023;41(2):86-90
Objective To study the antifungal activity of a new series of triazole compounds with n-propyl side chain and disubstituted benzyl structure. Methods Eleven target compounds were designed and synthesized. The structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, and some compounds were confirmed by 13C NMR or HRMS. Three fungal strains were selected as experimental strains, and the antifungal activity was tested in vitro according to the standardized antifungal sensitivity test method recommended by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). Results Compound B11 showed better activity against candida albicans SC5314 than fluconazole and was comparable to posaconazole; Compounds B10, B11 and B4 showed better activity against cryptococcus neoformanis H99 than fluconazole, while compounds B2, B3, B5, B6 and B7 showed similar activity to fluconazole against cryptococcus neoformanis H99; while all compounds showed poor activity against aspergillus fumigatus. Conclusion Some of the target compounds with n-propyl side chain and disubstituted benzyl group structure had certain antifungal activity and could be identified as potential lead antifungal drugs.
9.Relationship between histone deacetylase gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bai and Han populations in Dali of Yunnan Province
Qiaoling MA ; Chaoqin LIU ; Fa ZHANG ; Zefen LIU ; Yuanhua YU ; Jingtian YANG ; Xiongju LI ; Tingjiang WANG ; Yuanying SHEN
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2023;30(1):87-96
Objective:To investigate the relationship between histone deacetylase (HDAC) gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Bai and Han populations in Dali of Yunnan province.Methods:A total of 148 patients with T2DM of Bai and Han nationalities who received treatment in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital from May 2019 to March 2021 were included in the T2DM group. An additional 100 healthy controls of Bai and Han nationalities who concurrently received physical examination in the same hospital from May 2019 to December 2020 were included in the normal control group. The susceptibility genes of T2DM were detected using the Taqman MGB probe method. The susceptibility gene loci were amplified using polymerase chain reaction. The whole sequence of susceptibility gene was sequenced.Results:There were no significant differences in the distribution frequencies of rs2530223 genotype, rs11741808 genotype, rs2547547 genotype, and rs1741981 genotype between Bai and Han populations (all P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in blood lipid level between four loci ( t = -1.06, -0.19, 0.39, -2.12, -2.04, 0.16, 1.47, < 0.01, -0.16, -3.17, -2.93, 0.69, -2.58, -2.33, all P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance between different states (all P < 0.05). The frequency distributions of each genotype and each allele did not differ significantly between healthy control people of Bai nationality and T2DM patients of Bai nationality and between healthy control people of Han nationality and T2DM patients of Han nationality (all P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the polymorphism was not an independent risk factor for T2DM. Conclusion:The relationships between HDAC gene polymorphism and T2DM, obesity and dyslipidemia differ between Bai and Han populations.
10.Risk factors of electric bicycle road-traffic injuries: a case-control study
Lei CHEN ; Yuanying LU ; Xiao ZHANG
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;34(10):990-995
Objective:
To investigate the risk factors of road traffic injuries caused by electric bicycles, so as to provide insights into the prevention and control of road traffic injuries.
Methods:
A case-control study was performed (cases to controls ratio of 1∶2). The riders of electric bicycles with road-traffic injuries in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality during the period between June 2020 and May 2021 were included in the case group, and age-, gender- and occupation-matched riders of electric bicycles without road-traffic injuries in the same study area during the same study period served as controls. Participants' demographic data, living habits, health status, awareness of safe riding and riding behaviors were collected using questionnaire surveys, and the risk factors of road-traffic injuries caused by electric bicycles were identified using a multivariable conditional logistic regression model.
Results:
There were 167 participants in the case group, including 122 men (73.05%) and with an age of 38 (21) years, and 334 participants in the control group, including 244 men (73.05%) and with an age of 32 (18) years. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis identified sleep duration of less than 8 h (OR=1.760, 95%CI: 1.111-2.786), occasional/frequent anxiety (OR=5.140, 95%CI: 1.067-24.750), unawareness of riding speed limit of 25 km/h (OR=2.352, 95%CI: 1.460-3.788), having been warned or punished for violating traffic rules (OR=2.246, 95%CI: 1.243-4.060), running a red light (OR=1.725, 95%CI: 1.043-2.852), riding speed of ≥ 30 km/h (sometimes, OR=2.409, 95%CI: 1.475-3.933; often, OR=4.711, 95%CI: 2.153-10.309) as risk factors of electric bicycle road-traffic injuries.
Conclusions
Electric bicycle road-traffic injuries is associated with sleep duration, anxiety, awareness of traffic rules, and unsafe riding behaviors. Traffic safety education and law enforcement is required to be reinforced among riders of electric bicycles.


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