1.The Influence of Time Rhythm and Immune System on the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis from "Theory of Wei Qi "
Xiaosi ZHANG ; Anqi YANG ; Lei SHI ; Junxiang LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):238-243
The movement of wei qi (defensive qi) follows the circadian rhythm of "circulating on the yang during the day, and on the yin at night" and serves a defensive function to "protect the body". Guided by the theory of wei qi, it is believed that time rhythms and the immune system play significant roles in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Dysfunction in wei qi circulation, particularly when "yang fails to enter yin," can lead to the onset of UC; the cyclical nature of wei qi's movement results in disease patterns characterized by "morning relief, daytime stability, evening aggravation, and nighttime worsening", which align with the rhythmic characteristics of immune responses. The defensive function of wei qi is crucial in maintaining intestinal immunity of patients with UC, and the spleen and stomach, which are the sources of wei qi, are key to sustaining intestinal mucosal immune homeostasis; additionally, obstruction in the ascending and descending movements of wei qi, internal disruption, and latent pathogen in the intestines lead to the development of UC. Based on the theory of wei qi, treatment approaches for UC are proposed, including time-based dietary adjustments and chronotherapy to harmonize human activities with natural rhythms; these approaches emphasize protecting the spleen and stomach while also considering the lungs and kidneys, balancing sanjiao, and harmonizing ying qi and wei qi, so as to improve the clinical effectiveness of UC treatment.
2.Characteristic Expression of Multiple Neurotransmitters Oscillation Imbabance in Brains of 1 028 Patients with Depression
Anqi WANG ; Xuemei QING ; Yanshu PAN ; Pingfa ZHANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jian LI ; Cheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):278-286
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristic expression patterns of six neurotransmitters including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), acetylcholine (ACh), norepinephrine (NE), inhibitory neurotransmitter (INH), and excitatory neurotransmitter (EXC) in the whole brain and different brain regions of depression patients by Search of Encephalo Telex (SET), providing new ideas for the study of heterogeneous etiology of depression. Methods(1) A retrospective study was conducted on supra-slow signals of EEG fluctuations in 1 028 patients with depression. The SET system was used to obtain the expression information of six neurotransmitters in the whole brain and 12 brain regions: left frontal region (F3), right frontal region (F4), left central region (C3), right central region (C4), left parietal region (P3), right parietal region (P4), left occipital region (O1), right occipital region (O2), left anterior temporal region (F7), right anterior temporal region (F8), left posterior temporal region (T5), and right posterior temporal region (T6). The expression information of each neurotransmitter was compared with the normal model, and it was found that single neurotransmitter was in one of three states: increased, decreased, or normal expression. The simultaneous expression states of six neurotransmitters in the brain space were referred to as the expression pattern of multiple neurotransmitters. (2) A MySQL database was established to analyze the actual expression patterns of different neurotransmitters in the whole brain of patients with depression. (3) Factor analysis was conducted to further analyze the characteristic rules of 78 variables of neurotransmitters in the whole brain and 12 brain regions in depression patients. Results(1) The expression of single neurotransmitters in the whole brain and different brain regions of the total depression population showed one of three expression states (increased/decreased/normal), being normal in the majority. The decreased and increased expression of 5-HT, ACh, DA, INH, EXC, and NE in the whole brain occurred in 6% and 25%, 31% and 17%, 36% and 9%, 15% and 31%, 32% and 14%, and 22% and 22%, respectively. (2) The antagonizing pairs of neurotransmitters (EXC/INH, DA/5-HT, and ACh/NE) showed significant antagonistic relationships in the whole brain and different brain regions, with a strong negative correlation between EXC and INH (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.69 to 0.76), a strong negative correlation between DA and 5-HT (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.83 to 0.90), and a moderate negative correlation between ACh and NE (P<0.01, with |r| values ranging from 0.56 to 0.66). Meanwhile, non-antagonizing pairs of neurotransmitters in the whole brain and different brain regions also showed correlations, with DA/NE (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.38 to 0.46) and NE/EXC (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.56 to 0.61) showing weak and moderate negative correlations, respectively, and DA/EXC showing a weak positive correlation (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.38 to 0.47). (3) The six neurotransmitters in the 1 028 patients with depression presented a total of 170 expression patterns in the whole brain. The top 30 expression patterns were reported in this paper, with a cumulative rate of 60.60%, including patterns ① INH+/5-HT-/ACh+/DA+/NE-/EXC- (9.05%), ② INH+/5-HT-/ACh↓/DA+/NE-/EXC- (4.57%), and ③ INH+/5-HT-/ACh+/DA+/NE↓/EXC- (3.31%). That is, the proportion of depression patients with normal levels of all the six neurotransmitters was 9.05%, and the patients with at least one neurotransmitter abnormality accounted for 91.95%. (4) The factor analysis extracted 22 common factors from 78 variables in the whole brain and different brain regions. These common factors showed the absolute values of loadings ranging from 0.32 to 0.86 and the eigenvalues (F) ranging from 1.03 to 13.43, with a cumulative contribution rate of 76.82%. The characteristic expression patterns included ① AChP3↓/AChW↓/AChC3↓/AChF3↓/AChO1↓/AChT5↓/AChF7↓/NEP3↑/NEW↑/NEC3↑/NEF3↑/NEO1↑/NET5↑/NEF7↑ (F=13.43, whole brain), ② 5-HTO2↑/DAO2↓/5-HTP4↑/DAP4↓/5-HTW↑/DAW↓/5-HTC4↑/DAC4↓ (F=5.94), and ③ EXCF4↓/DAF4↓/NEF4↑/INHF4↑/5-HTF4↑/AChF4↓ (F=5.33). ConclusionThe actual 170 expression patterns of 6 neurotransmitters in the whole brain of 1 028 depression patients indicate that depression is a heterogeneous disease with individualized characteristics. The 22 characteristic expression patterns in the whole brain and 12 brain regions verify the pathogenesis hypothesis of multi-neurotransmitters oscillation imbalance in brains of depression patients. In summary, this study provides new guidance for the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and establishes a methodological foundation for the effectiveness evaluation of individualized treatment of depression by traditional Chinese medicine based on the objective biological markers.
3.Characteristic Expression of Multiple Neurotransmitters Oscillation Imbabance in Brains of 1 028 Patients with Depression
Anqi WANG ; Xuemei QING ; Yanshu PAN ; Pingfa ZHANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jian LI ; Cheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):278-286
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristic expression patterns of six neurotransmitters including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), acetylcholine (ACh), norepinephrine (NE), inhibitory neurotransmitter (INH), and excitatory neurotransmitter (EXC) in the whole brain and different brain regions of depression patients by Search of Encephalo Telex (SET), providing new ideas for the study of heterogeneous etiology of depression. Methods(1) A retrospective study was conducted on supra-slow signals of EEG fluctuations in 1 028 patients with depression. The SET system was used to obtain the expression information of six neurotransmitters in the whole brain and 12 brain regions: left frontal region (F3), right frontal region (F4), left central region (C3), right central region (C4), left parietal region (P3), right parietal region (P4), left occipital region (O1), right occipital region (O2), left anterior temporal region (F7), right anterior temporal region (F8), left posterior temporal region (T5), and right posterior temporal region (T6). The expression information of each neurotransmitter was compared with the normal model, and it was found that single neurotransmitter was in one of three states: increased, decreased, or normal expression. The simultaneous expression states of six neurotransmitters in the brain space were referred to as the expression pattern of multiple neurotransmitters. (2) A MySQL database was established to analyze the actual expression patterns of different neurotransmitters in the whole brain of patients with depression. (3) Factor analysis was conducted to further analyze the characteristic rules of 78 variables of neurotransmitters in the whole brain and 12 brain regions in depression patients. Results(1) The expression of single neurotransmitters in the whole brain and different brain regions of the total depression population showed one of three expression states (increased/decreased/normal), being normal in the majority. The decreased and increased expression of 5-HT, ACh, DA, INH, EXC, and NE in the whole brain occurred in 6% and 25%, 31% and 17%, 36% and 9%, 15% and 31%, 32% and 14%, and 22% and 22%, respectively. (2) The antagonizing pairs of neurotransmitters (EXC/INH, DA/5-HT, and ACh/NE) showed significant antagonistic relationships in the whole brain and different brain regions, with a strong negative correlation between EXC and INH (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.69 to 0.76), a strong negative correlation between DA and 5-HT (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.83 to 0.90), and a moderate negative correlation between ACh and NE (P<0.01, with |r| values ranging from 0.56 to 0.66). Meanwhile, non-antagonizing pairs of neurotransmitters in the whole brain and different brain regions also showed correlations, with DA/NE (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.38 to 0.46) and NE/EXC (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.56 to 0.61) showing weak and moderate negative correlations, respectively, and DA/EXC showing a weak positive correlation (P<0.01, |r| values ranging from 0.38 to 0.47). (3) The six neurotransmitters in the 1 028 patients with depression presented a total of 170 expression patterns in the whole brain. The top 30 expression patterns were reported in this paper, with a cumulative rate of 60.60%, including patterns ① INH+/5-HT-/ACh+/DA+/NE-/EXC- (9.05%), ② INH+/5-HT-/ACh↓/DA+/NE-/EXC- (4.57%), and ③ INH+/5-HT-/ACh+/DA+/NE↓/EXC- (3.31%). That is, the proportion of depression patients with normal levels of all the six neurotransmitters was 9.05%, and the patients with at least one neurotransmitter abnormality accounted for 91.95%. (4) The factor analysis extracted 22 common factors from 78 variables in the whole brain and different brain regions. These common factors showed the absolute values of loadings ranging from 0.32 to 0.86 and the eigenvalues (F) ranging from 1.03 to 13.43, with a cumulative contribution rate of 76.82%. The characteristic expression patterns included ① AChP3↓/AChW↓/AChC3↓/AChF3↓/AChO1↓/AChT5↓/AChF7↓/NEP3↑/NEW↑/NEC3↑/NEF3↑/NEO1↑/NET5↑/NEF7↑ (F=13.43, whole brain), ② 5-HTO2↑/DAO2↓/5-HTP4↑/DAP4↓/5-HTW↑/DAW↓/5-HTC4↑/DAC4↓ (F=5.94), and ③ EXCF4↓/DAF4↓/NEF4↑/INHF4↑/5-HTF4↑/AChF4↓ (F=5.33). ConclusionThe actual 170 expression patterns of 6 neurotransmitters in the whole brain of 1 028 depression patients indicate that depression is a heterogeneous disease with individualized characteristics. The 22 characteristic expression patterns in the whole brain and 12 brain regions verify the pathogenesis hypothesis of multi-neurotransmitters oscillation imbalance in brains of depression patients. In summary, this study provides new guidance for the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and establishes a methodological foundation for the effectiveness evaluation of individualized treatment of depression by traditional Chinese medicine based on the objective biological markers.
4.Correlation Between Human Body Fat Distribution and Carotid Atherosclerosis
Yanmeng QI ; Dandan LI ; Anqi CHEN ; Han YANG ; Yan LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):703-709
To explore the correlation between human body fat distribution and carotid athero-sclerosis. Adult healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations at the Health Management Center of the International Medical Department(Xidan Campus) of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2020 and January 2023 were selected as study participants. Baseline data, laboratory indicators, Inbody body composition analysis, and carotid ultrasound examination results were collected. Participants were divided into carotid atherosclerosis group and control group based on carotid ultrasound examination results. Baseline data, laboratory indicators, and body composition differences between the two groups were compared, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and body composition. To further explore the correlation between fat distribution and carotid atherosclerosis, the ratio of trunk fat to limb fat(trunk fat/limb fat), visceral fat area, and waist-to-hip ratio were stratified into Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups(with Q1 group as the reference) based on quartiles(Q1 to Q4), and a forest plot was constructed to analyze the risk of carotid atherosclerosis in each subgroup. A total of 2221 participants were included in this study, including 1194 males(53.76%) and 1027 females(46.24%), with a mean age of(50.28±10.93) years. There were 1049 cases in the carotid atherosclerosis group and 1172 cases in the control group. Baseline data analysis showed that the carotid atherosclerosis group had a higher age and male proportion compared to the control group(both There is a significant correlation between trunk fat/limb fat and the occurrence of carotid atherosclerosis. In the future, the sample size should be expanded, and more precise methods for measuring fat distribution should be adopted to validate the conclusions of this study.
5.The research on the mechanism of GBP2 promoting the progression of silicosis by inducing macrophage polarization and epithelial cell transformation.
Maoqian CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xuan LI ; Jiawei ZHOU ; Yafeng LIU ; Jianqiang GUO ; Anqi CHENG ; Dong HU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(7):611-619
Objective This study aims to investigate the expression, phenotypic changes, and mechanisms of action of guanylate-binding protein 2 (GBP2) in the process of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Methods The expression and localization of GBP2 in silicotic lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence. An in vitro cell model was constructed, and methods such as Western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerasechain reaction were utilized to investigate the function of GBP2 in different cell lines following silica stimulation. The mechanism of action of GBP2 in various cell lines was elucidated using Western blot analysis. Results GBP2 was highly expressed in the lung tissue of patients with silicosis. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence have revealed that GBP2 was localized in macrophages and epithelial cells. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that silicon dioxide stimulated THP-1 cells to activate the c-Jun pathway through GBP2, promoting the secretion of inflammatory factors and facilitating the occurrence of M2 macrophage polarization. In epithelial cells, GBP2 promoted the occurrence of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by upregulating Krueppel-like factor 8 (KLF8). Conclusion GBP2 not only activates c-Jun in macrophages to promote the production of inflammatory factors and the occurrence of M2 macrophage polarization, but also activates the transcription factor KLF8 in epithelial cells to induce EMT, collectively promoting the progression of silicosis.
Humans
;
Silicosis/genetics*
;
Macrophages/cytology*
;
Epithelial Cells/pathology*
;
GTP-Binding Proteins/physiology*
;
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
;
Disease Progression
;
Cell Line
;
Male
6.Expert consensus on orthodontic treatment of protrusive facial deformities.
Jie PAN ; Yun LU ; Anqi LIU ; Xuedong WANG ; Yu WANG ; Shiqiang GONG ; Bing FANG ; Hong HE ; Yuxing BAI ; Lin WANG ; Zuolin JIN ; Weiran LI ; Lili CHEN ; Min HU ; Jinlin SONG ; Yang CAO ; Jun WANG ; Jin FANG ; Jiejun SHI ; Yuxia HOU ; Xudong WANG ; Jing MAO ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Yan LIU ; Yuehua LIU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):5-5
Protrusive facial deformities, characterized by the forward displacement of the teeth and/or jaws beyond the normal range, affect a considerable portion of the population. The manifestations and morphological mechanisms of protrusive facial deformities are complex and diverse, requiring orthodontists to possess a high level of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the relevant orthodontic field. To further optimize the correction of protrusive facial deformities, this consensus proposes that the morphological mechanisms and diagnosis of protrusive facial deformities should be analyzed and judged from multiple dimensions and factors to accurately formulate treatment plans. It emphasizes the use of orthodontic strategies, including jaw growth modification, tooth extraction or non-extraction for anterior teeth retraction, and maxillofacial vertical control. These strategies aim to reduce anterior teeth and lip protrusion, increase chin prominence, harmonize nasolabial and chin-lip relationships, and improve the facial profile of patients with protrusive facial deformities. For severe skeletal protrusive facial deformities, orthodontic-orthognathic combined treatment may be suggested. This consensus summarizes the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of numerous renowned oral experts nationwide, offering reference strategies for the correction of protrusive facial deformities.
Humans
;
Orthodontics, Corrective/methods*
;
Consensus
;
Malocclusion/therapy*
;
Patient Care Planning
;
Cephalometry
7.Single-nucleus transcriptomics decodes the link between aging and lumbar disc herniation.
Min WANG ; Zan HE ; Anqi WANG ; Shuhui SUN ; Jiaming LI ; Feifei LIU ; Chunde LI ; Chengxian YANG ; Jinghui LEI ; Yan YU ; Shuai MA ; Si WANG ; Weiqi ZHANG ; Zhengrong YU ; Guang-Hui LIU ; Jing QU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(8):667-684
Lumbar disc (LD) herniation and aging are prevalent conditions that can result in substantial morbidity. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms connecting the LD aging and herniation, particularly focusing on cellular senescence and molecular alterations in the nucleus pulposus (NP). We performed a detailed analysis of NP samples from a diverse cohort, including individuals of varying ages and those with diagnosed LD herniation. Our methodology combined histological assessments with single-nucleus RNA sequencing to identify phenotypic and molecular changes related to NP aging and herniation. We discovered that cellular senescence and a decrease in nucleus pulposus progenitor cells (NPPCs) are central to both processes. Additionally, we found an age-related increase in NFAT1 expression that promotes NPPC senescence and contributes to both aging and herniation of LD. This research offers fresh insights into LD aging and its associated pathologies, potentially guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies to target the root causes of LD herniation and aging.
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/metabolism*
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Humans
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Aging/pathology*
;
Nucleus Pulposus/pathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Transcriptome
;
Middle Aged
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology*
;
Adult
;
Cellular Senescence
;
Stem Cells/pathology*
;
Aged
;
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/metabolism*
8.Mechanism of action of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and related therapeutic targets
Anqi LI ; Peiran ZHAO ; Yuqiang ZHAO ; Rui WANG ; Jing YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(7):1459-1465
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become the most common liver disease in the world and is an important risk factor for the progression to hepatocellular carcinoma.However,the pathogenesis of NAFLD remains unclear,and there is still a lack of specific treatment measures.Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins(SREBP)are an important nuclear transcription factor,which mainly maintains the balance of lipid metabolism inside the body by activating the genes associated with the synthesis and uptake of cholesterol,fatty acids,and triglycerides,and therefore,SREBP are a target for the treatment of metabolic diseases.This article reviews the latest advances in SREBP in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the latest evidence of SREBP-targeted therapy for NAFLD.It is worth noting that recent studies have shown that SREBP inhibition can cause liver injury together with autophagy damage.Therefore,excessive inhibition of lipogenesis may exert a counterproductive effect on the treatment of NAFLD.In conclusion,SREBP is a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD;the molecular mechanism of SREBP in lipid metabolism is regulated by many factors,and these factors are being deeply explored and analyzed,which has an important clinical significance for the treatment of NAFLD.
9.Mutation characteristics of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: an analysis of 75 cases
Xia SHEN ; Hongmei YI ; Anqi LI ; Binshen OUYANG ; Lei DONG ; Chaofu WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(1):29-33
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of gene mutations in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL).Methods:Seventy-five AITL cases diagnosed at the Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China from June 2021 to June 2023 were included. Their formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded or fresh tissues were subject to targeted next generation sequencing (NGS). The sequencing data was collected, and the distribution and type of gene mutations were analyzed.Results:492 potential driver mutations were identified in 74 out of the 84 genes. Targeted sequencing data for the 75 AITL patients showed that the genes with mutation frequencies of ≥10% were TET2 (89.3%), RHOA (57.3%), IDH2 (37.3%), DNMT3A (36.0%), KMT2C (21.3%), PLCG1 (12.0%), and KDM6B (10.7%). There were significant co-occurrence relationships between TET2 and RHOA, TET2 and IDH2, and RHOA and IDH2 gene mutations ( P<0.05), respectively, while TET2 and KDM6B gene mutations were mutually exclusive ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The study reveals the mutational characteristics of AITL patients using NGS technology, which would provide insights for molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy of AITL.
10.Expedited program and utilization for anticancer drug approval in China and the United States
Qi ZHU ; Huiyao HUANG ; Anqi YU ; Xinyu MENG ; Ye LENG ; Hong FANG ; Ziwei LI ; Yu TANG ; Ji LI ; Ning LI
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(9):904-910
Objective:To systematically summarize and comparatively analyze the development, establishment and usage of oncology drugs speedy review approaches in China and in the United States between 2012 and 2021.Methods:Based on National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites, the development and current status of the speedy review approaches were consulted and summarized. Approved oncology drugs in China and in the United States (87 in China, 118 in the United States) over the past decade were analyzed using chi-square test for group comparison.Results:Five speedy approaches have been established in China and in the United States, three of which are the same, priority review, conditional approval or accelerated approval and breakthrough therapy. The rest two are special review and approval, special examination and approval in China, and fast track and real-time oncology review in the United States. Compared to the United States, speedy review approaches in China set up late (1992 vs. 2005). The overall utilization rates of the oncology drugs speedy review approaches were similar between the China and United States (90.8% vs. 92.4%, P=0.800) in the previous 10 years, and priority review have highest utilization rates in both China and the United States without significant group difference (77.0% vs. 82.2%, P=0.381); relatively low utilization rates of conditional approval (31.0% vs. 44.9%, P=0.041) and breakthrough therapy (2.3% vs. 50.0%, P<0.001) were seen in China. 52.9% of new drugs applied for special examination and approval in China and 40.7% of new drugs applied for fast track in the United States. Overall, the priority review both in China and the United States are stable, with a similar average annual utilization rate (84.8% vs. 83.7%); accelerated approval and breakthrough therapies in the United States fluctuate wildly, but the situation is tending towards stability in the last 3 years. Conclusions:Both China and the United States have established a relatively complete accelerated review system, with an overall utilization rate over 90%; China's accelerated review started late, although the overall utilization rate is close to that of the United States. The utilization rates of conditional approval and breakthrough therapy are still relatively low. Flexible usage of speedy review approaches, gaining regulatory recognition to use alternative endpoints, achieving real-time review and guidance are keys to accelerate new drug development in China.

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