1.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Schisandrin B in Inhibiting Ferroptosis to Ameliorate Methionine and Choline Deficiency-induced Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Zhifeng ZHU ; Wenting LI ; Yongjun CAO ; Yuanyuan LIN ; Yifei LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):74-83
ObjectiveNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic stress liver injury. Ferroptosis is involved in the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Exploring the efficacy and mechanism of schisandrin B in treating NAFLD facilitates the development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsThe molecular structure of schisandrin B was obtained by searching against PubChem, and the related targets were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction. The active ingredients and their targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the high-throughput experiment- and reference-guide database of traditional Chinese medicine (HERB). GeneCards and FerrDb were searched for the targets of NAFLD and ferroptosis. The common targets were taken as the core targets, and the protein-protein interaction network of the core targets was established. DAVID was used for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed between schisandrin B and core targets, and the binding energy was calculated. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a methionine and choline-deficiency (MCD) diet for the modeling of NAFLD. Mice were randomized into normal, model, positive drug (essentiale), and low- and high-dose schisandrin B groups. The body mass and liver index of mice were measured after drug administration. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum and those of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and Fe2+ in the liver homogenate were measured by biochemical assay kits. The pathological changes of the liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and red oil O staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in the serum. Western blotting and real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin, and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) in the liver tissue. ResultsA total of 2 370, 2 547, and 1 451 targets of schisandrin B, NAFLD, and ferroptosis were obtained, in which 90 common targets were shared by the three. Enrichment analyses predicted 505 GO terms and 92 KEGG pathways. Molecular docking suggested that schizandrin B had strong binding affinity with the key targets of ferropstosis (SLC7A11 and SLC3A2). Animal experiments showed that schizandrin B significantly decreased the liver index, lowered the levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, alleviated hepatocyte ballooning and inflammatory cell infiltration, and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver of NAFLD mice. In addition, schisandrin B significantly lowered the levels of MDA, 4-HNE, and Fe2+, elevated the level of GSH, up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of SLC7A11, SLC3A2, and GPX4, and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of transferrin in the liver tissue. ConclusionSchisandrin B can alleviate NAFLD by inhibiting ferroptosis in hepatocytes.
2.Characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever:a cross-sectional study
Shiying LU ; Danwen ZHENG ; Xintian HONG ; Yuping LIU ; Guangzong LI ; Zhifeng HONG ; Jinghua YANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Banghan DING ; Yuntao LIU ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Xin YIN ; Jingwei SHUI ; Xiaofei FAN ; Hai LAN ; Zhongde ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(11):1531-1539
Objective To explore the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome characteristics of patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever and to provide empirical data to support the application of TCM in diagnosing and treating Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect clinical data(sex,age,days since onset,and comorbidity underlying disease conditions)and TCM with four-examination information(symptoms,tongue manifestations,and pulse manifestations)from 255 patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever who visited Lecong Hospital of Shunde,Foshan,the Third People's Hospital of Shunde District of Foshan,Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University Affiliated Chencun Hospital between July 23 and July 29,2025.Factor and cluster analyses were used to summarize TCM syndrome characteristics and analyze core pathogenesis in conjunction with clinical features.Results Among the 255 patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever,131 were male and 124 were female,with a age of(49.05±17.93)years and a disease duration of(3.26±1.78)days.Among the four types of examination information in TCM,35 items exhibited a frequency exceeding 10%.The most prevalent symptoms were arthralgia(180 patients,70.59%),exanthem(153 patients,60.00%),fatigue(99 patients,38.82%),anhidrosis(98 patients,38.43%),pruritus(96 patients,37.65%),and fever(92 patients,36.08%).Tongue and pulse manifestations were primarily white fur(155 patients,60.78%),pink tongue(111 patients,43.53%),slippery pulse(143 patients,56.08%),and greasy fur(134 patients,52.53%).Patients with disease onset≤3 d had a higher incidence of arthralgia,fatigue,fever,aversion to cold,generalized muscle pain,aversion to wind,insomnia,headache,sweating,low-grade fever,poor appetite,loose stool,hyperhidrosis,and red tongue than those with disease onset≥4 d(P<0.05).Patients with disease onset≥4 d had a higher incidence of pink tongue and thick fur than those with disease onset≤3 d(P<0.05).The syndrome elements in patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever predominantly manifested on the defensive exterior,with involvement of the sinew-bone joints,skin-muscle,and spleen.Pathogenic factors were primarily characterized by external winds,dampness,and heat.Factor and cluster analysis result indicated three TCM pathogenesis progression patterns:imbalance of the defensive exterior with wind-dampness conflict and heat transformation;dampness-heat flowing into muscles and meridians causing joint obstruction and qi blood stasis;and dampness-heat congelation resulting in qi mechanism obstruction,consumption of body fluids,and infiltration of the skin.Conclusion Patients with Chikungunya hemorrhagic fever primarily present with fever,joint pain,and rashes.In TCM,this condition falls under the category of"dampness-warmth"syndrome.Its etiology is attributed to pathogens,with transmission occurring through mosquito bites.The core pathogenesis of TCM is the invasion of the defensive exterior and dampness-toxic heat accumulation.The therapeutic principles focus on clearing heat pathogens,resolving dampness pathogens,dispersing wind pathogens,and promoting the resolution of rashes.
3.Research progress on assessment tools for health behavior motivation in patients with cardiovascular diseases
Zhifeng ZHANG ; Lei LIU ; Yikang XU ; Daqiu WANG ; Jiayu WANG ; Yu TIAN ; Kaiwen ZHAN ; Siqi SUN ; Manman LI
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(2):198-201
Health behavior motivation significantly affects the quality of life of patients with cardiovascular diseases.Assessing the level of health behavior motivation can measure the health behavior of individuals,help to promote the participation rate of cardiac rehabilitation,reduce the readmission rate of patients,and promote patients'healthy lifestyles.This article reviews the content,characteristics and application of assessment tools for health behavior motivation of patients with cardiovascular diseases at home and abroad,with the aim of providing references for the development and application of such tools in China,and offering a basis for scientifically assessing their health behavior motivation level and formulating effective strategies to promote health behavior motivation.
4.Research progress on assessment tools for the treatment burden of patients with chronic diseases
Kaiwen ZHAN ; Lei LIU ; Daqiu WANG ; Jiayu WANG ; Yu TIAN ; Manman LI ; Siqi SUN ; Zhifeng ZHANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(1):74-78
The number of patients with chronic diseases in China has been increasing year by year,followed by the increase of treatment burden.It is particularly important to effectively evaluate the treatment burden of patients with chronic diseases.This paper reviews the main contents,application scope,advantages and disadvantages of the assessment tools for the treatment burden of patients with chronic diseases at home and abroad,so as to provide references and basis for medical staff to reasonably select assessment tools and conduct relevant clinical research.
5.Mechanistic insights into “Three Methods and Three Acupoints” Tuina therapy for improving spinal microcirculation and motor function in sciatic nerve injury model rats
Hanyu Zhang ; Yingqi Zhang ; Hourong Wang ; Jiayue Liu ; Jiawei Sun ; Jinping Chen ; Zhifeng Liu ; Tianyuan Yu ; Jian Shu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):125-134
Objective:
To investigate the effects of “Three Methods and Three Acupoints” (TMTP) Tuina therapy on spinal microcirculation in sciatic nerve injury (SNI).
Methods:
Thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal, sham operation, model, and TMTP Tuina. Successful model induction was confirmed by observable hind limb lameness. After 20 sessions, hind limb grip strength and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) were measured at baseline and following the 10th and 20th intervention. CD31 and α-SMA in the ventral horn of SNI model rats were detected using immunofluorescence. Motor neurons in the ventral horn were detected by Nissl staining. PTEN levels in the ventral horn were measured by ELISA, and PI3K, Akt, BDNF, VEGF, and HIF-1α expression was determined by RT-PCR. Spinal cord microcirculation was evaluated by western blotting analysis of the levels of Akt, p-Akt, BDNF, and VEGF.
Results:
Hind limb grip strength and MNCV significantly improved in the TMTP Tuina group compared to the model group (both P < .001). Morphology of ventral horn motor neurons in the TMTP Tuina group improved compared to the model group, with increased expressions of α-SMA (P = .002) and CD31 (P = .006). Western blot analysis indicated increased expression of VEGF (P = .005), p-Akt (P < .001), and BDNF (P = .008) in the ventral horn following Tuina treatment. RT-PCR analysis revealed increased expression of PI3K, Akt, BDNF, VEGF and HIF-1α (all P < .05). In contrast, expression of PTEN decreased compared to the model group (P < .001).
Conclusion
TMTP Tuina therapy may restore motor function in rats, enhance ventral horn motor neuron morphology, and promote angiogenesis and vascular smooth muscle proliferation. The mechanism may involve the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.Application of domestic SA-1000 single-port single-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic system in total hysterectomy
Xiaoxin SUI ; Jinghai GAO ; Jianhong DANG ; Zhifeng WANG ; Xiaojun LIU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(11):1420-1425
Objective To investigate the safety and feasibility of the domestic SA-1000 single-port single-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic system in total hysterectomy.Methods Data from 16 patients who underwent total hysterectomy using the SA-1000 system at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University,between Mar.2023 and Jan.2024 were retrospectively collected.Surgical parameters were analyzed.Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale(VAS)at 24 h after surgery and before discharge.Incision cosmesis was evaluated 3-5 weeks postoperatively using the body image questionnaire(BIQ,score range 3-24).Results All 16 procedures were successfully completed using the SA-1000 system without conversion to open surgery,achieving a 100.0%procedural success rate.The mean whole surgery time was(234.40±56.24)min.The median robotic arm setup time was 8.0(4.0,13.5)min,and the median console operating time was 128.0(100.0,151.0)min.The median intraoperative blood loss was 100.0(100.0,200.0)mL.No perioperative complications,such as hemorrhage,infection,injury to adjacent organs(ureters,bladder,bowel),poor wound healing,or incisional hernia,were observed.The mean wound pain score at 24 h postoperatively was 3.81±1.64,decreasing to a median of 3.0(2.0,4.0)before discharge.The BIQ score assessed at 3-5 weeks postoperatively was 21.88±1.15.Conclusion The application of the domestic SA-1000 single-port single-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic system for total hysterectomy is safe and feasible,demonstrating favorable surgical outcomes.It holds promise for broader implementation and promotion in domestic medical centers.
7.Progress on intestinal flora and functional constipation
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(4):243-247
Functional constipation is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that can significantly impact the quality of life of affected children.The intestinal flora,known as normal microorganisms in the human gut,interacts with various systems to maintain intestinal stability.Recent evidence has increasingly highlighted a relationship between dysbiosis and functional constipation.Intestinal flora may not only regulate intestinal motility by influencing the enteric nervous system,but also secrete a variety of metabolites that stimulate intestinal chemoreceptors to enhance motility,although the exact mechanisms remain unclear.The treatment of functional constipation through the regulation of intestinal flora has been widely studied,primarily focusing on probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation.This article reviews the research progress related to intestinal flora and functional constipation.
8.Distribution and drug resistance of Enterobacter cloacae in Gansu Province from 2019 to 2023
Zhifeng WANG ; Xiaofang LIANG ; Dandan DU ; Keke LI ; Qianqian LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhangping LU ; Lianhua WEI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(19):3000-3004
OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical distribution characteristics and drug resistance of Enterobacter cloa-cae in Gansu Province from 2019 to 2023,providing reference for the prevention and control of E.cloacae infec-tions in this region.METHODS Data on the distribution and drug resistance of E.cloacae from hospitals in mem-ber units of the Gansu Antimicrobial Surveillance Network between 2019 and 2023 were collected.In vitro drug susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion(K-B)method,minimum inhibitory con-centration method,and fully automated instrumentation,followed by analysis of the susceptibility results.RESULTS From 2019 to 2023,a total of 402 490 bacterial strains were isolated and cultured in Gansu Province,including 17 417 strains of E.cloacae,with a detection rate of 4.33%.The bacteria were primarily iso-lated from sputum specimens(62.81%),followed by urine(7.37%)and wound pus specimens(6.07%).The de-partmental distribution was dominated by internal medicine(44.96%)and surgery(28.50%).The highest detec-tion rate was observed in the adult group(15-65 years,45.79%).E.cloacae exhibited varying degrees of resist-ance to over 20 antibacterial drugs,but the overall drug resistance rate showed a declining trend(P<0.05).The highest drug resistance rate was observed for cefazolin(96.40%-98.38%),while the lowest was for tigecycline(0.44%—2.92%).Carbapenem-resistant E.cloacae demonstrated an increasing trend in drug resistance rates,with imipenem resistance ranging from 2.79%to 3.71%(P=0.044)and meropenem resistance ranging from 1.29%to 3.41%(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS The isolation rate of E.cloacae in Gansu Province remains stable,with a declining trend in drug resistance to multiple antibacterial drugs.However,the increasing drug resistance to carbapenems warrants attention.
9.Clinical characteristics and risk factors of delayed viral clearance in 562 Chikungunya fever patients in Shunde region, Guangdong Province, 2025
Zuning REN ; Guotao LYU ; Qun LIN ; Zhifeng HONG ; Shuichun WAN ; Feng KANG ; Yanling OUYANG ; Chunhua TU ; Guo RAO ; Hua LIANG ; Yawei LIU ; Yan ZHU ; Jie PENG ; Jie SHEN ; Hong LI
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(8):449-456
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of the Chikungunya fever outbreak in Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province in July 2025 and the risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance.Methods:A total of 562 patients with Chikungunya fever admitted to three designated hospitals in Shunde District from July 10 to 30, 2025 were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into four age groups including minors (<18 years), young adults (18 to 39 years), middle-aged adults (40 to 64 years) and elderly adults (≥65 years). The differences of clinical characteristics among these age groups were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were performed using chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Pairwise comparisons between groups were conducted using the Bonferroni or Games-Howell or Dunn method. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance (>7 days). Results:The mean age of the 562 enrolled Chikungunya fever patients was (44.8±21.3) years. Fever, arthralgia and rash were the three core symptoms, with incidence rates of 87.5% (492/562), 88.4%(497/562) and 69.6%(391/562), respectively. At discharge, only 54.1%(304/562) of patients achieved complete symptom resolution, while 26.5%(149/562) still had arthralgia and 36.1%(203/562) had residual rash. Significant differences were observed among age groups in the incidence of fever ( χ2=9.43, P=0.024), peak body temperature ( F=6.54, P<0.001), incidence of arthralgia ( χ2=26.89, P<0.001), duration of arthralgia ( F=12.68, P=0.001), incidence of rash ( χ2=68.99, P<0.001), rate of residual rash at discharge ( χ2=32.37, P<0.001), lymphocyte count ( F=12.94, P<0.001), platelet count ( F=14.95, P<0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) ( H=94.18, P<0.001). Further pairwise comparisons revealed that compared to the middle-aged and elderly groups, the minor group had a higher incidence of fever and a lower incidence of arthralgia, and the duration of arthralgia was shorter than the elderly group (all P<0.008 3). Compared with the other three groups, the elderly group had lower incidence and residual rate of rash, and lower platelet counts (all P<0.008 3), and higher levels of CRP (all P<0.05). The elderly group had lower lymphocyte counts compared to the minor and young adult groups (both P<0.05). Significant differences were found among age groups in the time to viral RNA clearance ( F=5.77, P=0.003) and length of hospital stay ( F=11.64, P<0.001), with the elderly group having significantly longer duration for both compared to the other three groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (odds ratio ( OR)=1.049, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.015 to 1.083), longer duration of fever ( OR=1.529, 95% CI 1.086 to 2.155) and longer duration of arthralgia ( OR=1.927, 95% CI 1.318 to 2.817) were independent risk factors for delayed viral RNA clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Patients with Chikungunya fever in Shunde District primarily present with fever, arthralgia and rash. The incidence and characteristics of these three core symptoms show age-related variations. Elderly patients and those with longer durations of fever or arthralgia are more likely to experience delayed viral clearance.
10.Research progress on epigenetic changes induced by ionizing radiation
WANG Suyi ; SONG Li ; LIU Zhifeng ; JIANG Rongyue ; SONG Yue ; XIA Lu ; YANG Fan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):361-364
Ionizing radiation (IR) is a genotoxic agent that can play an important role in the occurrence and development of various diseases by inducing epigenetic changes. Studies have shown that the basic mechanisms of IR-induced epigenetic changes include abnormal DNA methylation, increased oxidative stress levels, changes in histone modifications, and regulation by microRNAs. These can lead to health hazards such as malignant tumors, genetic effects, nervous system damage, circulatory system diseases, and radiation-induced cataracts. This article collected relevant literatures regarding epigenetic changes induced by IR from 2005 to 2024, and reviewed the basic mechanisms of IR-induced epigenetic changes and the associated disease risks, providing the reference for radiation protection in occupational exposure and radiotherapy.


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