1.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
2.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
3.Recreational use of electronic products among high school students in Shanxi Province
WANG Wenwen ; CHEN Hailong ; CHEN Mengli ; XING Yiyi ; ZHANG Xuejuan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):425-428
Objective:
To investigate the recreational use status of electronic products among high school students in Shanxi Province and the influencing factors for excessive use, so as to provide insights into the promotion of rational use of electronic products among high school students.
Methods:
The high school students from 117 schools in Shanxi Province were selected using the stratified random sampling method, and basic information, lifestyle behaviors and recreational use of electronic products were collected using questionnaire surveys. The prevalence of excessive recreational use of electronic products was analyzed, and the factors affecting excessive recreational use of electronic products among high school students were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 13 804 valid questionnaires were recoverd, with an effective rate of 98.32%. There were 6 634 males (48.06%) and 7 170 females (51.94%), with a median age of 17.00 (interquartile range, 1.00) years. There were 7 024 students in Grade One (50.88%) and 6 780 students in Grade Two (49.12%). The prevalence of recreational use of electronic products was 14.18% (1 958 cases). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that males (OR=1.461, 95%CI: 1.325-1.611), students in Grade Two (OR=1.720, 95%CI: 1.559-1.897), students whose parents had below high school education (OR=1.391, 95%CI: 1.156-1.674), students without parental support (OR=1.281, 95%CI: 1.078-1.523), students not living on campus (OR=1.142, 95%CI: 1.026-1.271), students without myopia (OR=1.121, 95%CI: 1.008-1.248), and students with sufficient sleep (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.054-1.281) had a higher risk of excessive recreational use of electronic products.
Conclusion
The prevalence of excessive recreational use of electronic products among high school students in Shanxi Province was relatively high, which was related to gender, grade, parental education, parental attitudes, boarding status, myopia and sleep quality.
4.Mediation analysis of plasma phosphorylated tau217 in the association between periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment.
Yanbiao ZHANG ; Meirong WEI ; Xuejuan ZHAO ; Xiaolei QI ; Shanshan ZUO ; Shumei MAO ; Jun WANG ; Gang DING
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(6):845-859
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of plasma phosphorylated tau217 (p-tau217) in the association between periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
METHODS:
In this case-control study, patients diagnosed with MCI in the Neurology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University from November 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the case group (MCI group). Cognitively normal (CN) volunteers, matched for age and education level and recruited from the physical examination center during the same period, served as the control group (CN group). The general demographic data of the study participants were collected. The Beijing versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), clinical dementia rating (CDR), and activities of daily living scale (ADL) were used to assess neuropsychological functions. Clinical periodontal examinations were conducted, the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated, and the periodontitis stage was determined in accordance with the 2018 classification. Fasting elbow venous blood samples were collected in the morning, and blood biochemical indicators were measured. Plasma p-tau217 levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, partial correlation analysis, multivariate Logistic regression analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis, and mediation effect analysis.
RESULTS:
Among the 192 participants, 96 belong to the MCI group and 96 to the CN group. The prevalence of periodontitis was 63.5% in the MCI group and 43.8% in the CN group, with a statistically significant difference (χ²=7.561, P=0.006). The plasma p-tau217 levels in the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the CN group [7.00 (4.27-9.65) ng/mL versus 2.02 (0.80-3.81) ng/mL, Z=-8.108, P<0.001]. Partial correlation analysis revealed that plasma p-tau217 levels were positively correlated with all the clinical periodontal indices (all P<0.001). After adjustments for baseline covariates, multivariate Logistic regression indicated that periodontitis was an independent risk factor for MCI. Patients with periodontitis had a 1.977-fold higher MCI risk than those without periodontitis (OR=1.977, 95%CI: 1.088-3.594, P=0.025). Moreover, the MCI risk for stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ periodontitis and stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis was 1.878 times (OR=1.878, 95%CI: 1.029-3.425, P=0.040) and 2.625 times (OR=2.625, 95%CI: 1.073-6.246, P=0.035) higher than that for patients without periodontitis, respectively. Trend test showed that the MCI risk increased with periodontitis severity (Ptrend=0.016). After adjustments for baseline covariates, multiple linear regression analysis showed that periodontitis was an independent risk factor for increased plasma p-tau217 levels (β=3.309, 95%CI: 2.363-4.254, P<0.001). Compared with patients without periodontitis, those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ periodontitis (β=1.838, 95%CI: 0.869-2.806, P<0.001) and stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis (β=5.539, 95%CI: 4.442-6.636, P<0.001) had significantly higher plasma p-tau217 levels. In addition, trend test indicated that plasma p-tau217 levels increased with periodontitis severity (Ptrend<0.001). After adjustments for baseline covariates, RCS regression analysis further revealed that PISA had a positive linear dose-response relationship with MCI risk (Poverall=0.002, Pnonlinear=0.344) and plasma p-tau217 levels (Poverall<0.001, Pnonlinear=0.140). After adjustments for baseline covariates, mediation analysis showed that plasma p-tau217 mediated the association between periodontitis and MCI, with a mediation proportion of 13.99% (95% Bootstrap CI: 0.38%-49.39%, P=0.038).
CONCLUSIONS
Periodontitis was independently positively associated with MCI risk, and plasma p-tau217 plays a mediating role in this association.
Humans
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Cognitive Dysfunction/complications*
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tau Proteins/blood*
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Periodontitis/complications*
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Case-Control Studies
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Male
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Female
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Phosphorylation
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Aged
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Middle Aged
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Activities of Daily Living
5.Advances in inhalable nano-formulations.
Yinjia LUO ; Xiao YUE ; Ziyu ZHAO ; Xuejuan ZHANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(4):511-521
Nano-drug delivery systems offer significant benefits, including high specific surface area, structural and functional diversity, and surface modifiability. When formulated as inhalable nano-formulation, these can not only enable precise pulmonary drug delivery but also improve pulmonary bioavailability and enhance thera-peutic efficacy. Currently, there are four types of inhalable nano-formulations for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Inhalable liquid preparations exhibit facile manufactur-ability and broad applicability yet demonstrate compromised stability during aerosolization. Through structure optimization, surface modification, dispersion medium optimization and device improvement, the atomization stability of nano-drug has been enhanced. Pressurized metered-dose inhalers loaded with nano-drugs face technical challenges: conventional propellants may dissolve nano-carriers, whereas co-solvents like ethanol compromise delivery efficiency. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel propellants that provide thermodynamic stability and optimal delivery performance. Nano-drug formulations in dry powder inhalers exhibit relatively favorable physical stability, however, pulmonary delivery efficiency and nanoparticles integrity during processing remain problematic. Pulmonary delivery efficiency can be improved by employing strategies such as blending excipients to promote the re-dispersibility of nanoparticle agglomerates, optimizing the design of microcarrier, and innovating preparation processes. In contrast, soft mist inhalers are an ideal option for pulmonary delivery of nano-drugs owing to their gentle and efficient atomization properties to maintain nano-drug integrity. This review summarizes the inhalable nano-formulations and focuses on challenges and proposed strategies encoun-tered in integrating nano-drug delivery systems and inhalation drug delivery systems. It aims to provide references for the future development of inhalable nano-formulations.
Administration, Inhalation
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Humans
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Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
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Nanoparticles
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Dry Powder Inhalers
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Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
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Drug Compounding
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Metered Dose Inhalers
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Drug Carriers
6.Ginger protects against vein graft remodeling by precisely modulating ferroptotic stress in vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation.
Xiaoyu YU ; Weiwei WU ; Jingjun HAO ; Yuxin ZHOU ; Deyang YU ; Wei DING ; Xuejuan ZHANG ; Gaoli LIU ; Jianxun WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101053-101053
Vein graft (VG) failure (VGF) is associated with VG intimal hyperplasia, which is characterized by abnormal accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Most neointimal VSMCs are derived from pre-existing VSMCs via a process of VSMC phenotypic transition, also known as dedifferentiation. There is increasing evidence to suggest that ginger or its bioactive ingredients may block VSMC dedifferentiation, exerting vasoprotective functions; however, the precise mechanisms have not been fully characterized. Therefore, we investigated the effect of ginger on VSMC phenotypic transition in VG remodeling after transplantation. Ginger significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia and promoted lumen (L) opening in a 3-month VG, which was primarily achieved by reducing ferroptotic stress. Ferroptotic stress is a pro-ferroptotic state. Contractile VSMCs did not die but instead gained a proliferative capacity and switched to the secretory type, forming neointima (NI) after vein transplantation. Ginger and its two main vasoprotective ingredients (6-gingerol and 6-shogaol) inhibit VSMC dedifferentiation by reducing ferroptotic stress. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that 6-gingerol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting P53, while 6-shogaol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting 5-lipoxygenase (Alox5), both promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, both ingredients co-target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), decreasing PPARγ-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 (Nox1) expression. Nox1 promotes intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and directly induces VSMC dedifferentiation. In addition, Nox1 is a ferroptosis-promoting gene that encourages ferroptotic stress production, indirectly leading to VSMC dedifferentiation. Ginger, a natural multi-targeted ferroptotic stress inhibitor, finely and effectively prevents VSMC phenotypic transition and protects against venous injury remodeling.
7.Correlation Study on the Odor Spectrum and Gut Microbiota in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis with Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Yuyu XIE ; Long ZHU ; Mengting ZHANG ; Xuejuan LIN ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaofen HOU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):163-171
Objective To collect oral exhaled odor spectrum of patients of chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)with yin deficiency syndrome and detect their gut microbiota;To elucidate the mechanism of odor changes from the perspective of gut microbiota changes;To provide a basic research for the objectification of TCM olfactory diagnosis in CAG.Methods Totally 110 patients with CAG,including 55 patients with CAG yin deficiency syndrome,55 patients with CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome,and 30 healthy individuals were collected.The electronic nose technology was used to collect the oral exhaled odor spectrum of all subjects,and an improved Transformer model was used to identify the breath odor spectrum of CAG yin deficiency syndrome patients and healthy individuals,CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome patients and healthy individuals,CAG yin deficiency syndrome patients and CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome patients.At the same time,16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing method was used to detect the gut microbiota of the subjects'fecal samples,and the correlation analysis between the odor spectrum characteristics of CAG yin deficiency syndrome and gut microbiota was conducted.Results ① Analysis and recognition of odor spectrum characteristic.Amplitude characteristics:The response curves A,C,D,G,H,I and J of the odor spectrum in the CAG yin deficiency syndrome group and the CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome group were all lower in amplitude than those in the healthy group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Slope characteristics:The slopes of response curves A,B,C,D,E,G,H,I and J in the odor spectrum of the CAG yin deficiency syndrome group and the CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome group were lower than those of the healthy group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Pattern recognition:The accuracy of pattern recognition between the CAG yin deficiency syndrome group and the healthy group reached 0.904,with an area under ROC curve(AUC)of 0.91;the accuracy of pattern recognition between the CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome group and the healthy group reached 0.885,AUC=0.89;the accuracy of pattern recognition between the CAG yin deficiency syndrome group and the CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome group reached 0.747,AUC=0.75.② Species composition:At the genus level,compared with the healthy group,the abundance of Actinomyces,Escherichia-Shigella and Tyzzerella in the CAG yin deficiency syndrome group increased(P<0.05),while the abundance of Prevotella,Sutterella and Subdoligranulum decreased(P<0.05);the abundance of[Ruminococcus]_gnavus_group and Escherichia-Shigella in the CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome group increased significantly(P<0.01),while the abundance of Prevotella and Subdoligranulum decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the CAG yin deficiency syndrome group,the non-yin deficiency syndrome group showed significant enrichment of the Dialister(P<0.05).③ Correlation analysis between odor spectrum characteristics and gut microbiota in CAG yin deficiency syndrome:This study identified 17 bacterial genera that showed positive and negative correlations with the amplitude and slope characteristics of the odor spectrum in CAG yin deficiency syndrome,namely Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group,Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group,Faecalibacterium,UCG-002,UCG-005,Coprococcus,CAG-352,Parabacteroides,Actinomyces,Streptococcus,Anaerostipes,Blautia,Dorea,[Eubacterium]_hallii_group,Phascolarctobacterium,Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1,Enterobacter.The above-mentioned bacterial genera could be classified into the following bacterial families:Trichomonas,Clostridia,Porphyromonas,Actinobacteria,Ruminococcus,Streptococcus,Bacteroidetes,Clostridium,Veillonellaceae and Enterobacteriaceae.Conclusion The use of electronic nose technology can accurately identify the oral exhaled odor of patients with CAG yin deficiency syndrome,CAG non-yin deficiency syndrome,and healthy individuals;the odor spectrum characteristics of patients with CAG yin deficiency syndrome are correlated with multiple bacterial genera,and the changes in related metabolites and gases produced by the disruption of their gut microbiota may be one of the biological bases for the changes in oral exhaled odor in CAG yin deficiency syndrome.
8.Study on the Clinical and Mechanism of Stomach Disease Involving Intestine in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis from the Correlation of"Qi-Bacteria-Symptom"
Mengting ZHANG ; Suhua XU ; Yan XIONG ; Yimeng CHEN ; Yanfeng SHAO ; Shanshan DING ; Long ZHU ; Xuejuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):149-155
Objective Chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)is often accompanied by intestinal flora disorder and intestinal symptoms,forming the phenomenon of"stomach disease involving intestine".This study explored the dynamic correlation between intestinal symptoms and qi-stagnation degree in patients with CAG qi-stagnation syndrome and analyzed the characteristics of gut microbiota from the perspective of"spleen-stomach system serving as the pivotal hub of qi movement"in TCM.Methods According to the syndrome element differentiation method,410 patients with CAG were divided into four groups:non-qi-stagnation group,mild qi-stagnation group,moderate qi-stagnation group and severe qi-stagnation group.Correlation analysis and 16S intestinal flora sequencing technology were used to analyze the correlation and differential flora between the degree of CAG qi-stagnation and intestinal symptoms.Results Patients with CAG qi-stagnation syndrome were often accompanied by intestinal symptoms such as frequent flatulence,poor defecation and alternating loose-constipated stools.The frequency of cases was significantly positively correlated with the degree of qi-stagnation"non-mild-moderate-severe"(P<0.05).There was a difference in the abundance of gut microbiota between the four groups of CAG qi-stagnation none,mild,moderate and severe.The relative abundance of Streptococcus,Subdoligranulum,Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group and Haemophilus was positively correlated with the degree of qi-stagnation.The relative abundance of Ruminococcus_torques_group and Butyricicoccus showed a negative correlation,and Haemophilus was statistically significant among the four groups(P<0.05).Conclusion This study can provide clinical evidence and micro-mechanism for the connotation of"gastrointestinal co-morbidities"and"different diseases with the same syndrome",which may open up new ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
9.Ginger protects against vein graft remodeling by precisely modulating ferroptotic stress in vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation
Xiaoyu YU ; Weiwei WU ; Jingjun HAO ; Yuxin ZHOU ; Deyang YU ; Wei DING ; Xuejuan ZHANG ; Gaoli LIU ; Jianxun WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):442-458
Vein graft(VG)failure(VGF)is associated with VG intimal hyperplasia,which is characterized by abnormal accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs),Most neointimal VSMCs are derived from pre-existing VSMCs via a process of VSMC phenotypic transition,also known as dedifferentiation.There is increasing evidence to suggest that ginger or its bioactive ingredients may block VSMC dedif-ferentiation,exerting vasoprotective functions;however,the precise mechanisms have not been fully characterized.Therefore,we investigated the effect of ginger on VSMC phenotypic transition in VG remodeling after transplantation.Ginger significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia and promoted lumen(L)opening in a 3-month VG,which was primarily achieved by reducing ferroptotic stress.Fer-roptotic stress is a pro-ferroptotic state.Contractile VSMCs did not die but instead gained a proliferative capacity and switched to the secretory type,forming neointima(NI)after vein transplantation.Ginger and its two main vasoprotective ingredients(6-gingerol and 6-shogaol)inhibit VSMC dedifferentiation by reducing ferroptotic stress.Network pharmacology analysis revealed that 6-gingerol inhibits fer-roptotic stress by targeting P53,while 6-shogaol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting 5-lipoxygenase(Alox5),both promoting ferroptosis.Furthermore,both ingredients co-target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ),decreasing PPARγ-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)oxidase 1(Nox1)expression.Nox1 promotes intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)production and directly induces VSMC dedifferentiation.In addition,Nox1 is a ferroptosis-promoting gene that encourages ferroptotic stress production,indirectly leading to VSMC dedifferenti-ation.Ginger,a natural multi-targeted ferroptotic stress inhibitor,finely and effectively prevents VSMC phenotypic transition and protects against venous injury remodeling.
10.The influence of two-way referral model on treatment and prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure
Yijun SUN ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Yue HU ; Zongwei LIN ; Jie XIAO ; Peng LI ; Xin ZHAO ; Huafang ZHANG ; Bo QIN ; Dequan JIA ; Tao ZHANG ; Jian MA ; Hongping CHEN ; Chunju ZHANG ; Xinwei GENG ; Kaiyan ZHANG ; Man ZHENG ; Fenglei ZHANG ; Yan LANG ; Hegong HOU ; Peng LIU ; Haifeng JIA ; Jianjun LU ; Kai ZHAO ; Hui ZHAO ; Jiechang XU ; Mi ZHANG ; Xiuxin LI ; Dongxia ZHANG ; Lin ZHONG ; Hui ZHAO ; Fangfang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Dongxia MIAO ; Chengwei WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Fen WANG ; Xuejuan ZHANG ; Huixia LYU ; Xiaoping JI
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(11):1244-1253
Objective:To explore the impact of the two-way referral model on compliance and prognosis in patients with heart failure.Methods:This bidirectional cohort study enrolled chronic heart failure (CHF) patients treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University or designated primary hospitals between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on referral status: two-way referral group (participating in the referral model with≥1 follow-up visit at primary hospitals) and the core hospital group (receiving treatment and follow-up exclusively at Qilu Hospital). Baseline clinical characteristics were collected and compared between groups. Patients underwent followed-up, with primary endpoints including follow-up rate, drug (β-blockers, angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers (ARB)/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) utilization rate and target dose achievement rate. Secondary endpoints encompassed changes from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plus cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed longitudinal trends in LVEF, LVEDd, and NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression evaluated LVEF recovery rates, supplemented by subgroup analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing target dose achievement rate for β-blockers and ACEI/ARB/ARNI therapies in CHF patients.Results:A total of 357 patients were enrolled, aged 53 (41, 63) years, including 256 males (71.7%). 157 patients were in the two-way referral group and 200 patients in the core hospital-treated group. Compared with the core hospital-treated group, the two-way referral group had lower baseline LVEF (28 (22, 34)% vs. 31 (23, 36)%, P=0.021) and systolic blood pressure (116 (104, 125) mmHg vs. 121 (109, 134) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), P=0.010). The 12-month follow-up rate of the two-way referral group was higher than the core hospital-treated group (73.8% vs. 56.0%, P=0.004). No significant between-group differences were observed in drug utilization rate of β-blockers, ACEI/ARB/ARNI, or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during follow-up (all P>0.05), while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists use showed a declining trend in both groups. Although the core hospital-treated group had higher target dose achievement rates for β-blockers (65.4% vs. 49.3%, P=0.042) and ACEI/ARB/ARNI (79.8% vs. 65.8%, P=0.046) than the two-way referral group, multivariate logistic regression indicated that the two-way referral model was not a negative predictor for these outcomes (all P>0.05). Both groups showed improved NT-proBNP, LVEDd, and LVEF from baseline (all P<0.001) with no significant difference in trends between groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the composite incidence (7.6% vs. 6.5%, P=0.674) and cumulative incidence (log-rank P=0.684) of cardiovascular death and heart failure rehospitalization at 12 months between two groups. Conclusion:The two-way referral model demonstrates advantages in improving medication adherence, drug utilization rates, and targetdoseachievement rates among CHF patients. This model not only promotes cardiac functional recovery but also reduces risks of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization, achieving comparable therapeutic and management outcomes to those observed in core hospital-treated patients.


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