1.Clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features of primary liver cancer patients with different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types
Feng WU ; Muqing LUO ; Wantingting WEN ; Ziwei CAI ; Yinqi LIU ; Jian XIANG ; Xiaona ZHOU ; Qian GUO ; Kun ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1093-1100
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types of primary liver cancer (PLC) with clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to provide a reference for the objectification of TCM syndrome differentiation and precise diagnosis and treatment. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 312 patients who were diagnosed with PLC in The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine from March 2020 to June 2025, and according to the TCM syndrome type, they were divided into stagnation of liver Qi group with 40 patients, stagnation of liver Qi and spleen deficiency group with 109 patients, Qi stagnation and blood stasis group with 62 patients, dampness-heat toxin amassment group with 81 patients, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency group with 20 patients. Clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features were compared between the patients with different TCM syndrome types. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunn’s multiple test was used for further comparison between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups, and the Bonferroni method was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsThere were significant differences between the patients with different TCM syndrome types in China liver cancer staging (CNLC), Child-Pugh class, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, neutrophil, and albumin-bilirubin score (all P<0.05). In the stagnation of liver Qi group, the patients with Child-Pugh class A accounted for 75.00%; among the patients with CNLC stage I PLC, the patients with stagnation of liver Qi accounted for 60.00%, and those with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome accounted for 59.68%, while among the patients with CNLC stage IV PLC, the distribution proportion of dampness-heat toxin amassment (27.16%) and liver-kidney Yin deficiency (30.00%) was significantly higher than that of stagnation of liver Qi (2.50%) (all P<0.05). Radiological examination showed that there were significant differences between the patients with different TCM syndrome types in the number of tumors, ascites, venous tumor thrombus, maximum tumor diameter, intrahepatic metastasis, and lymph node metastasis in the hepatic hilar and retroperitoneal regions (all P<0.05). Compared with the patients with stagnation of liver Qi, the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency or liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to develop intrahepatic metastasis; the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency, dampness-heat toxin amassment, or liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to develop lymph node metastasis in the hepatic hilar and retroperitoneal regions; the patients with liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to experience multiple tumors; the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency or dampness-heat toxin amassment were more likely to develop ascites (all P<0.05). Compared with the patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency had a significantly longer maximum tumor diameter and a significantly higher proportion of patients with venous tumor thrombus (both P<0.05). Furthermore, among the 184 patients with MRI diffusion-weighted imaging sequences, the patients with dampness-heat toxin amassment or Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome had significantly higher ADC values and relative ADC values than those with stagnation of liver Qi (all P<0.05). ConclusionThere are significant differences in CT/MRI radiological features and clinical features between PLC patients with different TCM syndrome types, among whom the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency, dampness-heat toxin amassment, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency tend to exhibit progressive radiological features, and those with dampness-heat toxin amassment or Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome tend to have higher ADC values. These findings provide an objective basis for TCM syndrome differentiation in PLC.
2.Exploration of the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease from the Perspective of Regulating Astrocytes
Ziran ZHANG ; Ziwei HU ; Huiling TIAN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1780-1785
Alzheimer's disease(AD),a common geriatric ailment,exerts a severe impact on people's lives.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)demonstrates a favorable effect on the intervention of AD,while the mechanism remains in the exploratory phase.Recent studies have indicated that astrocytes play a significant role in AD.The mechanism of TCM in the treatment of AD from the perspective of astrocyte regulation was explored,and the roles of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of AD was summarized,namely maintaining energy metabolism,regulating synaptic plasticity,and mediating inflammatory responses,thereby providing a TCM-based solution with a clear mechanism for clinical and scientific intervention in AD.
3.Construction and application of oral squamous cell carcinoma organoid bank
Shang XIE ; Luming WANG ; Xinyuan ZHANG ; Qiushi FENG ; Yangyang XIA ; Ziwei DAI ; Xiaofeng SHAN ; Zhigang CAI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(5):847-851
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)accounts for over 90%of oral malignancies,with more than 370 000 new cases and approximately 188 000 deaths annually worldwide.In China,there are roughly 65 000 new cases and 35 000 deaths each year,showing a significant upward trend compared with 2015 statistics.Despite continuous advancements in treatment modalities,the 5-year survival rate remains stagnant at 50%-60%,where tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance persist as fundamental barriers to precision oncology.To address these critical challenges,this study established a standardized bioban-king protocol for OSCC patient-derived organoids(PDOs)(Patent:Method for constructing an oral squa-mous cell carcinoma organoid bank,ZL202311378598.3).Through groundbreaking optimization of cul-ture media,enzymatic digestion kinetics,and stepwise cryopreservation,we achieved a biobanking suc-cess rate exceeding 95%and pioneered synchronous cultivation of matched primary tumors,lymph node metastases,and adjacent normal mucosa from individual patients,preserving spatial heterogeneity and stromal interactions.Leveraging this platform,we developed high-throughput drug screening:Quantified heterogeneity-driven differential chemoresponse using adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-based viability as-says;We discovered resistance mechanisms:Identified sialylated cancer IgG(SIA-cIgG)-mediated cis-platin resistance(primary/secondary)through PTPN13 suppression,with anti-SIA-cIgG combination therapy demonstrating synergistic efficacy.Besides,we elucidated metastatic drivers:CRISPR-Cas9-edited organoids revealed WDR54 promoted metastasis via H3K4me3/H4K16ac epigenetic reprogramming,activating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity(EMP)and inducing partial epithelial-mesenchymal transi-tion(pEMT).This"holographic patient-mirroring"platform provided unprecedented resolution for OSCC precision therapy and had been formally incorporated into the Chinese Stomatological Association Techni-cal Guidelines(Technical guideline for establishing patient-derived oral squamous cell carcinoma or-ganoid banks,CHSA 2024-08).Future integration of immune-competent organoids,3D-bioprinted vas-culature,and multi-omics-AI systems will accelerate personalized oncology.These innovations will accelerate clinical translation of personalized therapeutic regimens,ultimately bridging the gap between bench research and bedside application.
4.4-week high-intensity interval training regulates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in skeletal muscle to improve depressive-like behavior in chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats
Jiaren LIANG ; Yumei HAN ; Chunhui BAO ; Ziwei ZHANG ; Junsheng TIAN ; Yonghong YANG ; Huan XIANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(3):1-14
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which 4-week high-intensity interval training(HIIT)regulates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response(UPRmt)in skeletal muscle and improves mitochondrial function in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS).Methods Male SPF-grade SD rats(6~8 weeks old)were divided randomly into control(C),model(M),HIIT+control(HC),and HIIT+model(HM)groups.Rats in the M and HM groups were subjected to CUMS for 8 weeks to establish a depression model,while rats in the HC and HM groups received HIIT for 5 d a week for 4 weeks.The exercise regimen consisted of 3 min high-speed(85%~90%Smax)combined with 1 min low-speed(50%~55%Smax)uninterrupted repetitive training(Smax is maximum training speed).Behavioral changes were evaluated at weeks 4 and 8.Tissue samples were taken 24 h after the last behavioral test and skeletal muscle mitochondria were examined by transmission electron microscopy.The ATP and reactive oxygen species(ROS)contents were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and protein expression levels of activating transcription factor(ATF)4,ATF5,C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP),and heat shock protein 60(HSP60)were detected by Western blot.Results(1)The body mass,number of crossing grids,number of upright positions,sugar-water preference rate,and ATP content were significantly decreased in group M compared with group C(P<0.01),while the number of damaged mitochondria,ROS content,ATF4,ATF5,CHOP,and HSP60 protein expression were significantly increased(P<0.01).(2)After 4-weeks of HIIT intervention,the ATP content and ATF4 and ATF5 protein expression levels were significantly increased in the HC group compared with C group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The number of crossing grids,number of upright positions,sugar-water preference rate,ATP content,and ATF4 protein expression were significantly increased in the HM group compared with M group(P<0.01),while the number of damaged mitochondria,ROS content,and ATF5,CHOP,and HSP60 protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01).(3)After 4 weeks of HIIT intervention,the number of crossing grids in CUMS rats was significantly positively correlated with ATF4 protein expression,and ROS content was correlated with CHOP protein expression,number of damaged mitochondria,and ATF5 protein expression(|r|>0.75,P<0.01;|r|>0.75,P<0.05).Upright frequency was significantly negatively correlated with ATF5 and HSP60 protein expression,the number of crossing grids,the sugar-water preference rate,and the expression of CHOP and HSP60 proteins(|r|<0.75,P<0.05).Conclusions 4-week HIIT intervention can improve mitochondrial dysfunction and alleviate depressive-like behavior in CUMS rats by regulating skeletal muscle UPRmt.
5.A Behavior and Event-Related Potentials Study on the of the Effects of Long-Term Emotional Disturbance and Liver Failing to Govern Conveyance and Dispersion on Prospective Memory in Middle-Aged and Elderly People in the Community
Zhongpeng QIN ; Xianghong ZHAN ; Yong LIU ; Junlin HOU ; Ning LI ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Huanghong ZHAO ; Lei HUO ; Yan ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):739-751
Objective To explore the neuroelectrophysiological mechanism of the decline of overall cognitive function and prospective memory,the syndrome manifestation of liver failing to govern conveyance and dispersion of the middle-aged and elderly people in the community with long-term emotional disturbance were evaluated.Methods Eysenck personality questionnaire(EPQ)and general condition questionnaire were used to screen the middle-aged and elderly people from 46 to 65 years old in the community who met the high and low neuroticism criteria,which were included in the long-term emotional disturbance group and the control group.According to the principle of matching sex,age(±2 years)and years of education(±2 years),60 subjects in each group were included.The scores of livers meridian syndrome,anxiety factor,depression factor and the total scores of three factors in the two groups were detected with the emotion rating scale for Ganzangxiang of traditional Chinese medicine.The overall cognitive function,the overall level of prospective memory and the dual-task paradigm of event-related memory were evaluated and event-related potential components were detected.Results Compared to the control group,the total scores of emotion rating scale for Ganzangxiang of traditional Chinese medicine and the scores of liver meridian syndrome factor,anxiety factor and depression factor all increased in the long-term emotional disturbance group significantly(P<0.05).The total scores of MoCA scale(after correction)and the level scores of visual space and executive function,attention and delayed recall decreased significantly(P<0.05),and the total scores of prospective memory questionnaire decreased significantly(P<0.05).The correct rates of ongoing tasks and prospective memory tasks in the event-based prospective memory dual task paradigm were decreased,and the reaction time was prolonged in the long-term emotional disorder group significantly(P<0.05).The amplitude of P200 of ongoing task and prospective memory task were increased in the long-term emotional disorder group(0.05
6.Stearic acid affects the expression of IL-17 in CD4+T cells from ketosis cows through CD36
Ziwei JI ; Siyao LI ; Haixin ZHANG ; Ziwei LI ; Shangmingzhu ZHANG ; Wei YANG ; Chuang XU ; Bingbing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):602-610
The peripheral blood of healthy or ketosis dairy cows was collected,and CD4+T cells were isolated.The expressions of lipid synthesis related proteins fatty acid synthase(FASN),acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 1(ACC1),cluster of differentiation 36(CD36)and store-operated calcium entry(SOCE)related proteins ORAIl,ORAI2,ORAI3,STIM1,STIM2 were detected by Western blot.IL-17 cells were detected by flow cytometry.CD4+T cells were isolated from the spleen of 1-day-old calves and cultured in vitro.Cells were treated and divided into control(Ctrl)group,si-lenced CD36(siCD36)group,stearic acid(SA)group,and SA+siCD36 group.Cells in the Ctrl and SA groups were transfected with 75 pmol/L negative control siRNA for 48 h,and then stimulated with 200 μmol/L SA for 24 h;Cells in the siCD36 group and SA+siCD36 group were transfected with 75 pmol/L CD36 siRNA for 48 h,and then stimulated with 200 μmol/L SA for 24 h in the SA+siCD36 group.The protein expression of FASN,CD36,ACC1,ORAI1,ORAI2,ORAI3,STIM1 and STIM2 was detected by Western blot,and IL-17 cells were detected by flow cytometry.The results showed that the expression of IL-17 in peripheral blood CD4+T cells of ketosis dairy cows was significantly increased compared to that of healthy cows(P<0.01).Additionally,the protein level of FASN,CD36,STIM1(P<0.05),and ACC1,ORAI2,ORAI3,STIM2(P<0.01)were up-regulated.Compared with the Ctrl group,the protein expression levels of CD36,ACC1 and ORAI3(P<0.05)were up-regulated in the SA group,as well as the protein expression of FASN and STIM1(P<0.01).Additionally,the expression of IL-17 was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the SA group,there was a decrease in the protein expression of STIM1,ORAI1(P<0.05)and CD36,ACC1,FASN,ORAI2(P<0.01)in the siCD36+SA group,as well as IL-17(P<0.05).These results suggest that SA can promote the expression of IL-17 in CD4+T cells in ketosis cows by regulating fatty acid synthesis and activating SOCE channels through CD36.
7.Comparative study on the predictive abilities of multiple inflammatory markers for the poor outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage
Qin HUANG ; Ziwei SONG ; Hongla KUANG ; Zhi ZHANG ; Yuping ZHU ; Lin WU ; Daojun HONG ; Jing LIN ; Min ZHU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(2):103-108
Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between multiple inflammatory markers and poor outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage,and to compare their predictive abilities.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the patients with intracerebral hemorrhage admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 1,2015 to March 31,2023.According to the Modified Rankin Scale at 90 days after onset,the patients were divided into good outcome(mRS≤2 points)and poor outcome(mRS score≥3 points).Clinical information,laboratory examinations and follow-up data were compared between the two groups.Inflammatory markers include neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR),monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio(MHR),systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio(WMR),lymphocyte to monocyte ratio(LMR),and systemic coagulation-inflammation index(SCI).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the predictors of poor prognosis after intracerebral hemorrhage,and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was constructed to compare their predictive ability.Results A total of 510 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were included.Of those,297(58.2%)had good outcome,and 213(41.8%)had poor outcome.Comparison of baseline characteristics demonstrated that patients with poor prognosis had higher levels of white blood cells,neutrophils,high-density lipoprotein,fibrinogen,NLR,PLR,SIRI,SII,WMR at admission,larger baseline hematoma volume and baseline perihematomal edema volume,a higher proportion of lobar hemorrhage,older age,and lower levels of platelets,lymphocytes,LMR,and SCI(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that NLR(OR:1.081,95%CI:1.032~1.1131,P=0.001),SIRI(OR:1.089,95%CI:1.014~1.169,P=0.019),SII(OR:1.000,95%CI:1.000~1.001,P=0.011),WMR(OR:2.627,95%CI:1.267~5.445,P=0.009)were independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with ICH.In ROC analysis,the area under the curve of NLR(0.729,95%CI:0.685~0.774)was higher than SIRI(0.692,95%CI:0.645~0.738),SII(0.688,95%CI:0.641~0.735)and WMR(0.65,95%CI:0.602~0.698)for predicting poor outcomes.Conclusion NLR,SIRI,SII and WMR at admission are independently associated with poor outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage,and NLR has the strongest predictive ability.
8.Isolation and identification of porcine pathogenic Escherichia coli and detection of virulence genes and analysis of drug resistance
Shuoqi LIU ; Ying LIU ; Ziwei MENG ; Jingwen ZHANG ; Jinghui FAN ; Yuzhu ZUO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):940-947
To understand the pathogenicity and drug resistance of swine-derived E.coli and its bio-logical characteristics in some areas in Hebei,E.coli was isolated and identified from diarrheal fe-ces of piglets collected from swine farms,and the isolated strains were subjected to drug sensitivity test,detection of the ability to form biofilm,pathogenicity test,virulence gene test,drug resistance gene test,and identification of phylogenetic subgroups.The results showed that a total of 35 patho-genic E.coli strains were isolated from the feces of diarrheic piglets,and most of the isolates were multidrug-resistant,and were resistant to at least three antibiotics,including amoxicillin(88.57%),ampicillin(88.57%),doxycycline(88.75%),sulfisoxazole(77.17%),lincomycin(100%),and chloramphenicol(100%);the isolates were severely resistant.The isolates all carried virulence genes,with a total of five virulence genes detected,namely,EAST1(77.14%),eaeA(17.14%),stx2e(5.71%),LT(2.86%),and STb(2.86%),and the isolates also carried multi-re-sistance genes,with a total of five virulence genes detected,namely,bla TEM-1(65.71%),bla CTX-M(20.00%),tetA(82.86%),tetB(14.29%),aadA2(17.14%),aac(6')-Ib(14.29%),qnrS(17.14%),sul 1(40.00%),sul2(34.29%),and floR(60.00%);the phylogenetic grouping showed that the isolates had a high proportion of group B1 and group A;and all 35 isolates showed differ-ent pathogenicity after infection of mice.This study provides a reference for the selection of effec-tive therapeutic drugs and the development of prevention and control programs for swine-origin pathogenic E.coli in Hebei Province.
9.Comparative study on the predictive abilities of multiple inflammatory markers for the poor outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage
Qin HUANG ; Ziwei SONG ; Hongla KUANG ; Zhi ZHANG ; Yuping ZHU ; Lin WU ; Daojun HONG ; Jing LIN ; Min ZHU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(2):103-108
Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between multiple inflammatory markers and poor outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage,and to compare their predictive abilities.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the patients with intracerebral hemorrhage admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 1,2015 to March 31,2023.According to the Modified Rankin Scale at 90 days after onset,the patients were divided into good outcome(mRS≤2 points)and poor outcome(mRS score≥3 points).Clinical information,laboratory examinations and follow-up data were compared between the two groups.Inflammatory markers include neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR),monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio(MHR),systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio(WMR),lymphocyte to monocyte ratio(LMR),and systemic coagulation-inflammation index(SCI).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the predictors of poor prognosis after intracerebral hemorrhage,and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was constructed to compare their predictive ability.Results A total of 510 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were included.Of those,297(58.2%)had good outcome,and 213(41.8%)had poor outcome.Comparison of baseline characteristics demonstrated that patients with poor prognosis had higher levels of white blood cells,neutrophils,high-density lipoprotein,fibrinogen,NLR,PLR,SIRI,SII,WMR at admission,larger baseline hematoma volume and baseline perihematomal edema volume,a higher proportion of lobar hemorrhage,older age,and lower levels of platelets,lymphocytes,LMR,and SCI(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that NLR(OR:1.081,95%CI:1.032~1.1131,P=0.001),SIRI(OR:1.089,95%CI:1.014~1.169,P=0.019),SII(OR:1.000,95%CI:1.000~1.001,P=0.011),WMR(OR:2.627,95%CI:1.267~5.445,P=0.009)were independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with ICH.In ROC analysis,the area under the curve of NLR(0.729,95%CI:0.685~0.774)was higher than SIRI(0.692,95%CI:0.645~0.738),SII(0.688,95%CI:0.641~0.735)and WMR(0.65,95%CI:0.602~0.698)for predicting poor outcomes.Conclusion NLR,SIRI,SII and WMR at admission are independently associated with poor outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage,and NLR has the strongest predictive ability.
10.Isolation and identification of porcine pathogenic Escherichia coli and detection of virulence genes and analysis of drug resistance
Shuoqi LIU ; Ying LIU ; Ziwei MENG ; Jingwen ZHANG ; Jinghui FAN ; Yuzhu ZUO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):940-947
To understand the pathogenicity and drug resistance of swine-derived E.coli and its bio-logical characteristics in some areas in Hebei,E.coli was isolated and identified from diarrheal fe-ces of piglets collected from swine farms,and the isolated strains were subjected to drug sensitivity test,detection of the ability to form biofilm,pathogenicity test,virulence gene test,drug resistance gene test,and identification of phylogenetic subgroups.The results showed that a total of 35 patho-genic E.coli strains were isolated from the feces of diarrheic piglets,and most of the isolates were multidrug-resistant,and were resistant to at least three antibiotics,including amoxicillin(88.57%),ampicillin(88.57%),doxycycline(88.75%),sulfisoxazole(77.17%),lincomycin(100%),and chloramphenicol(100%);the isolates were severely resistant.The isolates all carried virulence genes,with a total of five virulence genes detected,namely,EAST1(77.14%),eaeA(17.14%),stx2e(5.71%),LT(2.86%),and STb(2.86%),and the isolates also carried multi-re-sistance genes,with a total of five virulence genes detected,namely,bla TEM-1(65.71%),bla CTX-M(20.00%),tetA(82.86%),tetB(14.29%),aadA2(17.14%),aac(6')-Ib(14.29%),qnrS(17.14%),sul 1(40.00%),sul2(34.29%),and floR(60.00%);the phylogenetic grouping showed that the isolates had a high proportion of group B1 and group A;and all 35 isolates showed differ-ent pathogenicity after infection of mice.This study provides a reference for the selection of effec-tive therapeutic drugs and the development of prevention and control programs for swine-origin pathogenic E.coli in Hebei Province.

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