2.Identification of serum differential metabolic markers in patients with ulcerative colitis
Xiaojie CHU ; Zhongyu WANG ; Siyun CHENG ; Ping YANG ; Han SHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(3):167-173
Objective To identify serum metabolic markers served in the clinical diagnosis of ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods Ser-um samples from 29 UC patients,31 Crohn's disease(CD)patients,and 21 matched healthy controls(HC)admitted to Department of Gastroenterology,Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital during September 2022 and March 2024 were collected.The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q Exactive HF-X)technology was used to detect and analyze serum metabolites.A partial least squares discrimination analysis(PLS-DA)model was constructed,and the metabolites significantly up-regulated in UC were screened based on the variable importance in projection(VIP)score>1,P value<0.05,and fold change(FC)>1.2.The pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)database to reveal the biological pathways involved in the metabolites.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUCROC)was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic potential of the differential metabolites.Results A total of 1 522 metabo-lites were identified from the three sample groups.Among them,4 metabolites,namely leucodopachrome(VIP=1.964,P<0.05,FC=1.916),tetrahydrodipicolinate(VIP=1.74,P<0.05,FC=2.65),N-ethylmaleimide(VIP=1.519,P<0.05,FC=1.597),and 5,6-dihydroxyindole(VIP=3.018,P<0.05,FC=1.575),were significantly up-regulated in UC.Their AUCROC values for distinguishing UC from CD were 0.788(95%CI:0.655-0.921),0.773(95%CI:0.639-0.907),0.834(95%CI:0.720-0.949),and 0.899(95%CI:0.821-0.977),respectively,while those for distinguishing UC from HC were 0.966(95%CI:0.924-1.000),0.926(95%CI:0.857-0.995),0.969(95%CI:0.928-1.000),and 0.910(95%CI:0.830-0.990),respectively.KEGG pathway analysis showed that the up-regulated metabolites in UC were primarily enriched in biological pathways such as tyrosine metabolism,glycerophospholipid me-tabolism,and arachidonic acid metabolism.Conclusion The serum metabolic profile of UC patients is significantly changed,and the four differential metabolites mentioned above may serve as effective biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of UC,CD,and HC.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Zhejiang and Epidemic Prevention During the Republic of China
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(1):91-96
[Objective]By examining the spatiotemporal distribution and control measures of epidemics in Zhejiang Province during the period of the Republic of China,to explore the practical role of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in epidemic prevention and control.[Methods]Using literature analysis and quantitative methods,and examines historical documents such as newspapers,archives,and local gazetteers from the Republic of China to systematically compile and statistically analyze the epidemics that occurred in Zhejiang Province during that period.And also analyzes the TCM policies of the time and assesses the practical role of TCM in epidemic prevention and control.[Results]During period of the Republic of China,Zhejiang Province experienced frequent outbreaks of epidemics,with cholera and smallpox being the most severe,followed by malaria and dysentery.Other diseases,such as typhoid fever,diphtheria,scarlet fever and plague,caused severe harm to the lives and well-being of the population.The government adopted policies that favored western medicine and suppressed TCM,leading to the exclusion of TCM from the public health and epidemic prevention systems.Despite this,TCM remained indispensable in actual epidemic control efforts,particularly in smaller cities and rural areas,where TCM treatment was still the primary method.TCM plays a significant role in the prevention and control of epidemics.The therapeutic prescriptions of"the Three Greats of Zhejiang TCM"have been widely circulated among the public,making important contributions to the prevention and control of the epidemic.[Conclusion]The medical policy mistakes during period of the Republic of China,which led to continuous internal disputes and the underutilization of limited social medical resources,causing serious damage to the life and property safety of the people,serving as a lesson for us.In the future,there should be a continued emphasis on the inheritance and innovation of TCM,and encouragement for the coordinated development of TCM and western medicine,so as to better address sudden public health challenges.
4.Molecular subtyping and clinical characteristics of patients with reoperated papillary thyroid carcinoma
Ang HU ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yin LI ; Jiahe TIAN ; Zhuming GUO ; Qiuli LI
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(7):605-610
Objective:To explore the reoperation cause and molecular classification of patients reoperated for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Clinical data from 102 PTC patients who underwent reoperation at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were collected between February 2019 and December 2024. The cohort comprised 26 males (25.5%) and 76 females (74.5%), with initial age of (33.1±12.2) years (range: 9 to 67 years). At initial surgery, 25.5% (26/102) exhibited extrathyroidal extension, 52.0% (53/102) had multifocal tumors, and 19.6% (20/102) had metastatic lymph nodes with extranodal extension. AJCC staging classified 95.1% (97/102) as stage Ⅰ, 2.9% (3/102) as stage Ⅱ, and 2.0% (2/102) as stage Ⅲ. Standardized primary tumor resection was performed in 81.4% (83/102), prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection (LND) in 89.2% (91/102), and therapeutic lateral LND in 47.1% (48/102). Data on recurrence, genetic alterations, reoperation intervals, and clinical features of multiple recurrent PTC cases were analyzed.Results:Among 102 patients, 81.4% (83/102) presented with lateral neck metastases, 48.0% (49/102) with central compartment metastases, and 22.6% (23/102) with residual thyroid lobe recurrence at reoperation. Reoperation occurred within 6 months postoperatively in 18.6% (19/102) and after 6 months in 81.4% (83/102). Genetic detection revealed BRAF mutation in 63.7% (65/102), RET fusions in 19.6% (20/102), and TERT promoter mutations in 8.8% (9/102). During reoperation, 88.2% (90/102) underwent therapeutic lateral LND, and 39.2% (40/102) required residual gland resection. Twelve patients received multiple surgeries, including 4 cases with BRAF+TERT mutations, 4 with RET fusions, and 4 with BRAF mutation alone. Conclusions:The reasons for the reoperation of PTC mainly include recurrence and complementary surgery. Genetic alterations such as BRAF mutation and RET fusion are common in PTC patients requiring reoperation.
5.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
6.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
7.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
8.Case of oculomotor nerve palsy after the surgery of cranial-orbital communicating tumor.
Cangsong ZHAO ; Zhongyu TANG ; Tao WANG ; Haiyan WANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(4):548-550
The paper reports acupuncture treatment for one case of oculomotor nerve palsy after cranial-orbital communicating tumor surgery. The acupoint prescription was composed of the local acupoints of the eyes (Yansanzhen, Tijian, Cuanzhu [BL2], Yuyao [EX-HN4] and Sizhukong [TE23]), the acupoints on the head, face and neck (Yangbai [GB14], Sibai [ST2] and Fengchi [GB20]), Guanyuan (CV4) on the abdomen, and those on the four limbs (Hegu [LI4], Zusanli [ST36], Shenmai [BL62] and Zhaohai [KI6]). The point-to-point needling technique with the eyelid lifted was operated at Tijian, Cuanzhu (BL2), Yuyao (EX-HN4), and Sizhukong (TE23). Warm needling with moxa cone placed on the needle handle was operated at Guanyuan (CV4) and Zusanli (ST36), and the usual needling technique was delivered at the rest acupoints. The treatment was given once daily, discontinued for 1 day after every 6 treatments. One course of treatment was composed of 7 days, and 6 courses were required. After treatment completion, the upper eyelids were basically symmetrical and the bilateral eye cracks were equal, the double vision appeared occasionally. No recurrence and no aggravation were reported in 1 month of follow up visit.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Oculomotor Nerve Diseases/etiology*
;
Orbital Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Postoperative Complications/etiology*
9.Efficacy of "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" moxibustion for abdominal obesity and its effect on lipid accumulation.
Chengwei FU ; Lihua WANG ; Xia CHEN ; Yanji ZHANG ; Yingrong ZHANG ; Wei HUANG ; Hua WANG ; Zhongyu ZHOU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(5):614-619
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the efficacy of "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" moxibustion for abdominal obesity and its effect on blood lipid, lipid accumulation product (LAP) and cardiometabolic index (CMI).
METHODS:
A total of 150 patients with abdominal obesity were randomly divided into an observation group (75 cases, 5 cases dropped out) and a control group (75 cases, 6 cases dropped out). The control group received lifestyle guidance. The observation group received "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV12), Guanyuan (CV4) and bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36) on the basis of the control group, 20 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, body mass index (BMI) were observed, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured, and the LAP and CMI were calculated in the two groups.
RESULTS:
After treatment, the waist circumference, weight and BMI were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), the changes of the above indexes in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the hip circumference, TC level, TG level, LAP and CMI in the observation group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), the HDL-C level was increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05);the changes of the TC level, TG level, LAP, CMI and HDL-C level in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
"Biaoben acupoint compatibility" moxibustion can reduce the degree of obesity in patients with abdominal obesity, and improve blood lipid and reduce lipid accumulation.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Moxibustion
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Obesity, Abdominal/blood*
;
Adult
;
Lipids/blood*
;
Lipid Metabolism
;
Triglycerides/blood*
;
Young Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Aged
10.Moxibustion for central obesity with phlegm-dampness constitution: a randomized controlled trial.
Yanji ZHANG ; Dan WEI ; Wei HUANG ; Jiajie WANG ; Xia CHEN ; Chengwei FU ; Benlu YU ; Yingrong ZHANG ; Zhongyu ZHOU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(8):1053-1060
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the efficacy and safety of moxibustion in treating patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution.
METHODS:
A total of 66 patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution were randomly assigned to a moxibustion group (n=33, 3 cases dropped out) and a sham moxibustion group (n=33, 4 cases dropped out). The moxibustion group received mild moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the moxibustion was applied at Shenque (CV8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST36), 30 min per session, maintaining a local skin temperature of (43±1) ℃. The sham moxibustion group received simulated moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the simulated moxibustion was applied at the same acupoints, with the same session length, but with a maintained skin temperature of (37±1) ℃. Both groups were treated once every other day, three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Obesity-related physical indicators (waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index [BMI]), constitution evaluation indicators (phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score, symptom score), the impact of weight on quality of life-lite (IWQOL-Lite), the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the incidence of adverse events were measured before and after treatment, and after 4 weeks of follow-up.
RESULTS:
Compared with before treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, body fat percentage, BMI, phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score and symptom score, IWQOL-Lite, and both anxiety and depression subscale scores of HADS after treatment and at follow-up (P<0.001). These improvements were significantly greater in the moxibustion group than those in the sham moxibustion group (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). One patient in the moxibustion group experienced a mild burn that resolved with routine care; the incidence of adverse reactions was 3.0% (1/33) in the moxibustion group and 0% (0/33) in the sham moxibustion group, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
On the basis of lifestyle intervention, moxibustion effectively improves obesity-related physical indicators, enhances quality of life, alleviates anxiety and depression, and improves the phlegm-dampness constitution in patients with central obesity. These benefits persist for at least 4 weeks after treatment.
Humans
;
Moxibustion
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Obesity, Abdominal/psychology*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Aged
;
Quality of Life
;
Young Adult
;
Body Mass Index

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