1.Sanjie Quban Prescription Affects Proliferation, Apoptosis, Migration, and Invasion of Human Keloid Fibroblasts via AhR/CYP1A1 Signaling Pathway
Zhihong HE ; Fengchuan ZHANG ; Dingquan YANG ; Chuhan HUANG ; Zhihan WANG ; Yatong WU ; Qingwu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):164-174
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Sanjie Quban prescription (SJQB)-containing serum on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of human keloid fibroblasts (KFs) and to elucidate its underlying mechanism, with a focus on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (CYP1A1) signaling pathway. MethodsPrimary human KFs were cultured in vitro and assigned to the following groups: control (KFs+blank serum), asiaticoside (KFs+asiaticoside-containing serum), SJQB (KFs+SJQB-containing serum), AhR agonist (KFs+β-naphthoflavone), AhR inhibitor (KFs+CH223191), and AhR inhibitor+SJQB (KFs+CH223191+SJQB-containing serum). The optimal intervention concentrations were determined through the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated by the EdU assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay, respectively. The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was visualized by immunofluorescence. The mRNA and protein levels of AhR, CYP1A1, TGF-β1, and α-SMA were measured by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the control group, the SJQB, asiaticoside, and AhR agonist groups demonstrated inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, along with an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01). The AhR inhibitor group showed enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion together with a reduced apoptosis rate in comparison with the AhR agonist group (P<0.01). The AhR inhibitor+SJQB group exhibited increased proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as decreased apoptosis compared with the SJQB group (P<0.05, P<0.01). At the molecular level, compared with the control group, the SJQB, asiaticoside, and AhR agonist groups presented upregulated protein and mRNA levels of AhR and CYP1A1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the SJQB and AhR agonist groups showed downregulated TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression at both protein and mRNA levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the asiaticoside group displayed decreased protein level of TGF-β1 and mRNA level of α-SMA (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with both the AhR agonist and control groups, the AhR inhibitor group exhibited decreased AhR and CYP1A1 expression but increased TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression at protein and mRNA levels (P<0.01). In comparison with the SJQB group, the AhR inhibitor+SJQB group demonstrated reduced AhR and CYP1A1 expression (P<0.01) and elevated TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) at both protein and mRNA levels. ConclusionSJQB may activate the AhR/CYP1A1 signaling pathway to downregulate TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression, thereby suppressing the proliferation, migration, and invasion and inducing the apoptosis of KFs.
2.Nuangong Tiaojing Decoction (暖宫调经汤) Combined with Ginger Moxibustion at Baliao (八髎) Acupoints for Patients with Premature Ovarian Failure of Yang-Deficiency Uterus-Coldeness Syndrome:65 Cases Clinical Observation
Yuqiong MENG ; Qiang GAO ; Tingting ZHAI ; Zhihong YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):59-64
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effectivess of Nuangong Tiaojing Decoction (暖宫调经汤) combined with ginger moxibustion at Baliao acupoints (Eight Bone-Holes) for treating premature ovarian failure (POF) of yang-deficiency uterus-coldeness syndrome, based on conventional western medical treatment. MethodsA total of 130 patients diagnosed with POF of yang-deficiency uterus-coldeness syndrome were divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 65 cases in each group, based on patient preference. The control group received conventional western medicine treatment, while the treatment group was additionally given Nuangong Tiaojing Decoction orally one dose per day and underwent ginger moxibustion at Baliao points once daily. Both groups were treated for three months. Before and after treatment, ovarian function indicators, including ovarian volume, follicle count, ovarian peak systolic velocity (PSV), and endometrial thickness were assessed, and serum sex hormone levels including progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and testosterone (T), as well as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were also measured. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were evaluated, covering symptoms such as reduced libido, lumbosacral pain, fear of cold with cold extremities, fatigue, dull complexion, lower abdominal distension and pain, pale tongue, and deep and rough pulse. After treatment, clinical effectiveness and safety were determined. ResultsCompared with the pre-treatment levels within group, both groups showed significant increases in ovarian volume, follicle count, PSV, endometrial thickness, and levels of P, E2, and AMH after treatment, while the levels of FSH, LH, PRL, and T, as well as scores of lumbosacral pain, reduced libido, dull complexion, deep and rough pulse, and total TCM syndrome scores significantly reduced after treatment. Furthermore, the treatment group exhibited higher ovarian volume, follicle count, PSV, endometrial thickness, and levels of P, E2, and AMH compared to the control group, while FSH, LH, PRL, T levels, and all symptom scores, as well as total TCM syndrome scores, were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The clinical effectiveness in treatment group was 96.92% (63/65), significantly higher than 81.54% (53/65) in control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was 26.15% (17/65), while in the control group it was 32.31% (21/65), with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine treament, Nuangong Tiaojing Decoction combined with ginger moxibustion at Baliao acupoints for patients with POF of yang-deficiency uterus-coldeness syndrome can significantly improve ovarian function and clinical symptoms, regulate hormone levels, and thereby enhance clinical effectiveness.
3.Research progress of artificial intelligence based on deep learning in the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Jingjiao XIAO ; Yefan YANG ; Shiting ZHANG ; Shuning SUN ; Zhihong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(4):491-497
In recent years,artificial intelligence(AI)technologies,particularly those represented by deep learn-ing,have demonstrated tremendous potential in the advancement of medical applications.This article reviews recent re-search progress in AI applications for the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer,aiming to inform the development of clinically relevant AI algorithms that align with real-world practice scenarios.The ultimate objectives in-clude enhancing diagnostic accuracy through efficient computational approaches,reducing manual labor burdens,im-proving patient prognosis,and facilitating the identification of therapeutic targets in oncology through AI-driven predic-tive modeling.
4.Intergenerational Associations of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy With Offspring Metabolomics: A Systematic Review
Jinrui XIONG ; Ling-Jun LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Zhihong ZHANG ; Yue YANG ; Huan HU ; Jinhong LIU ; Zimeng CHEN ; Peng HUANG ; Mengjiao LIU
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2025;07(3):157-165
Objective::To examine the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on offspring metabolomics.Methods::We searched five databases: PubMed, Ovid Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and included studies that reported metabolomics among human offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies.Results::Database search yielded 4054 articles, and after full-text screening, ten observational studies met inclusion criteria. Half of the studies had a sample size of less than 100 and were all observational studies in preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension.Neonates were the most focused group in all included studies. Offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies exhibited statistically significant variations in blood metabolomics compared to their counterparts, characterized by amino acids, lipids, carnitine, and others (e.g., 1α,25-(OH) 2-D). Most studies reported a significant increase in differential metabolites of offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies. Four studies ( n = 1109) measured lipids-related metabolites, and all consistently showed that offspring born to PE-complicated pregnancies had significantly higher concentrations than non-PE exposed offspring. Conclusion::The existing evidence suggests an intergenerational effect of HDP on offspring metabolomics. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to advance the health effects of related adverse health outcomes and inform the prevention of offspring’s health.
5.Research progress of artificial intelligence based on deep learning in the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Jingjiao XIAO ; Yefan YANG ; Shiting ZHANG ; Shuning SUN ; Zhihong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(4):491-497
In recent years,artificial intelligence(AI)technologies,particularly those represented by deep learn-ing,have demonstrated tremendous potential in the advancement of medical applications.This article reviews recent re-search progress in AI applications for the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer,aiming to inform the development of clinically relevant AI algorithms that align with real-world practice scenarios.The ultimate objectives in-clude enhancing diagnostic accuracy through efficient computational approaches,reducing manual labor burdens,im-proving patient prognosis,and facilitating the identification of therapeutic targets in oncology through AI-driven predic-tive modeling.
6.Multimodal investigation of stress-induced RNA-brain covariance and its association with depression vulnerability
Yun LIU ; Xijuan XIA ; Kehan YAN ; Yang JI ; Yifeng LUO ; Zhihong CAO ; Yuefeng LI
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(9):790-797
Objective:To explore the RNA expression and alterations in brain structure in individuals who have experienced stressful life events (SLE), as well as the correlation patterns between them and their association with the occurrence of depression.Methods:Prospectively, a total of 80 SLE subjects were recruited from the psychiatry and psychology clinic of the Jiangsu University Affiliated Yixing Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022, with 16 normal controls (NC) enrolled concurrently. The 17 items Hamilton depression scale (HAMD-17) and social readjustment rating scale (SRRS) were used to assess depressive symptoms and stress levels. RNA sequencing information of peripheral blood and imaging data at baseline were collected. Based on whether depression occurred during the 2-year follow-up period, SLE subjects were divided into the SLE-depression group ( n=15) and the SLE-non-depression group ( n=65). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using differential analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter tracts and gray matter volume (GMV) were extracted using tract-based spatial statistics and voxel-based morphometry.Using analysis of variance compared inter-group differences in gene expression, GMV and white matter FA values. Partial correlation analysis was used to explore correlations between DEGs, altered GMV and white matter microstructure. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed on key genes to identify potential biological pathways. Propensity score matching constructed sensitivity subgroups to verify result robustness. Results:The SLE-depression group showed significantly higher SRRS and HAMD-17 scores at baseline and at the end of follow-up compared to the SLE-non-depression group and the NC group ( H=47.773, 35.427, 41.114, all P<0.05). Expression levels of IL-10 (2.12±0.28, 2.43±0.44), EZH2 (2.11±0.43, 2.45±0.51), NCAM1 (3.60±0.30, 3.03±0.39), CD3E (4.95±0.37, 4.57±0.48), CCK (3.29±0.28, 3.02±0.42), and CX3CR1 (5.55±0.40, 5.91±0.34) were significantly different between the SLE-depression group and SLE-non-depression group( F=5.549~28.371, all P<0.05). Compared with the SLE-non-depression group, the SLE-depression group exhibited significantly lower FA values in the genu of the corpus callosum (0.29±0.04, 0.31±0.04) and the left uncinate fasciculus (0.31±0.02, 0.33±0.02), as well as significantly smaller GMV in the right hippocampus (0.29±0.07, 0.33±0.06), bilateral middle frontal gyrus (left: 0.27±0.05, 0.31±0.05; right: 0.28±0.06, 0.32±0.06), right insula (0.36±0.03, 0.38±0.04), and left precentral gyrus (0.19±0.04, 0.24±0.05) ( F=4.593-12.064, all P<0.05, FDR correction). GMV in the right anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri was significantly larger than that in the SLE-non-depression group (0.34±0.05, 0.29±0.06) ( F=6.704, P=0.034, FDR correction). Partial correlation analysis revealed significantly stronger correlations between hub DEGs and altered brain regions in the SLE-depression group ( r=0.017-0.801) compared to the SLE-non-depression group ( r=0.002-0.382), with a statistically significant difference ( U=629, P<0.001; Cliff's Delta=0.454). GSEA indicated that the aforementioned genes were primarily involved in pathways including the ribosome, spliceosome, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the above results remained statistically significant after balancing sample sizes (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The SLE-depression group showed specific RNA expression and brain structure alterations compared to the SLE-non-depression group, and the correlation between RNA and brain structure was significantly enhanced in the SLE-depression group. This suggests that the correlation between genes and brain structure in the SLE population may be related to their susceptibility to depression.
7.CT and MRI characteristics and analysis of intracranial white epidermoid cysts
Xin LI ; Yuan LI ; Jiarong CHAI ; Changjuan MENG ; Yanping WANG ; Liyang ZHAO ; Zhihong YANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(1):18-21
Objective To investigate the radiological features of intracranial white epidermoid cysts(WECs).Methods A retro-spective analysis was conducted on the CT and MRI findings of 7 patients pathologically confirmed with WECs.All patients under-went plain CT and MRI scans,and six patients underwent enhanced MRI scans.Results All cases were solitary lesions,located in the right middle cranial fossa(2 cases),suprasellar area(2 cases),left cerebellopontine angle(1 case),right cerebellar vermis(1 case),and cerebellomedullary cistern(1 case),respectively.The lesions appeared oval or irregular in shape with clear boundaries and no perile-sional edema.The CT scans predominantly showed high density in 7 cases,with calcification in 1 case.On T1WI,7 cases exhibited high signal with mixed signals in some areas;6 cases showed primarily low signal on T2WI and fluid attenuated inversion recovery(FLAIR),with 1 case predominantly showed high signal;all 7 cases demonstrated low signal on diffusion weighted imaging(DWI).The margins of 1 lesion appeared"curly",and another exhibited a"swirl"pattern.5 cases had no enhancement,while 1 case had mild marginal enhancement.Conclusion Intracranial WECs has certain imaging characteristics.When a cystic lesion shows high density on CT,predominantly high signal on T1WI,and mostly no enhancement,considering the possibility of WECs.
8.The role of PKMYT1 in glucocorticoid-induced osteoblast apoptosis
Chengyou YANG ; Hong LUO ; Tao WANG ; Zhihong XIE ; Liang LIANG ; Fanchao LI ; Jianhua WU ; Fei ZHANG ; Wuxun PENG
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(5):381-393
Objective To investigate the role of membrane-associated tyrosine/threonine-protein ki-nase 1(PKMYT1)in glucocorticoid(GC)-induced osteoblast(OB)apoptosis,providing a theoretical basis and potential therapeutic targets for early-stage steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head(SANFH).Methods(1)Mouse calvarial osteoblastic cells(MC3T3-E1)were selected for the study.The control group was cultured in standard medium,while the experimental group was subject-ed to osteogenic induction culture,with osteogenic capacity verified by alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and Alizarin Red S(ARS)staining.Then,mouse osteoblasts(mOB)were treated with different con-centrations of GC.After that,apoptosis was detected by using Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining as-say,while cell proliferation was assessed by using Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK8).Moreover,the expres-sions of anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2(BCL-2),pro-apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-3andcleavedcaspase-9(cleavedcaspase 3/9)weredetectedbyusing Westernblotting(WB).Meanwhile,proteomic analysis was employed to identify molecules potentially regulating GC-in-duced apoptosis in mOBs.What's more,quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and WB were used to further analyze PKMYT1 expression.(2)mOBs were treated with PKMYT1 inhibitor GSK-1520489A of different concentrations to screen the optimal one,and all subjects were then further divided into a control,a GC,a GSK-1520489A,and a GC+GSK-1520489A group.Later,the expression of PK-MYT1 and apoptosis-related proteins BCL-2 and cleaved caspase 3/9 of all groups were detected us-ing WB,and cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated by CCK8 assay,with cell proliferation by using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EDU)assay and apoptosis by cell live/dead staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining.(3)mOBs were infected with PKMYT1 overexpression lentiviral vectors,and its efficiency was verified by using immunofluorescence,qPCR,and WB.After successful overexpres-sion of PKMYT1,all cells were divided into the control,GC,PKMYT1 overexpression(OE),and OE+GC groups,whose cell proliferation was detected by EDU assay,and apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and cell live/dead staining.(4)To verify the changes in PKMYT1 expression in human osteoblasts(hOB),hOBs extracted from human femoral heads of healthy individu-als were chosen into the control group,while those from patients with hormone-induced avascular ne-crosis of the femoral head(hSANFH)were selected into the hSANFH group.Then,PKMYT1 expres-sion in both groups was detected by using qPCR and WB.Results(1)After inducing the differentia-tion of mouse calvarial osteoblastic cells(MC3T3-E1)into mature osteoblasts,under the action of GC,compared with the control group,with the increase of GC concentration,the experimental group showed increased mOB apoptosis(P<0.01)and expression of cleaved caspase 3/9(P<0.01),but de-creased cell viability(P<0.01)and expressionof apoptosis-relatedprotein BCL-2(P<0.01).More-over,according to the proteomic sequencing,significant decrease was observed in the PKMYT1 expres-sion in mature mOBs treated with GC.(2)As to treatment of mOBs with different concentrations of PKMYT1 inhibitor GSK-1520489A,with the increase of concentration,cell viability decreased and cy-totoxicity increased(P<0.001).Moreover,compared with the control group,mOBs proliferation de-creased(P<0.001)and apoptosis increased(P<0.001)in the GSK-1520489A group.Meanwhile,com-pared with the GC group,mOB proliferation decreased(P<0.05)and apoptosis increased significantly(P<0.01)in the GC+GSK-1520489A group.(3)After overexpression of PKMYT1,in comparison with the control group,mOB proliferation increased(P<0.001)but apoptosis did not increase significantly(P>0.05)in the OE group.Moreover,compared with the GC group,mOB proliferation increased(P<0.001)but apoptosis decreased(P<0.001)significantly in the OE+GC group.(4)In hOBs extracted from human femoral head tissues,qPCR and WB results showed that PKMYT1 expression of the hSANFH group was significantly lower than the control group(P<0.001).Conclusion Down regulation of PKMYT1 expression promotes GC-induced apoptosis of mOBs.Conversely,over expression of PK-MYT1 inhibits GC-induced apoptosis of mOBs.Therefore,PKMYT1 may serve as a potential target for the early treatment of SANFH.
9.Pathogenesis explanation of hepatolenticular degeneration along the"liver-kidney-brain"axis and differentiation and treatment strategies of traditional Chinese medicine
Zhihong RAO ; Wenming YANG ; Yulong YANG ; Wenjie HAO ; Yue YANG ; Ke DIAO ; Shuzhen FANG ; Yuchen LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1270-1277
Hepatolenticular degeneration is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease characterized by copper metabolism disorder,which affects the liver,kidneys,and brain.In traditional Chinese medicine,this disease is closely associated with dysfunction of the"liver-kidney-brain"axis.The liver,kidney,and brain form a physiological whole through the mutual transformation and distribution of essence and blood,the coordination of qi transformation,and the connection of meridians and collaterals.This article explores the pathogenesis of hepatolenticular degeneration based on the"liver-kidney-brain"axis.The deficiency of liver and kidney essence leads to the malnutrition of brain marrow,which is the fundamental cause of the disease.The internal accumulation of copper toxins generates dampness-heat and phlegm-stasis,which are the key factors causing the disease.In view of the characteristics of this disease with deficiency in nature and excess in superficiality,the principle of dynamic treating both manifestation and root cause of disease is established:treating the manifestation starts with eliminating copper and detoxifying,combined with clearing heat and dampness,and removing phlegm and stasis;treating the root cause follows the concept of the same origin of yi and gui,emphasizing the simultaneous treatment of liver and kidney to nourish the brain marrow.Throughout the treatment process,copper elimination(treating the symptoms)should be taken into account,and stratified measures should be applied based on the primary focus of the lesion:either treating the liver as the main focus and supplemented by tonifying the kidney and filling the marrow;or treating the kidney as the main focus and assisted by regulating the liver and nourishing the brain;or co-regulating the three zang-organs of liver,kidney,and brain,to achieve the therapeutic goal of eliminating pathogenic factors and restoring normal functions,and combining tonification and purgation.
10.Relapse-related candidate genes and their clinicopathological connections of diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Yuxi GONG ; Yefan YANG ; Shuning SUN ; Rumeng BAI ; Shuaishuai ZHUO ; Yang SHAO ; Kaihua LIU ; Yuqian SHI ; Zhihong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(4):348-353
Objective:To explore the relapse-related genes and their clinicopathological connections of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods:Targeted panel sequencing was conducted on 32 eligible DLBCL samples; the patients were diagnosed, treated, and went into complete remission at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2015 to December 2019, including 14 cases with recurrence (relapsed group) and 18 cases with long-term complete remission of over five years (remission group). Clinical and pathological data were further reviewed. Fisher′s exact test was employed to compare the differences in clinicopathological characteristics and mutation patterns between the two groups.Results:Among the 32 patients, there were 18 males and 14 females, with a male to female ratio of 1.3∶1.0 and a median age of 53 (45.5, 67.0) years. In the relapsed group, PIM1 (11/14), KMT2D (7/14), PRDM1 (6/14), MYD88 (6/14), DTX1 (6/14) emerged as the most frequently mutated genes. In the remission group, while recurrent PIM1, KMT2D and MYD88 mutations were also observed, the TP53 gene exhibited the highest mutation frequency (6/18). Compared to the remission group, relapsed group showed elevated mutation frequencies of PIM1 ( P=0.013) and FAT4 ( P=0.010), alongside a reduced incidence of TP53 mutations. In all 32 patients, DLBCL with CD79B, CCND3, DTX1, KMT2D and PRDM1 mutations demonstrated a propensity towards advanced clinicopathologic stage. Conclusions:Relapsed DLBCL has distinctive clinicopathological and genetic features. PIM1 and FAT4 may be served as potential biomarkers for screening relapsed DLBCL-NOS and as targets for novel therapeutic strategies.

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