1.Fangji Fulingtang Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis by Regulating Mitochondrial Function Through AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2-PKM2 Signaling Pathway
Xuqin DU ; Yixuan LI ; Yuxia JIN ; Hongding LI ; Ruogu YANG ; Lipeng SHI ; Yi REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and mechanisms of Fangji Fulingtang (FFD) on mitochondrial function in the mouse model of myocardial fibrosis (MF). MethodsSixty SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n=10 per group): control, model, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose (3.315, 6.63, and 13.26 g·kg-1, respectively) FFD, and captopril (20 mg·kg-1). MF was induced by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) in other groups except the control group for 14 consecutive days, with simultaneous gavage of corresponding drugs. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were measured by echocardiography. Serum levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by biochemical assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining were performed to evaluate myocardial structure and fibrosis. Mitochondrial ultrastructure and function were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) colorimetric assay, and JC-1 fluorescence staining. The protein levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α subunit (p-AMPKα), AMPKα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), mitofusin 2 (MFN2), pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited decreased LVEF and LVFS, increased heart weight index and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (P<0.01), elevated levels of myocardial injury markers (CK-MB, cTnI, and NT-pro BNP), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and MDA, along with reduced SOD and GSH levels (P<0.01). Enhanced interstitial collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were observed in the model group (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining revealed mitochondrial swelling, crista disruption, decreased ATP content, and reduced red/green fluorescence ratio in the model group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated downregulation of p-AMPKα, PGC-1α, and MFN2 and upregulation of PKM2, LDHA, and HIF-1α in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, treatment with FFD or captopril improved LVEF and LVFS, reduced heart weight index and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of CK-MB, cTnI, NT-pro BNP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA, increased the SOD and GSH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), attenuated the myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (P<0.01), and restored the mitochondrial ultrastructure. The medium and high-dose FFD groups as well as the captopril group showed increased ATP production and red/green fluorescence ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, FFD upregulated the expression of p-AMPKα and PGC-1α while downregulating the expression of LDHA and HIF-1α (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionFFD activates the AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2 signaling pathway and inhibits the PKM2/LDHA/HIF-1α axis to restore mitochondrial function and energy metabolic homeostasis, thereby attenuating isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis.
2.Fangji Fulingtang Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis by Regulating Mitochondrial Function Through AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2-PKM2 Signaling Pathway
Xuqin DU ; Yixuan LI ; Yuxia JIN ; Hongding LI ; Ruogu YANG ; Lipeng SHI ; Yi REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and mechanisms of Fangji Fulingtang (FFD) on mitochondrial function in the mouse model of myocardial fibrosis (MF). MethodsSixty SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n=10 per group): control, model, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose (3.315, 6.63, and 13.26 g·kg-1, respectively) FFD, and captopril (20 mg·kg-1). MF was induced by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) in other groups except the control group for 14 consecutive days, with simultaneous gavage of corresponding drugs. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were measured by echocardiography. Serum levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by biochemical assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining were performed to evaluate myocardial structure and fibrosis. Mitochondrial ultrastructure and function were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) colorimetric assay, and JC-1 fluorescence staining. The protein levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α subunit (p-AMPKα), AMPKα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), mitofusin 2 (MFN2), pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited decreased LVEF and LVFS, increased heart weight index and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (P<0.01), elevated levels of myocardial injury markers (CK-MB, cTnI, and NT-pro BNP), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and MDA, along with reduced SOD and GSH levels (P<0.01). Enhanced interstitial collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were observed in the model group (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining revealed mitochondrial swelling, crista disruption, decreased ATP content, and reduced red/green fluorescence ratio in the model group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated downregulation of p-AMPKα, PGC-1α, and MFN2 and upregulation of PKM2, LDHA, and HIF-1α in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, treatment with FFD or captopril improved LVEF and LVFS, reduced heart weight index and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of CK-MB, cTnI, NT-pro BNP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA, increased the SOD and GSH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), attenuated the myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (P<0.01), and restored the mitochondrial ultrastructure. The medium and high-dose FFD groups as well as the captopril group showed increased ATP production and red/green fluorescence ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, FFD upregulated the expression of p-AMPKα and PGC-1α while downregulating the expression of LDHA and HIF-1α (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionFFD activates the AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2 signaling pathway and inhibits the PKM2/LDHA/HIF-1α axis to restore mitochondrial function and energy metabolic homeostasis, thereby attenuating isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis.
3.Metformin upregulates ABCA1 expression via inhibiting ubiquitin-proteasome system
Yunxia LIU ; Yan YANG ; Lei FAN ; Minjie WANG ; Lingze YU ; Tuya BAI ; Mengdi ZHANG ; Xiaoli LYU ; Jun LI ; Yuxia HU ; Feng GAO
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(6):474-480
Aim To explore the potential mechanism of metformin on ATP-binding cassette transport A1(ABCA1)expression.Methods J774A.1 macrophages were treated with metformin and cycloheximide,and ABCA1 expression was determined by Western blot.His-tagged ABCA1 and HA-tagged Ub plasmids were co-transferred into HEK293 cells and stimulated with metformin.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)was used to test the binding ability of ABCA1 and ubiquitin.Candidate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases(CE3)of ABCA1 were identified through Co-IP-based pro-teomics.The MIB1 plasmid was constructed and transferred into HEK293 cells,and Western blot was used to determine the effect of metformin and MIB1 on ABCA1 expression.Results Metformin increased the expression of ABCA1 in J774A.1 cells(P<0.01),and inhibited ABCA1 degradation(P<0.05).Metformin disrupted the binding of ABCA1 to ubiquitin(P<0.05).The proteins regulated by metformin in ABCA1 expression were primarily enriched in pathways re-lated to cell development,inflammation and immune defense.Metformin may upregulate ABCA1 protein expression via MIB1(P<0.05).Conclusion Metformin inhibits the degradation of ABCA1 by blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome system(UPS),and MIB1 might act as a candidate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase(CE3)for ABCA1.
4.Magnetic resonance imaging features and early efficacy prediction of mediastinal T-lymphoblastic lymphoma in children and adolescents
Lidan ZHOU ; Bingjie ZHENG ; Yuxia LI ; Yang LI ; Bo HU ; Yonghong ZHANG ; Changhong ZHAO ; Jiajun ZHANG ; Hongwei XU
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(4):283-289
Objective:To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of pediatric and adolescent mediastinal T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) and to evaluate their predictive value for early treatment response.Methods:A retrospective, multicenter case series study was conducted on 49 pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with mediastinal T-LBL between September 2020 and May 2024 at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Beijing Gaobo Boren Hospital, and Henan Cancer Hospital.All patients underwent chest MRI, including conventional MRI sequences and diffusion-weighted imaging.Tumor imaging characteristics were analyzed, and quantitative parameters such as minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin), maximum ADC (ADCmax), and mean ADC (ADCmean) were measured.Treatment response was evaluated 15 days post-treatment.The patients were divided into a response group (complete or partial response, 26 cases) and a non-response group (progressive disease or minor response, 23 cases).The relationship between MRI features and treatment response was analyzed.The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess inter-reader agreement, and independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests were employed to compare differences between groups.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive performance of imaging parameters. Results:Significant differences were observed between the response and non-response groups in ADC values [ADCmin (0.80±0.41)×10 -3 mm 2/s vs.(1.23±0.70)×10 -3 mm 2/s, ADCmax (1.14±0.48)×10 -3 mm 2/s vs.(1.92±0.77)×10 -3 mm 2/s, ADCmean (0.98±0.42)×10 -3 mm 2/s vs.(1.56±0.74)×10 -3 mm 2/s] and the maximum tumor diameter was [(11.92±3.61) cm vs.(8.17±2.46) cm] (all P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that ADCmax had the highest predictive efficiency for treatment response, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.853 (95% CI: 0.790-0.910), sensitivity of 92.3%, and specificity of 65.2%.The AUC for the maximum tumor diameter was 0.814, demonstrating its excellent predictive performance. Conclusions:MRI features, particularly ADC values and the maximum tumor diameter, can effectively predict treatment response in pediatric and adolescent mediastinal T-LBL.
5.Research progress on virtual reality technology in patients with diabetes mellitus
Limei WANG ; Lu LI ; Lihui YE ; Jiahong QI ; Yuxia LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(1):129-133
This paper reviews the overview of virtual reality technology and its application effect in diabetic patients, and analyzes the shortcomings of relevant research and application at this stage, so as to provide reference for promoting the application of virtual reality technology in diabetic patients.
6.Effect and mechanism of Chu's Antai formula combined with dydrogesterone for the treatment of unexplained recurrent abortion with kidney deficiency pattern
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(10):907-913
Objective To explore the efficacy of Chu's Antai formula combined with dydrogesterone for the treatment of unexplained recurrent abortion(URA)with kidney deficiency pattern and its possible mechanism of action.Methods A total of 68 patients with URA with kidney deficiency pattern admitted to our hospital between April 2023 and October 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the study and conventional groups,with 34 patients in each group.The conventional group received luteal support therapy with oral dydro-gesterone(10 mg twice daily),whereas the study group received an additional Chu's Antai formula(one dose/d,divided into morning and evening doses)based on conventional treatment.Both groups were treated until 14 weeks of gestation.The t test,x2 test,and Fisher's exact test were performed to compare the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom scores,serum sex hormone levels(estradiol[E2],progesterone[P],and human chorionic gonadotropin[HCG]),inflammatory cytokine levels,clinical efficacy,adverse reactions,and preg-nancy outcomes between the two groups before and after treatment.Results After treatment,the primary symptom,secondary symptom,and total scores were lower in the study group than in the conventional group(P<0.05).The total effective treatment rate was higher in the study group than in the conventional group(P<0.05).After treatment,serum E2,P,and HCG levels in both groups were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the study group showed higher sex hormone levels than the conventional group(P<0.05).After treatment,interleukin(IL)-2,tumor necrosis factor α(TN F-α),interferon γ(INF-γ),and IL-17 serum levels in both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05);IL-2,TNF-α,INF-γ,and IL-17 levels were significantly lower in the study group than in the con-ventional group(P<0.05).After treatment,IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)serum levels in both groups were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,and TGF-β1 levels in the study group were significantly higher than those in the conventional group(P<0.05).No significant adverse reactions were observed in any group.Notably,the pregnancy suc-cess rate was higher in the study group than in the conventional group(73.53%vs.47.06%,P<0.05).Conclusion Chu's Antai formula combined with dydrogesterone improved TCM symptoms,hormone levels,and pregnancy outcomes in patients with URA with kidney defi-ciency pattern,thereby enhancing clinical efficacy.The underlying mechanism may involve the restoration of the balance between Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells.
7.Research on DIP Disease Cost Accounting Based on Parameter Allocation Method in County Public Hospitals
Wenli LIU ; Zihan LIN ; Jia LIU ; Yuxia LI ; Jiao ZHOU ; Jie PAN
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(3):73-76
After the full implementation of Diagnosis-Intervention Packet(DIP)payment,driven by the dual mode of public welfare and economy,disease cost accounting,as a key link,promotes the transformation of hospitals from extensive income-driven development mode to refined operation management.Through literature analysis,it compares the characteristics,advantages and limitations of various methods of disease cost accounting.Combined with the current situation of case hospital cost accounting and the dilemma of disease cost accounting,the parameter distribution method combined with the service unit superposition method is used to realize the medical business cost and medical total cost accounting of the DIP disease in the case hospital.In addition,how to better implement DIP disease cost accounting in county-level public hospitals is discussed and suggested,in order to further improve the same type of hospitals and speed up the application of disease cost accounting results.
8.Research on DIP Disease Cost Accounting Based on Parameter Allocation Method in County Public Hospitals
Wenli LIU ; Zihan LIN ; Jia LIU ; Yuxia LI ; Jiao ZHOU ; Jie PAN
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(3):73-76
After the full implementation of Diagnosis-Intervention Packet(DIP)payment,driven by the dual mode of public welfare and economy,disease cost accounting,as a key link,promotes the transformation of hospitals from extensive income-driven development mode to refined operation management.Through literature analysis,it compares the characteristics,advantages and limitations of various methods of disease cost accounting.Combined with the current situation of case hospital cost accounting and the dilemma of disease cost accounting,the parameter distribution method combined with the service unit superposition method is used to realize the medical business cost and medical total cost accounting of the DIP disease in the case hospital.In addition,how to better implement DIP disease cost accounting in county-level public hospitals is discussed and suggested,in order to further improve the same type of hospitals and speed up the application of disease cost accounting results.
9.Antimicrobial resistance surveillance in the bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units in China:results from 2020 to 2022
Jing LIU ; Huiyuan YAN ; Gangfeng YAN ; Guoping LU ; Pan FU ; Chuanqing WANG ; Danqun JIN ; Wenjia TONG ; Chenyu ZHANG ; Jianli CHEN ; Yi LIN ; Jia LEI ; Yibing CHENG ; Qunqun ZHANG ; Kaijie GAO ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Shufang XIAO ; Juan HE ; Li JIANG ; Huimin XU ; Yuxia LI ; Hanghai DING ; Hehe CHEN ; Yao ZHENG ; Qunying CHEN ; Ying WANG ; Hong REN ; Chenmei ZHANG ; Zhenjie CHEN ; Mingming ZHOU ; Yucai ZHANG ; Yiping ZHOU ; Zhenjiang BAI ; Saihu HUANG ; Lili HUANG ; Weiguo YANG ; Weike MA ; Qing MENG ; Pengwei ZHU ; Yong LI ; Yan XU ; Yi WANG ; Yanqiang DU ; Huijun CAI ; Bizhen ZHU ; Huixuan SHI ; Shaoxian HONG ; Yukun HUANG ; Meilian HUANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(3):303-311
Objective This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units(PICU)in China for better antimicrobial therapy.Methods Clinical isolates were collected from 17 institutions,including tertiary care children's hospitals and pediatric department of tertiary general hospitals in China from January 1,2020 to December 31,2022.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or automated systems.Results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2020.Results A total of 10 688 isolates were collected,including gram-positive organisms(39.2%)and gram-negative organisms(60.8%).The top three organisms were S.aureus(13.6%,1 453/10 688),A.baumannii(10.0%,1 067/10 688),and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(9.9%,1 058/10 688).Multi-drug resistant organisms(MDROs)were very common in children.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE),carbapenem-resistant E.coli,carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae(CRKP),carbapenem-resistant A.baumannii(CRAB),and carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa(CRPA)was 41.1%,19.4%,8.8%,30.9%,67.4%,and 28.8%,respectively.Overall,more than 50%of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to cephalosporins,while nearly 25%of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to carbapenems.MDROs were highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics.More than 80%of CRE and CRAB strains were resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics.CRE and CRAB showed low resistance rates to tigecycline and polymyxin.CRPA showed lower resistance rates to piperacillin,beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations than the resistance rates to third and fourth generation cephalosporins.All of the Staphylococcus and Enterococcus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and tigecycline.None of PRSP strains isolated from meningitis and nonmeningitis samples were resistant to rifampicin,vancomycin,or linezolid.The prevalence of β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant(BLNAR)strains was 43.3%in Haemophilus influenzae.Conclusions MDROs were prevalent in PICU.It is necessary to establish an effective multidisciplinary team(MDT)to control the antimicrobial resistance.
10.Metformin upregulates ABCA1 expression via inhibiting ubiquitin-proteasome system
Yunxia LIU ; Yan YANG ; Lei FAN ; Minjie WANG ; Lingze YU ; Tuya BAI ; Mengdi ZHANG ; Xiaoli LYU ; Jun LI ; Yuxia HU ; Feng GAO
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(6):474-480
Aim To explore the potential mechanism of metformin on ATP-binding cassette transport A1(ABCA1)expression.Methods J774A.1 macrophages were treated with metformin and cycloheximide,and ABCA1 expression was determined by Western blot.His-tagged ABCA1 and HA-tagged Ub plasmids were co-transferred into HEK293 cells and stimulated with metformin.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)was used to test the binding ability of ABCA1 and ubiquitin.Candidate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases(CE3)of ABCA1 were identified through Co-IP-based pro-teomics.The MIB1 plasmid was constructed and transferred into HEK293 cells,and Western blot was used to determine the effect of metformin and MIB1 on ABCA1 expression.Results Metformin increased the expression of ABCA1 in J774A.1 cells(P<0.01),and inhibited ABCA1 degradation(P<0.05).Metformin disrupted the binding of ABCA1 to ubiquitin(P<0.05).The proteins regulated by metformin in ABCA1 expression were primarily enriched in pathways re-lated to cell development,inflammation and immune defense.Metformin may upregulate ABCA1 protein expression via MIB1(P<0.05).Conclusion Metformin inhibits the degradation of ABCA1 by blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome system(UPS),and MIB1 might act as a candidate E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase(CE3)for ABCA1.

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