1.Mechanism of action of organelle interactions in the progression of liver fibrosis and traditional Chinese medicine prevention and treatment strategies
Yuanyuan ZHENG ; Chenlu ZHAO ; Lihui ZHANG ; Sutong LIU ; Wenxia ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):711-717
Liver fibrosis is the core pathological stage of the progression of various chronic liver diseases to liver cirrhosis, and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and the abnormal accumulation of collagen fibers are important processes for the development and progression of liver fibrosis. In recent years, studies have shown that HSC activation is regulated by the complex interactions between various organelles (including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, and peroxisomes), and such interactions affect the key cellular processes such as energy metabolism, protein synthesis and folding, reactive oxygen species balance, and autophagy, thereby participating in the progression of liver fibrosis. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients with multi-target synergistic effects have attracted wide attention. From the perspective of the interaction between organelles, this article systematically elaborates on the specific mechanism of such interactions in the progression of liver fibrosis and reviews how traditional Chinese medicine inhibits HSC activation and collagen production by regulating the function of these organelle and their interaction networks, thereby exerting an anti-liver fibrosis effect, in order to provide a theoretical basis for in-depth understanding of the pathological mechanism of liver fibrosis and the development of new traditional Chinese medicine intervention strategies.
2.Construction of a full-cycle management model for T2DM patients led by clinical pharmacists
Yuanyuan JIANG ; Guimei ZHENG ; Yaohua CAO ; Zeyu XIE ; Weiling CAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):92-98
OBJECTIVE To establish a full-cycle management model for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients led by clinical pharmacists. METHODS Based on literature research, a basic framework and items of full-cycle management model led by clinical pharmacists were initially formulated. The Delphi method was adopted to conduct questionnaire inquiries among 26 experts to determine the specific implementation items of the model. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to determine the weight values of items at all levels, and the reliability and validity of the model items were analyzed. RESULTS The recovery rates of the two rounds of expert consultation questionnaires were 86.67% and 100%, respectively, and the expert authority coefficient was 0.88. Kendall’s concordance coefficients of the tertiary-level items were 0.064 and 0.084, respectively, and the P values from the χ 2 tests were all less than 0.05; the consistent ratios of the judgment matrices for all levels of AHP model were all less than 0.1. The established full-cycle management led by clinical pharmacists comprised three primary-level items (pharmacy service pathway for T2DM patients during hospitalization, pharmacy management pathway for hypoglycemia in T2DM inpatients, and the pharmacy follow-up pathway for T2DM discharged patients, with weights of 0.098, 0.568 and 0.334, respectively), twelve secondary-level items (e.g. pharmaceutical care during hospitalization for 1 to 2 days, admission assessment and education, with weights ranging from 0.143 to 0.333) and thirty-seven tertiary-level items (e.g. assessment of medication compliance, verification of the medication plan for discharge, with weights ranging from 0.068 to 0.750). Cronbach’s α coefficients for primary-level items and the overall questionnaire were 0.762, 0.879, 0.928 and 0.951, respectively. The item-level and scale-level content validity indexes were 0.967 and 0.808, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A full-cycle management model for T2DM patients led by clinical pharmacists has been constructed successfully, demonstrating high scientificity and reliability.
3.Luoshi Neiyi Prescription Treats Endometriosis Through TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuanyuan RUAN ; Sai XU ; Jiangyue TANG ; Xiang LI ; You ZOU ; Fangli PEI ; Lizheng WU ; Kaidi ZHENG ; Shuhong LIN ; Weilan ZHONG ; Cheng ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):185-196
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Luoshi Neiyi prescription treats endometriosis (EMs) through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsAnimal experiments were conducted with 50 female SD rats, which were randomized into a sham operation group (10 rats) and a modeling group (40 rats). An autologous endometrial transplantation method was used for the modeling of EMs. The 36 successfully modeled rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n=9 each): The model group, the low-dose (7.87 g·kg-1) Luoshi Neiyi prescription group, the high-dose (15.74 g·kg-1) Luoshi Neiyi prescription group, and the dienogest (0.20 mg·kg-1) group. The physiological status and ectopic lesion volumes of rats in each group were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphology of the eutopic endometrial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the serum of EMs rats. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in the eutopic endometrial tissue. Western blot was adopted to determine the protein levels of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB)/NF-κB, MMP-9, and VEGFA in the eutopic endometrial tissue. In the cell experiments, the cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to screen the optimal concentration of Luoshi Neiyi prescription-containing serum, and a scratch assay was performed to assess the migration ability of iheESCs cells. Interventions with Luoshi Neiyi prescription-containing serum, resatorvid (TAK-242, a TLR4 inhibitor), and lipopolysaccharides (LPS, a TLR4 agonist) were conducted, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. ResultsThis experiment successfully replicated 36 EMs rat models. Compared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited visible ectopic lesions on the abdominal wall and an increase in the writhing response score (P<0.01). Furthermore, HE staining revealed the model group exhibited a thickened eutopic epithelium, stromal cell disarrangement, and evident infiltration of inflammatory cells. In addition, the model group showed elevated serum levels of IL-1β and PGE2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased positive expression of MMP-9 and VEGFA in the ectopic endometrial tissue (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, MMP-9, and VEGFA in the ectopic endometrial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited a reduction in the ectopic lesion volume (P<0.01). Furthermore, the writhing response scores were decreased in the high-dose Luoshi Neiyi prescription group and the dienogest group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The pathological state of the ectopic endometrial tissue was alleviated to varying degrees in the treatment groups. Low-dose Luoshi Neiyi prescription reduced serum PGE2 levels, and high-dose Luoshi Neiyi prescription and dienogest decreased serum IL-1β and PGE2 levels in EMs rats (P<0.05, P<0.01). The treatment groups showed decreased positive expression of MMP-9 and VEGFA in the ectopic endometrial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and down-regulated protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, MMP-9, and VEGFA in the ectopic endometrial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). The cell experiments showed that 5%, 10%, and 20% Luoshi Neiyi prescription-containing sera significantly reduced the viability and inhibited the migration of iheESCs. Compared with the control group, 5%, 10%, and 20% Luoshi Neiyi prescription-containing serum groups and the TAK-242 group showed reduced protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, MMP-9, and VEGFA (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the LPS group showed increased expression of the above proteins (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, the LPS+5%, 10%, and 20% Luoshi Neiyi prescription-containing serum groups showed reduced expression of the above proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionLuoshi Neiyi prescription may modulate the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce the inflammatory response and histopathological damage in the eutopic endometrium and suppress the adhesive, invasive, and angiogenic biological processes in the ectopic endometrial tissue, thereby exerting its therapeutic effect on EMs.
4.The role of macropinocytosis in the progression of inflammatory-cancerous transformation in the liver and related targeted therapies
Yuanyuan ZHENG ; Chenlu ZHAO ; Lihui ZHANG ; Sutong LIU ; Wenxia ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1688-1694
Macropinocytosis (MP) is an actin-dependent process by which cells internalize large volumes of extracellular fluid. This engulfed material is subsequently digested and degraded within lysosomes, providing essential nutrients that enable cell survival and growth under hypoxic and nutrient-scarce microenvironments. In the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sustained liver inflammation plays a critical role. Chronic liver inflammation not only creates favorable conditions for MP activation but also triggers relevant signaling pathways, thereby establishing a persistent positive feedback loop. This review aims to systematically elucidate the mechanistic basis of MP, summarize recent advances in its regulation via relevant signaling pathways during HCC progression, and discuss the potential value of targeting MP as a therapeutic strategy for HCC, thereby providing insights for future clinical research.
5.Xueshisanjia San Prevents Liver Fibrosis via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitophagy
Baojia WANG ; Mulan HU ; Yuanyuan GONG ; Jie MA ; Xiuli ZHENG ; Xiongbin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):166-175
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Xueshisanjia San against liver fibrosis by regulating PTEN-induced putative kinase (PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsForty specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into the control, model, silibinin (100 mg·kg-1), high-dose (15.16 g·kg-1) Xueshisanjia San, and low-dose (7.58 g·kg-1) Xueshisanjia San groups. The mouse model of liver fibrosis was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 20% carbon tetrachloride solution. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta after intraperitoneal anesthesia, and the liver was separated. Liver pathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and Sirius Red staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe the mitochondrial morphology in the liver tissue. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), C-reactive protein (CRP), total bilirubin (TBil), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blot were employed to determine the protein levels of liver fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen Ⅰ, as well as mitophagy markers microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), p62, Beclin-1, PINK1, Parkin, and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOM20). ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of ALT, AST, CRP, TBil, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05), pathological changes such destroyed structure of hepatic lobules, disarrangement of hepatic cells, and collagen accumulation, swollen, vacuolated, and fragment mitochondria, down-regulated expression of p62 and TOM20, and up-regulated expression of LC3, Beclin-1, PINK1, and Parkin (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups exhibited declined levels of ALT, AST, CRP, TBil, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05), alleviated pathological damage of liver tissue and mitochondrial damage, up-regulated expression of p62 and TOM20, and down-regulated expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, LC3, Beclin1, PINK1, and Parkin (P<0.05)
6.Development and Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Detecting Adrenocortical Hormones and Establishment of Age-Stratified Reference Intervals in Reproductive-Aged Women from Guangxi, China
Yixuan LIU ; Tingwei JIN ; Yushuang WEI ; Xuelian QIN ; Siyu DENG ; Jie ZHENG ; Boteng YAN ; Yuanyuan NONG ; Yu YE ; Shengzhu HUANG ; Yu LONG ; Jianmin LI ; Ganqin WANG ; Pei HUANG ; Jinghang JIANG ; Fan WU ; Zengnan MO ; Yonghua JIANG
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(2):146-154
Background:
Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications.
Methods:
A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated.
Results:
The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels.
Conclusions
We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.
7.Relationship between physical development and onset and progression of myopia among children and adolescents
MA Xiaohui, GONG Yizhuo, QIU Tingting, LIU Zheng, HUO Huanhuan, HU Yuanyuan, BI Hongsheng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):723-727
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between physical development indicators and the onset and progression of myopia among children and adolescents, so as to provide theoretical support for coordinated vision and physical health management.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study was conducted. In September 2022, 3 102 students from grade one in primary school to grade three in junior high school (five year primary school and four year junior high school) from six schools in Huantai County, Shandong Province, were selected using multistage cluster random sampling method to participate in an epidemiological survey on myopia, with follow up completed in September 2023. Follow up value minus baseline value( d ) was used to assess changes in physical development and vision indicators. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between physical development indicators and the incidence of myopia. Generalized linear models were established to analyze the relationship between physical development indicators and changes in d spherical equivalent (SE) and d axial length (AL) .
Results:
Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for factors such as gender, age, and baseline body mass index, the third ( Q 3)and fourth ( Q 4)quartiles of d height showed increased risks of myopia onset within one year compared to the first quartile( Q 1) ( OR =1.85,95% CI =1.18-2.88; OR =1.74,95% CI =1.09-2.78,both P <0.05). Results from the generalized linear model indicated that, after adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, age, and baseline SE, d SE was negatively correlated with d height and d weight in children and adolescents ( β =-0.024, 95% CI =-0.031 to -0.018; β =-0.006, 95% CI =-0.011 to -0.001), d AL was positively correlated with d height and d weight in children and adolescents ( β =0.011, 95% CI =0.008-0.013; β =0.005, 95% CI =0.003-0.007) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Physical development indicators in children and adolescents were associated with the onset and progression of myopia. Dynamic monitoring and early intervention of myopia should be strengthened for children and adolescents with rapid height and weight gain to achieve coordinated management of myopia and physical development.
8.Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease with different clinical phenotypes: Pathogenesis and strategies for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment
Wenxia ZHAO ; Lei GAO ; Xinju CHEN ; Yuanyuan ZHENG ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Qing ZHAO ; Chenlu ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):930-937
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic metabolic liver disorder with complex etiologies. Different clinical phenotypes of MAFLD (such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, the postmenopausal state, and chronic hepatitis B) have different mechanisms of action in the development and progression of MAFLD, leading to high heterogeneity in its clinical progression and prognosis. This article systematically reviews the pathogeneses and clinical features of the above five clinical phenotypes of MAFLD and elaborates on the corresponding individualized diagnosis and treatment regimens integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, in order to provide a reference for clinical practice and improve clinical diagnosis and treatment.
9.Analysis of 8 children with TCF3:: HLF fusion gene positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Wei LIN ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Jiaole YU ; Ying WU ; Peijing QI ; Jia FAN ; Pengli HUANG ; Jixin XU ; Yujie GUAN ; Wei LIU ; Huyong ZHENG ; Tianyou WANG ; Ruidong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(8):896-900
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and key points of diagnosis and treatment in children with TCF3::HLF fusion gene-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Methods:A case series study was conducted. Clinical data of 8 children diagnosed with TCF3::HLF positive ALL at the Hematology Center of Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University and the Hematology Oncology Department of Henan Children′s Hospital between January 2019 and January 2024 were collected. Descriptive analysis was performed on their clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment regimens and prognosis.Results:The cohort included 8 children (3 males and 5 females) with the age of 5.5 (3.5, 7.0) years. Bone pain was the primary clinical manifestation in 4 cases, with multi-site skeletal involvement in 4 cases, hypercalcemia in 5 cases, and coagulation abnormalities in 6 cases. Immunophenotyping revealed common B-cell lineage with myeloid markers in 7 cases and common B-cell phenotype in 1 case. All 8 children were positive for the TCF3::HLF fusion gene. Regarding treatment, 1 case abandoned therapy after diagnosis, while the remaining 7 cases received chemotherapy following the Chinese Children′s Leukemia Group-ALL2018 high-risk protocol. Only 1 case achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity by day 33 of induction therapy. Among the 3 cases with MRD negativity before consolidation therapy, 1 case achieved it via conventional chemotherapy, while 2 cases required additional agents (venetoclax or blinatumomab). One case failed to achieve MRD negativity after consolidation therapy and later discontinued treatment (survival periods: 7months).Of the 4 cases who achieved MRD negativity after consolidation, 2 cases received conventional chemotherapy and 2 cases achieved negativity following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CART). All 4 cases underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Two cases in the CART combined with HSCT group survived as of the last follow-up (survival periods: 22 and 13 months). In the conventional chemotherapy combined HSCT group, 1 case relapsed and died (survival: 38 months), and 1 case died from transplant complications (survival: 11 months). The other 2 cases achieved MRD negativity before consolidation therapy but did not receive regular subsequent chemotherapy. After MRD recurrence, they underwent CART therapy without HSCT and remained alive at the last follow-up (survival periods: 49 and 12 months).Conclusions:Children with TCF3::HLF positive ALL often present with bone destruction accompanied by hypercalcemia and coagulopathy at initial diagnosis. This subtype of ALL shows poor response to conventional chemotherapy regimens, characterized by low early remission rates and high relapse risk even after HSCT. Better therapeutic outcomes have been observed with small molecule targeted drugs, immunotherapy and CART therapy.
10.Clinical analysis of anti-GT1a antibody-positive Guillain-Barré syndrome in 25 children
Dan CHEN ; Chi HOU ; Haixia ZHU ; Jie YU ; Yani ZHANG ; Kelu ZHENG ; Yuanyuan GAO ; Xiaojing LI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(10):1092-1096
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of children with anti-GT1a antibody-positive Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).Methods:A case series study was conducted, including 25 children diagnosed with serum anti-GT1a antibody-positive GBS at Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center from March 2019 to December 2024. Clinical data, treatment protocols, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the changes in Hughes functional grading scale (HFGS). Results:A total of 25 children included 12 boys and 13 girls, and the age at first onset was (71±8) months. There were 16 children (64%) had preceding infections, and of which 13 children had predominantly respiratory tract infections. At disease peak, neurological manifestations included limb weakness (21 cases (84%)), bulbar palsy (13 cases (52%)), drowsiness (7 cases (28%)), limb pain (9 cases (36%)), ataxia (6 cases (24%)), respiratory muscle paralysis (5 cases (20%)), ophthalmoplegia (5 cases (20%)), and unilateral facial nerve palsy (4 cases (16%)). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in 23 children revealed albuminocytological dissociation in 18 children. All 25 children underwent whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), demonstrated spinal nerve root enhancement in 18 children, with leptomeningeal enhancement combined with spinal nerve root enhancement in 1 child. Electromyography in 16 children showed 15 children abnormality, of which demyelinating lesions in 8 children, mixed demyelinating-axonal changes in 4 children, and pure axonal involvement in 3 children. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered to 21 cases (84%), of which 3 children required mechanical ventilation and blood purification (plasma exchange in 2 children and immunoadsorption in 1 child) due to disease progression. Four children (16%) received intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) instead of IVIG, with 1 child requiring ventilatory support due to respiratory muscle paralysis, and the tracheal tube was removed after continued sequential IVMP treatment. The hospitalization duration of 25 children was (23±3) d. At discharge, HFGS was 1.6 (0.6, 2.7) score. At a follow-up of 12 (4, 18) months, HFGS was 0.1 (0.0, 0.5) score, and higher than that at discharge ( Z=4.38, P<0.05). Two children relapsed but achieved remission after IVIG retreatment with no recurrence during 1-year follow-up. Conclusions:Anti-GT1a antibody-positive GBS in children predominantly presents with limb weakness and bulbar palsy, occasionally complicated by respiratory failure in the acute phase. Demyelinating neuropathy and spinal nerve root enhancement on MRI are characteristic. IVIG therapy yields favorable outcomes, with low residual disability. Relapses are rare but manageable with re-treatment.


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