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.GAO Shuzhong's Experience in Treating Idiopathic Tinnitus with Combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Materia Medica
Pengfei WANG ; Yiyang SUN ; Xiaoyan LI ; Wenli YAN ; Ningning MENG ; Guirong YANG ; Yuxia MA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):233-237
To summarize Professor GAO Shuzhong's clinical experience in treating idiopathic tinnitus with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica. It is believed that idiopathic tinnitus is mostly caused by weak lungs and spleen, kidney essence deficiency, liver constraint transforming into fire, and binding constraint of heart qi. Treatment advocates the combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica in clinical practice. Acupuncture treatment mainly focus on the method of opening the orifices by syndrome identification in combination with Ermen (TE 21), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), Shenmai (BL 62) to regulate qi and blood, and supporting with Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Taichong (LR 3), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) to soothe the liver, resolve constraint, and calm the mind. Oral administration of Chinese medicinal prescription usually includes modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) and Tongqi Powder (通气散), and the external administration of Chinese medicinal prescription can apply self-prescribed Wenqing Powder (温清散) to navel moxibustion.
4.Expert consensus on nasogastric tube and intestinal tube placement in children
Yu ZOU ; Ying GU ; Zhuowen YU ; Yan HUANG ; Yuxia YANG ; Suyun LI ; Yingwen WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1700-1704
Objective To form an expert consensus on nasogastric tube and intestinal tube placement in children(hereinafter referred to as the"consensus"),and provide a reference for pediatric medical workers regarding the operation of gastrointestinal tube placement in children.Methods A"consensus"formulation group was established.The"5.0"EBHC Pyramid Model was employed to systematically search,evaluate,summarize and extract relevant evidence to form the initial draft of the"consensus".The RAND-UCLA expert consensus method was utilized.Through a round of expert inquiries by correspondence and a round of face-to-face expert discussions,the data were collated,analyzed,refined,and modified to form the final version of the"consensus".Results The effective recovery rate of the expert inquiry questionnaire was 100%.The coefficient of expert authority(Cr)was 0.891.The Kendall's concordance coefficient of the inquiries was 0.692(P<0.01),which was statistically significant.The median of the"RAND-UCLA"suitability score were 7-9 points,and the disagreement index(DI)value was<1.00.The final"consensus"encompasses 9 aspects,including qualification requirements for the tube placement personnel,indications and contraindications,preoperative assessment,preoperative preparation,measurement of tube length,key points of tube placement,methods for confirming the position,tube flushing,fixation,and recording,with 47 recommendations.Conclusion This"consensus"is scientific,rigorous,and practical,covering all links of the gastrointestinal tube placement process in children,providing reference and guidance for the safe and standardized implementation of gastrointestinal tube placement in children.
5.Directing the surgical treatment of Crohn's disease within treat-to-target and disease clearance concept
Zhenya SUN ; Zhenxing ZHU ; Weiwei WEN ; Yuxia GONG ; Bolin YANG ; Weiming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):274-278
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic progressive inflammatory bowel disease. With the introduction of the "treat-to-target (T2T) " concept, the treatment goals for CD have become clearer and more specific. Traditional surgical treatment for CD typically follows a "complication-driven" approach, in which surgery is usually performed only after severe complications, such as bowel obstruction, fistulas, perforation, or cancer have occurred. The emergence of the treat-to-target strategy and the concept of disease clearance has transformed the surgical treatment of CD from a "passive rescue" model to an "active intervention" approach. Treatment goals have shifted from merely addressing complications and improving symptoms to achieving both short and long-term therapeutic objectives within the framework of treat-to-target. Achieving these goals helps to prevent CD-related complications, delay disease progression, reduce the risk of recurrence and malignancy, and improve the quality of life.
6.Ongoing pregnancy rate with intervention and expectant therapy in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: a prospective multicenter cohort study
Jiaxin JIANG ; Peiyu LIU ; Yang LIAO ; Xingming ZHONG ; Shushu FAN ; Lanqing FENG ; Yuxia WANG ; Yingying ZHANG ; Qiong WANG
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(4):289-296
Objective:To observe the pregnancy outcomes of patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) after interventional treatment or expectant treatment.Methods:This prospective study followed up 398 patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion from March 2017 to September 2022 in seven hospitals. Among them, 267 patients were diagnosed with URSA, including 124 patients who were initially diagnosed in the interventional treatment hospital and 143 patients who were initially diagnosed in the expectant treatment hospital. All URSA patients were followed up for 33 months. Ongoing pregnancy rates were observed as main outcome indicators.Results:A total of 127 patients became pregnant, and 107 of them had sustained pregnancies, the ongoing pregnancy rate was 84.25% (107/127). The ongoing pregnancy rate was 86.11% (31/36) in the interventional treatment group and 83.52% (76/91) in the expectant treatment group, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, the ongoing pregnancy rates in the interventional treatment hospital and the expectant treatment hospital were 75.71% (53/70) and 94.74% (54/57), respectively, with a significant difference ( P<0.05). The ongoing pregnancy rate after interventional treatment in the interventional treatment hospital was 82.76% (24/29), which was similar to the 94.00% (47/50) after expectant treatment in the expectant treatment hospital ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The ongoing pregnancy rate of interventional treatment for URSA patients has not been significantly improved, suggesting that it may not be necessary to carry out this treatment.
7.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.
8.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.
9.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.
10.Qualitative Study on Palliative Care Needs of Peritoneal dialysis Patients and Their Caregivers
Hui ZHANG ; Wei YANG ; Ying CUI ; Yuxia GUAN ; Zijuan ZHOU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):950-956
Objective To explore the palliative care needs of peritoneal dialysis patients and their care-givers,providine a scientific basis for the targeted implementation of palliative care intervention programs.Methods A semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted on 14 patients and 6 caregivers at a peritoneal dialysis center in a third-class hospital in Beijing.We used the Colaizzi seven-step data analysis method and the phenomenological method of qualitative research to analyze the data and refine the theme.Results Through the analysis,5 theme groups were summarized,including the need to alleviate physiological and psychological symptoms,the need for family support and help,the need for social help,the lack of understanding of pallia-tive care,and the lack of scientific view of death.Conclusions Peritoneal dialysis patients and their caregiv-ers have a strong need for palliative care.Medical staff should fully respect the uniqueness of peritoneal dialysis patients and implement targeted palliative care interventions based on their needs and preferences,so as to ef-fectively improve their quality of life.

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