1.Anti-hepatic Fibrosis Mechanism of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction via Inhibiting Neutrophils and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Yanbo LI ; Chao LEI ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):103-111
ObjectiveTo verify the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, and to explore whether its effect was related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe 36 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug silybin (SF) group (55 mg·kg-1·d-1), YQSH-L group, YQSH-M group, and YQSH-H group (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively),n=6 in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 to induce hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling, each drug administration group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for eight weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Sirius red staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue. Liver elasticity was detected by a color Doppler ultrasound system. Immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2 and CXCL5. Neutrophil levels were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive protein was observed by immunofluorescence. The contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the control group, the liver of the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, and the liver elasticity, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5 expression, neutrophil level, and MPO, NE and CitH3 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver tissue of mice were reduced after YQSH treatment. Moreover, the liver elasticity was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expression (P<0.01) and mRNA level of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5 were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). The neutrophil level was decreased (P<0.01), the expression of MPO and NE positive protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01), and the levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5), reduction of neutrophil infiltration, and inhibition of NETs generation.
2.Anti-hepatic Fibrosis Mechanism of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction via Inhibiting Neutrophils and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Yanbo LI ; Chao LEI ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):103-111
ObjectiveTo verify the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, and to explore whether its effect was related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe 36 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug silybin (SF) group (55 mg·kg-1·d-1), YQSH-L group, YQSH-M group, and YQSH-H group (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively),n=6 in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 to induce hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling, each drug administration group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for eight weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Sirius red staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue. Liver elasticity was detected by a color Doppler ultrasound system. Immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2 and CXCL5. Neutrophil levels were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive protein was observed by immunofluorescence. The contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the control group, the liver of the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, and the liver elasticity, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5 expression, neutrophil level, and MPO, NE and CitH3 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver tissue of mice were reduced after YQSH treatment. Moreover, the liver elasticity was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expression (P<0.01) and mRNA level of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5 were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). The neutrophil level was decreased (P<0.01), the expression of MPO and NE positive protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01), and the levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5), reduction of neutrophil infiltration, and inhibition of NETs generation.
3.Survival impact of radiotherapy for patients with de novo metastatic rectal cancer
Harvey Yu-Li SU ; Yun-Hsuan LIN ; Ko-Chao LEE ; Yueh-Ming LIN ; Chun-Chieh HUANG ; Eng-Yen HUANG ; Tai-Jan CHIU ; Shih-Yu HUANG ; Chia-Che WU ; Chang-Ting LIN ; Ming-Chun KUO ; Kai-Lung TSAI
Annals of Coloproctology 2026;42(1):94-102
Purpose:
Metastatic rectal cancer (mRC) is a highly lethal and complex disease that demands a multidisciplinary treatment approach. However, the clinical effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT) for de novo mRC remains controversial and uncertain.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study examined medical records from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for patients with histologically confirmed de novo mRC diagnosed between January 2015 and December 2020. All patients received standard systemic therapy and radical surgery when feasible. The primary outcome, overall survival (OS), was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable analysis was performed using a Cox regression model.
Results:
Among 271 patients included in the analysis, 117 received RT and 154 did not. The median OS was significantly longer in the RT group compared with the non-RT group (27.8 months vs. 21.9 months; P=0.046). Multivariate analysis identified several independent predictors of OS: age ≥65 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–2.27; P=0.001), primary tumor resection (HR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.90–3.61; P<0.001), M1b or M1c disease (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.44–2.69; P<0.001), and receipt of RT (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02–1.94; P=0.036).
Conclusion
RT significantly improves OS in patients with mRC, underscoring its role in treatment strategies. These findings support its inclusion in therapeutic protocols and highlight the need for larger, multicenter trials to confirm and extend these results.
4.Two Cases of Psychiatric Symptoms Associated with Zonisamide Antiepileptic Treatment
Cun-Bo WU ; Pei-Sen YAO ; Li-Chao SU ; Zhang-Ya LIN
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2026;24(1):202-206
To report two cases of psychiatric symptoms associated with zonisamide, an antiepileptic drug, and raise clinical awareness of this potential adverse effect. Two male patients with epilepsy treated with zonisamide were retrospectively analyzed. Case 1 (25 years old) developed acute emotional and behavioral abnormalities (e.g., insomnia, aggression, incoherent speech) after switching from sodium valproate to zonisamide (200 mg/day). Case 2 (48 years old) had long-term zonisamide use (≥5 years) with persistent treatment-resistant psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions, command hallucinations). Clinical courses, medication adjustments, and symptom responses were documented. In Case 1, psychiatric symptoms resolved after discontinuing zonisamide and switching to sodium valproate, with improved mood stability and reduced impulsivity. In Case 2, despite escalating antipsychotic medications (risperidone, clozapine), psychotic symptoms persisted, likely due to ongoing zonisamide use. Both cases highlighted zonisamide’s potential to exacerbate or induce psychiatric manifestations, possibly via mechanisms involving sodium/calcium channel inhibition and neurotransmitter dysregulation (e.g., dopamine, serotonin). Zonisamide can cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Clinicians should monitor for mental health changes during zonisamide treatment and consider drug discontinuation or substitution with alternative antiepileptics (e.g., sodium valproate) if psychiatric adverse effects emerge. Awareness of this association is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and optimize epilepsy management.
5.Effect of dual task training on mobility and balance in stroke patients: a meta-analysis
Yiyi YUAN ; Wuchao TIAN ; Xianbin ZHANG ; Qiang CHAO ; Yongsheng LI ; Guixin LIU ; Wanqing WU ; Pu WANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(7):807-816
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effect of dual-task training (DTT) on mobility and balance in stroke patients. MethodsCNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) on DTT in stroke rehabilitation from inception to June, 2025. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. ResultsA total of eleven RCT involving 517 stroke patients were included, and the scores of PEDro scale were four to eight. DTT was more effective on the score of Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (MD = 3.70, 95%CI 1.88 to 5.53, P < 0.001) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD = 3.04, 95%CI 1.58 to 4.49, P < 0.001), fall incidence (OR = 0.32, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.87, P = 0.025), gait speed under a single-task condition (MD = 0.08, 95%CI 0.03 to 0.12, P = 0.002), gait speed under a dual-task condition (MD = 0.13, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.16, P < 0.001), Timed Up and Go Test time (MD = -2.78, 95%CI -3.85 to -1.72, P < 0.001), and score of modified Barthel Index (MD = 4.77, 95%CI 1.88 to 7.66, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that motor-motor DTT was more effective than cognitive-motor DTT on BBS scores and single-task gait speed. ConclusionsDTT can improve mobility and balance in stroke patients, especially with motor-motor tasks.
6.Material Basis of Entada phaseoloides Against Neuropathic Pain Based on in vitro Chemical Profiling and in vivo Absorbed Constituents
Sensen LI ; Hanxue WU ; Yuanbin LI ; Limin ZHAO ; Xiaohui SU ; Hui XIONG ; Weihua MA ; Chao WANG ; Zhaochen MA ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):88-97
ObjectiveTo systematically characterize the in vitro chemical constituents of Entada phaseoloides and its absorbed prototype compounds and metabolites in a neuropathic pain (NP) model, thereby elucidating the potential pharmacological material basis underlying its analgesic activity. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to analyze the constituents of the 80% methanol extract of E. phaseoloides. Thirty-six mice were divided into a blank group, low-, medium-, and high-dose E. phaseoloides extract groups (25, 50, and 100 mg·kg-1, respectively), an aspirin group (400 mg·kg-1), and a morphine group (10 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. The tail-flick threshold was measured. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a blank group and low-, medium-, and high-dose E. phaseoloides extract groups (25, 50, and 100 mg·kg-1, respectively), with six mice in each group, and motor coordination was evaluated. A spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model was established in mice. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a sham-operated (Sham) group, an SNL group, an SNL + E. phaseoloides extract group (750 mg·kg-1), and an SNL + pregabalin group (20 mg·kg-1), with 6 mice in each group. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated. Behavioral assessments were combined to determine the optimal onset time of the analgesic effect, and plasma samples were collected at this time point. Absorbed components and metabolites were systematically identified based on accurate mass, MS/MS fragmentation patterns, retention time, and comparisons with literature data and reference standards. Meanwhile, network pharmacology, target similarity analysis, and molecular docking validation were integrated to evaluate the potential effects of absorbed components on disease intervention. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the high-dose E. phaseoloides extract group and morphine group showed significantly increased pain response thresholds (P<0.01), without affecting motor coordination in normal mice. Compared with the Sham group, the SNL group exhibited significantly decreased thresholds for mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia (P<0.01). Compared with the SNL group, the SNL + E. phaseoloides extract group and SNL + pregabalin group showed significantly increased thresholds for mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia (P<0.01). The analgesic effect of E. phaseoloides was most significant at 2 h after administration. A total of 70 constituents were identified in vitro, and 22 prototype compounds and 29 metabolites were detected in plasma. The targets of the absorbed components were mainly enriched in biological processes associated with pain signal perception and transmission and showed a high degree of overlap with disease genes related to neuropathic pain. In addition, multiple components exhibited strong binding energies with core pain-related targets. Based on integrated analysis of in vitro content, plasma exposure levels, and target associations, ketanthamide A-β-D-pyranoside and ketengzide were identified as the most representative pharmacologically active substances responsible for the analgesic effect. ConclusionThis study systematically elucidates the material basis of E. phaseoloides intervention in neuropathic pain from three aspects, including chemical constituent characteristics, in vivo behavioral characteristics, and potential targets, providing important theoretical foundations and experimental support for further studies on its pharmacological mechanism and analgesic drug development.
7.Construction of a COPD risk prediction model based on machine learning and the COPD-SQ questionnaire
Lin CHEN ; Luna ZHAO ; Yue ZHOU ; Panpan WANG ; Jingkun LI ; Wenwen ZHANG ; Xinxin ZHANG ; Chao WU ; Dong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1261-1268
ObjectiveTo construct and evaluate various machine learning models for predicting the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in individuals, thereby providing data support for early screening and intervention. MethodsA total of 823 subjects were selected for this study, comprising 142 individuals in the high-risk group for COPD and 681 individuals in the low-risk group. Data collected included demographic characteristics, smoking history, symptoms (such as cough and shortness of breath), and scores from the Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease screening questionnaire. Four machine learning algorithms—Logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and XGBoost—were utilized to construct risk prediction models. The performance of these models was assessed using 5-fold cross-validation, with evaluation metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and average precision (AP). Furthermore, a feature importance analysis was performed. ResultsThe Logistic Regression model exhibited superior performance, achieving an AUC of 0.982 and an AP of 0.939. This was closely followed by the Random Forest model, which recorded an AUC of 0.975 and an AP of 0.890. Feature importance analysis revealed that smoking history, symptoms of shortness of breath, and body weight were significant predictors. All models demonstrated robust performance in identifying low-risk populations; however, variations were observed in their efficacy in identifying high-risk populations. ConclusionMachine learning models have proven effective in identifying individuals at high risk for COPD. Among these, the Logistic regression model exhibits the best overall performance, efficiently identifying high-risk populations and serving as a valuable clinical auxiliary screening tool. Various models, each with distinct performance characteristics, are suited to different clinical screening scenarios, thereby offering targeted decision-making support for the establishment of a hierarchical and intelligent COPD screening pathway.
8.Impact of iron-deficiency anemia on short-term outcomes after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastasis: a US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) analysis
Ko-Chao LEE ; Yu-Li SU ; Kuen-Lin WU ; Kung-Chuan CHENG ; Ling-Chiao SONG ; Chien-En TANG ; Hong-Hwa CHEN ; Kuan-Chih CHUNG
Annals of Coloproctology 2025;41(2):119-126
Purpose:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM.
Methods:
This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories.
Conclusion
In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.
9.Impact of iron-deficiency anemia on short-term outcomes after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastasis: a US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) analysis
Ko-Chao LEE ; Yu-Li SU ; Kuen-Lin WU ; Kung-Chuan CHENG ; Ling-Chiao SONG ; Chien-En TANG ; Hong-Hwa CHEN ; Kuan-Chih CHUNG
Annals of Coloproctology 2025;41(2):119-126
Purpose:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM.
Methods:
This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories.
Conclusion
In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.
10.Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related T-cell-mediated rejection increases the risk of perioperative graft loss after liver transplantation.
Li PANG ; Yutian LIN ; Tao DING ; Yanfang YE ; Kenglong HUANG ; Fapeng ZHANG ; Xinjun LU ; Guangxiang GU ; Haoming LIN ; Leibo XU ; Kun HE ; Kwan MAN ; Chao LIU ; Wenrui WU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1843-1852
BACKGROUND:
Pre-transplant exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) significantly increases the risk of allograft rejection after liver transplantation (LT); however, whether ICI-related rejection leads to increased graft loss remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between ICI-related allograft rejection and perioperative graft loss.
METHODS:
This was a retrospective analysis of adult liver transplant recipients with early biopsy-proven T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) at Liver Transplantation Center of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from June 2019 to September 2024. The pathological features, clinical characteristics, and perioperative graft survival were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Twenty-eight patients who underwent early TCMR between June 2019 and September 2024 were included. Based on pre-LT ICI exposure, recipients were categorized into ICI-related TCMR (irTCMR, n = 12) and conventional TCMR (cTCMR, n = 16) groups. Recipients with irTCMR had a higher median Banff rejection activity index (RAI) (6 vs . 5, P = 0.012) and more aggressive tissue damage and inflammation. Recipients with irTCMR showed higher proportion of treatment resistance, achieving a complete resolution rate of only 8/12 compared to 16/16 for cTCMR. Graft loss occurred in 5/12 of irTCMR recipients within 90 days after LT, with no graft loss in cTCMRs recipients. Cox analysis demonstrated that irTCMR with an ICI washout period of <30 days was an independent risk factor for perioperative graft loss (hazard ratio [HR], 6.540; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.067-40.067, P = 0.042).
CONCLUSION
IrTCMR is associated with severe pathological features, increased resistance to treatment, and higher graft loss in adult liver transplant recipients.
Humans
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Liver Transplantation/adverse effects*
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Retrospective Studies
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Graft Rejection/immunology*
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
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Adult
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T-Lymphocytes/drug effects*
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Graft Survival/immunology*
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Aged

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