1.Exploration on factors influencing HLA-C molecular expression level by flow cytometry
Yunan LI ; Renhui JIANG ; Siqi CAI ; Jie LIU ; Zhihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):79-84
[Objective] To investigate the factors influencing the detection of HLA-C expression by flow cytometry. [Methods] A total of 12 hematopoietic stem cell suspension samples from peripheral hematopoietic stem cell volunteer donors were randomly collected after CD34+ cell counting detection. The influence of detecting different number of nucleated cell (500 000, 50 000 and 5 000), sequential order of red blood cell lysis and antibody incubation, and the HLA-C antibody with varied remaining time from the expiration date on the detection results of HLA-C expression by flow cytometry were investigated, respectively. The significance of differences between different groups was analyzed through Student t test. [Results] There was no significant difference in the proportion of HLA-C positive cells and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) among the three groups with different nucleated cell numbers detected (500 000, 50 000 and 5 000) (P>0.05). The sequential order of red blood cell lysis and antibody incubation had no influence on the proportion of HLA-C positive cells (P>0.05), but HLA-C MFI value was significantly lower when antibody incubation was performed after red blood cell lysis than that when antibody incubation was performed before red blood cell lysis (P<0.05). The proportion of HLA-C positive cells and MFI value detected by HLA-C antibody remaining 24 months from the expiration date were significantly higher than those detected by HLA-C antibody remaining only 5 months from the expiration date (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The present study has investigated the factors of influencing HLA-C expression level by flow cytometry, the results have important reference and application value for standardizing the experimental operation of HLA-C expression and improving the accuracy and comparability of detection results.
2.Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in Treatment of Sarcopenia Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis by Improving Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis Through Regulation of Autophagy
Yakun WAN ; Yuan LIU ; Yuan QU ; Jingyu GUO ; Ting LIU ; Zhihui BAI ; Di ZHANG ; Ping JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):12-23
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism of action of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated sarcopenia by regulating autophagy and improving skeletal muscle homeostasis based on network pharmacology,bioinformatics,machine learning,and animal experiments. MethodsActive ingredients and targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP),PubChem,and SwissTargetPrediction databases. RA-related datasets were retrieved from the GEO database,and differential genes were screened. Sarcopenia-related targets were searched through GeneCards and the Comparative Toxicology Database (CTD),and autophagy-related gene sets were downloaded from the Human Autophagy Database (HADb). Their intersection was analyzed to identify autophagy-related therapeutic targets,followed by enrichment analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database,and key targets were selected using multiple methods. Machine learning was applied to predict models based on the expression profiles of intersecting targets,and nomogram models were constructed based on key targets. Molecular docking of the top four active ingredients with key targets was performed using AutoDockVina. A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established using bovine type Ⅱ collagen,with SD rats divided into groups including a blank group,a model group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang (2.44,4.88,and 9.76 g·kg-1) and administered for five consecutive weeks. Joint scores and gastrocnemius muscle mass were recorded and analyzed after modeling. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's staining were used to observe pathological changes in muscle tissue. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to observe the protein expression levels of myosin heavy chain (MYHC) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in skeletal muscle. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of autophagy-related proteins ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,muscle-specific proteins (MuRF1),MaFbx,and MYHC. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) was performed to measure the mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,MaFbx,and MYHC in muscle tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacology revealed that Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang shared 25 common targets with autophagy genes related to RA-associated sarcopenia. The PPI network and machine learning identified six key targets,which were primarily involved in autophagy and inflammatory pathways. Animal experiments showed that compared to the blank group,the model group had significantly higher joint scores (P<0.01) and lower gastrocnemius muscle index (P<0.01). HE staining indicated a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibers,with notable inflammatory cell infiltration and muscle atrophy in the model group. Masson's staining revealed obvious collagen fiber proliferation and deposition,with significant muscle fibrosis in the model group. The protein and mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,and MaFbx were significantly increased (P<0.01),while the protein expression of MYHC and IGF1 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the high-dose group of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang showed significantly reduced protein and mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,and MaFbx (P<0.01) and increased protein expression levels of MYHC and IGF1 (P<0.01). The cross-sectional area of muscle fibers increased,and the muscle cell morphology approached normal. Moreover,pathological abnormalities in the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly improved,with reduced collagen fiber proliferation (P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqi Guizhi Wuwutang can mediate autophagy by regulating the expression of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,and IGF1,thereby reducing skeletal muscle catabolism and improving skeletal muscle homeostasis,which contributes to the treatment of RA-associated sarcopenia. The findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the effects of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in the treatment of RA-related sarcopenia and offer a reference for its enhanced clinical application.
3.Establishment and application of a red blood cell gene database in regular blood donors
Zhihui FENG ; Xiaoyun CHI ; Bin HU ; Li LIU ; Dawei LI ; Shutao PANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1056-1062
Objective: To establish a "regular blood donor red blood cell gene database"(hereafter referred to as the "database") by applying molecular biology techniques for red blood cell antigens genotyping and utilizing information technology software, and to determine the significance and application value of this "database" in precise red blood cell transfusion. Methods: Fifteen antigens [C, c, E, e, M, N, S, s, Fy (a), Fy (b), Jk (a), Jk (b), Le (a), Le (b), P1] across six blood group systems (RHCE, MNS, FY, JK, Lewis and P1PK) were detected among 9 426 regular blood donors using the TaqMan-MGB method combined with an improved U-shaped microplate approach. With the assistance of information technology software, the "database" was integrated into the overall inventory management system of the blood supply chain. This enabled comprehensive management of regular blood donor and patient information, test results, specific antigen screening for regular blood donors, graded antigen matching between donors and patients, and rare blood type donor records. Results: The TaqMan-MGB method successfully detected paired antigens (C/c, E/e, M/N, S/s, Fy
/Fy
, Jk
/Jk
) within a single reaction well using a standardized PCR amplification protocol. This method provided a reliable testing solution for clinical institutions and empowered blood collection and supply organizations with high-throughput screening capabilities. In the blood supply chain, genotyped red blood cells accounted for 13.2% (721/5 462 U) of the total inventory, with 95.34% (348/365) originating from donors who donated two units of blood. Moreover, the “database” fulfilled 94.06% (443/471 U) of compatible transfusion requirements from medical institutions and effectively managed rare blood type donors. Conclusion: The establishment of the "database" facilitated the transition of blood compatibility testing from traditional serological methods to molecular biology-based gold standard techniques, significantly advancing the implementation of precise transfusion strategies based on multi-antigen matching between donors and patients.
4.Discussion on the pathogenesis and treatment of cough variant asthma in children from the perspective of " systemic qi stagnation"
Xue GONG ; Zhihui LIU ; Fang LIU ; Xiaohong BAI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(6):767-773
Cough variant asthma is a distinct subtype of asthma characterized by chronic irritant dry cough as the sole or predominant clinical manifestation. It is one of the primary causes of chronic cough in children. In traditional Chinese medicine, it belongs to the category of " spasmodic cough", " wind-induced cough", " chronic cough", and " asthmatic cough". At present, Western medicine treatment approaches mainly focus on symptomatic treatment, but fail to fully deal with its complex systemic mechanisms, and have limitations such as poor control of clinical symptoms and rebound exacerbation upon treatment cessation. Based on the theory of " systemic qi stagnation", this paper proposes that the core pathogenesis of cough variant asthma in children is qi stagnation, intermingling of phlegm and blood stasis, and obstruction of collaterals. Disease progression is fundamentally driven by exogenous pathogen activation of endogenous predispositions, particularly dysregulation of sanjiao qi movement, which serves as the primary disease-inducing factor. During the acute phase, the treatment principle focuses on dispelling wind and ventilating lung to restore physiological qi. As the disease progresses to the progressive phase, the focus shifts toward smoothing liver and purging lung to resolve qi counterflow. In the chronic phase, therapeutic strategy prioritizes dissipating phlegm and eliminating blood stasis to smooth collaterals. Finally, during the remission phase, treatment emphasizes strengthening spleen and kidney to consolidate the foundation and cultivate the vitality. This integrative approach synergizes the external elimination of latent pathogens, internal harmonization of qi movement, and dredging collaterals by dispelling blood stasis. It also incorporates the theory of " gentle dispersion to expel pathogens and moistening dryness to harmonize collaterals", aiming to provide a theoretical basis and effective prescriptions for the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment of cough variant asthma in children.
5.Bushen Huoxue Prescription Regulates PINP and β-CTX in Treatment of Femoral Head Necrosis with Syndrome of Liver and Kidney Deficiency
Zijia LIU ; Ying LI ; Pengtao CUI ; Bowen WANG ; Peigang ZHANG ; Wuyue TONG ; Zhihui ZHANG ; Yuju CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):81-89
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic mechanism of Bushen Huoxue prescription from the perspective of bone metabolism by observing the clinical efficacy of this prescription in treating femoral head necrosis (ONFH, syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency) and its influences on bone metabolism indexes: N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and β-collagen degradation product (β-CTX). MethodSixty-six ONFH patients with the syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency in Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Orthopedics from December 2021 to September 2022 were selected. The patients were randomized into an experimental group and a control group by the parallel control method, with 33 patients in each group. The experimental group received Bushen Huoxue prescription orally, while the control group received Xianlinggubao Capsules orally, with a treatment cycle of 6 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Harris score, Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging, imaging changes, quantitative scores of TCM symptoms, and serum levels of PINP and β-CTX were determined before and after treatment. The occurrence of adverse events and reactions was recorded. ResultThe total response rate in the experimental group was 83.87% (26/31), which was higher than that (68.75%, 22/32) in the control group (Z=-2.096, P<0.05). After treatment, the single and total scores of TCM symptoms, VAS score, and β-CTX level decreased in the two groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the decreases in the scores of hip pain, lower limb mobility, soreness of waist and knees, and lower limb flaccidity, total score of TCM symptoms, VAS score, and β-CTX level in the experimental were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the imaging results showed no significant improvement in the two groups. The Harris score and PINP level in both groups increased after treatment (P<0.05), and the increases were more obvious in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). No serious adverse event or adverse reaction appeared during the observation period. ConclusionBushen Huoxue prescription can relieve pain and TCM symptoms and improve the hip joint function in treating ONFH patients with the syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency. It can inhibit the development of ONFH, increase PINP, and decrease β-CTX. No obvious side effect appears during the clinical observation period, which shows that Bushen Huoxue prescription has good safety.
6.Interrupted Time Series Study on the Service Efficiency and Cost Structure of Appendectomy in Children
Chunxia NA ; Dongzi WANG ; Zhihui LIU ; Guangying GAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(2):37-40
Objective:To analyze the changes in service efficiency and cost structure before and after implementing multidisci-plinary treatment in the GD19(appendectomy with perforation,suppuration,gangrene,etc.)and GD29(appendectomy)groups of pedi-atric specialty medical institutions.Methods:The case data of GD19 and GD29 groups of medical insurance patients in sample hospi-tals in Beijing from 2021 to 2022 were collected.Mann Whitney U test was used to analyze the changes of medical expenses and effi-ciency indicators,and intermittent time series model was established to analyze the change trend.Results:Compared to 2021,the av-erage hospitalization expenses of GD19 group in 2022 decreased by 2 462.00 yuan year-on-year,and that of GD29 group decreased by 2 042.60 yuan year-on-year(P<0.05).Among them,the cost of medicines,consumables,examinations and tests and treatment have all decreased.In the month when the management measures were implemented,the average consumption cost of GD19 group de-creased by 920.00 yuan(P<0.05),and the average consumption cost of GD29 group decreased by 632.50 yuan.The average length of stay in GD29 group decreased from 3.74 days to 2.78 days(P<0.05).Conclusion:After the implementation of management mea-sures,the cost of drug consumables in GD19 group and GD29 group was controlled,the cost level was reduced,and the operation effi-ciency was improved.It is suggested to adhere to the management measures of selection of key DRG groups and multidisciplinary con-sultation,mobilize the management enthusiasm of clinical departments,and strengthen the demonstration and optimization of pediatric DRG grouping and payment scheme.
7.Mechanism of Aurantii Fructus and Its Active Components in Regulating Gastrointestinal Motility: A Review
Junbao YU ; Jiayuan ZHU ; Wenya MEI ; Jiawei HE ; Yuqing LONG ; Zhihui WANG ; Xiaorong LIU ; Xiangdan LIU ; Ribao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):290-298
Gastrointestinal motility disorder is an important cause of digestive system diseases. Patients often suffer from nausea, vomiting, gastric retention, gastroparesis, constipation, and many other symptoms, and their quality of life is seriously reduced. Prokinetic agents are routinely used in clinical practice, but their long-term use is prone to problems such as reduced efficacy and increased adverse reactions. Since the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases has continued to rise globally in recent years, there is an urgent need for clinical development of safe and effective treatment strategies. Aurantii Fructus, a traditional Chinese medicine, has the effect of smoothing Qi and eliminating distention, and it has been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases for thousands of years. In modern clinical practice, it is mainly used for the treatment and auxiliary treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. The efficacy is remarkable, and no adverse reactions have been reported at conventional doses. Therefore, it can greatly improve the symptoms of patients with gastrointestinal diseases and improve their quality of life. Modern research has revealed that there are many active components in Aurantii Fructus, among which flavonoids have the highest content and the most types. Flavonoids are the main active components in Aurantii Fructus to regulate gastrointestinal motility. Aurantii Fructus and its active components can affect gastrointestinal hormones, neural pathways, Cajal mesenchymal cells, and other multiple mechanisms. They can adjust gastrointestinal motility and correct gastrointestinal motility disorders, showing potential application value in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. However, a comprehensive analysis of Aurantii Fructus in this aspect is still lacking. This study summarized the pharmacological activities of active components of Aurantii Fructus extract and its flavonoids, volatile oils, alkaloids, and coumarin on the regulation of gastrointestinal motility and explored the latest research progress on its mechanism. Finally, the adverse reactions of Aurantii Fructus were summarized. It aims to provide a scientific basis for the research and clinical application of Aurantii Fructus and its active components in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility.
8.Effects of Hewei Anshe Formula (和胃安神方) on the CLOCK and BMAL1 Gene Expression of Hypothalamic Biological Clock in Insomnia Rat Models
Shuo WANG ; Changzhen WANG ; Zhihui LI ; Tianke HUANG ; Liang WANG ; Chujiao TIAN ; Tao ZOU ; Zihan LIU ; Qi CHEN ; Shaodan LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(20):2145-2151
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Hewei Anshen Formula (和胃安神方) in the treatment of insomnia. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the eszopiclone group and the low-, medium- and high-dose Hewei Anshen Formula groups. The insomnia model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) for 2 days in all groups except the normal group. After successful modelling, the eszopiclone group was given 0.33 mg/(kg·d) eszopiclone aqueous solution by gavage, the low-, medium- and high-dose Hewei Anshen Formula groups were given 10 ml/kg of Hewei Anshen Formula with a concentration of 1, 2 and 4 g/ml, respectively, and the rats in the normal group and the model group were given 10 ml/kg of saline by gavage, once a day for 7 consecutive days. The general condition of the rats was observed during the experiment, and the body mass of the rats was measured every day after medication administration. The following day after the last medication administration, pentobarbital sodium co-test was used to observe the sleep condition, and the sleep latency and sleep duration were recorded; immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of hypothalamic clock rhythm regulating protein (CLOCK) and brain and muscle aromatic hydrocarbon receptor nuclear transporter-like protein 1 (BMAL1) in the rats. ResultsThe body mass of rats in the model group was lower than that of rats in the normal group at all time points (P<0.01); compared with the same time in the eszopiclone group, the body mass of rats in the low-dose Hewei Anshen Formula group was elevated on the 5th, 6th and 7th days of medication administration (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the sleep duration of rats in the model group was shortened (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the sleep duration of rats in each dosage group increased (P<0.01), and the difference between the high-dose Hewei Anshen Formula group and the eszopiclone group showed no statistically significant (P>0.05), while the sleep duration of the low- and medium-dose Hewei Anshen Formula groups were shorterned than the eszopiclone group (P<0.01). The difference in sleep latency showed no statistically significant among each group (P>0.05). The results of both immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed that the expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 in the hypothalamus of rats in the model group was significantly reduced compared with that in the normal group (P<0.01); the expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 in the hypothalamus of rats in the low- and high-dose Hewei Anshen Formula groups increased than that in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionHewei Anshen Formula can improve insomnia in model rats, and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of the hypothalamic biological clock genes CLOCK and BMAL1 protein.
9.Preparation of GelMA hydrogel loaded with ZIF-8 and evaluation of drug sustained release and antibacterial effect
Kongzhao JIANG ; Chiyu LI ; Yungang LUO ; Zhihui LIU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(1):106-112
objective:To prepare a composite photocrosslinked hydrogel containing zeolite imidazole framework-8(ZIF-8),and to evaluate its in vitro cytotoxicity,drug release capability,and antimicrobial propertie.Methods:The ZIF-8 particles were synthesized by hydrothermal method,and the microstructure characteristic was observed under scanning electron microscope(SEM).The particles were mixed with the gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA)with the mass fraction of 0.2%to obtain the composite hydrogel GelMA-Z.The atomic absorption spectroscope was used to detect the cumulative zinc ion(Zn2+)release amounts in GelMA-Z at different time points.The NIH-3T3 cells were co-cultured with GelMA-Z for 1,3,and 7 d;the viabilities of the cells in various groups were detected by CCK-8 assay;the GelMA-Z was co-cultured with Escherichia coli(E.coli)and Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)for 6,12,and 24 h and divided into control group,GelMA group,and GelMA-Z group.The bacterial activities of the cells in various groups at different time points were detected by microplate reader;the bacterial formation and the presence of live/dead becterial staining condition were detected by plate antibacterial experiment and live/dead bacterial staining method.Results:The SEM observation results showed that the hydrothermally synthesized ZIF-8 particles had the uniform particle sizes.The atomic absorption spectroscope results showed that Zn2+ in GelMA-Z showed an initial burst phase within 1 d,followed by a slow release,and reached the equilibrium around 7 d.Compared with control group,the viabilities the cells in GelMA group and GelMA-Z group were above 90%on the 1st,3rd,and 7th days,but there was no significant difference(P>0.05).The bacterial activity detection results showed that when co-cultured with bacteria for 6,12,and 24 h,compared with control group and GelMA group,the bacterial activities of the E.coli and S.aureus in GelMA-Z group were decreased(P<0.05).The plate antibacterial experiment results showed that the number of bacterial formation in GelMA-Z group was fewer than those in control group and GelMA group.The live/dead bacterial staining results showed that in GelMA-Z group,there was a large number of red fluorescence stained dead bacteria;in control group and GelMA group,there was a large number of green fluorescence stained live bacteria.Conclusion:The GelMA hydrogel loaded with ZIF-8 particles can achieve the in situ photocrosslinking and possesses good Zn2+ release capability and antimicrobial activity,and it is a novel hydrogel dressing for treatment of the infected wounds.
10.Predictive value of the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell for the adverse pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus
Haixia LIU ; Lili WANG ; Xiaomin WEI ; Yuxia YANG ; Zhihui SONG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(1):12-16
Objective To investigate the predictive value of the expression levels of YY1 transcription fac-tor(YY1)and microRNA(miR)-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell for adverse pregnancy out-comes in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Methods A total of 200 patients with GDM were enrolled as the GDM group.100 healthy pregnant women who underwent prenatal examinations during the same period were selected as the control group.The expressions levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mono-nuclear cell were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of YY1 and miR-181a-5p for adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM pa-tients.Results Compared with the control group,the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell of GDM group were obviously decreased(P<0.05),and the incidence rates of post-partum hemorrhage,macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia in GDM group were obviously higher(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age and poor blood glucose control were inde-pendent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients(P<0.05),and the expression levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cell YY1 and miR-181a-5p were independent protective factors for adverse preg-nancy outcomes in GDM patients(P<0.05).ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood alone and in combination in predicting ad-verse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients was 0.717,0.751 and 0.832,respectively,and the AUC of their combination was obviously higher than that of the two alone(P<0.05).Conclusion The decreased expres-sion levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell of GDM patients could increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes,YY1 and miR-181a-5p are closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients,and both could be used as predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients.


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