1.Mechanism of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste in Alleviating Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating Microglial Pyroptosis Based on PINK1/Parkin/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Lingyun WANG ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):80-90
ObjectiveThe paper aims to investigate the mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) through regulating the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy-NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway to suppress microglial pyroptosis. MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were used to establish an inflammation and pyroptosis model in microglial cells. The cells were randomly divided into the following groups: control group, LPS group, LPS+low-dose XZP group, LPS+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP group, LPS-ATP+low-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+XZP group, and LPS-ATP+XZP+CsA group. Techniques including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and confocal fluorescence staining were employed to assess the effects of XZP on microglial apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine release, inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and mitophagy. ResultsIn vitro experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the LPS group exhibited significantly increased levels of microglial apoptosis and pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)(P<0.01), along with significantly upregulated protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, the high-dose LPS-XZP group significantly reduced the level of apoptosis (P<0.01) and the content of the aforementioned pro-inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Both the low- and high-dose LPS-XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly upregulated expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, including Caspase-1/pro-Caspase-1, N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N)/full-length gasdermin D (GSDMD-F), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), IL-1β precursor (pro-IL-1β), and mature IL-1β (P<0.01). The levels of pyroptotic factors IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and membrane pore formation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the expression of the aforementioned pyroptosis-related proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). The low-dose LPS-ATP+XZP group reduced IL-1β levels (P<0.01), while the high-dose group reduced both IL-1β and IL-18 levels (P<0.01) Both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reduced membrane pore formation and intracellular ROS production (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly reduced expression of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1 and Parkin, and a decreased ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ(LC3Ⅱ) to LC3Ⅰ(P<0.01), while p62 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Mitochondrial ROS levels were significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reversed the expression of these proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial ROS levels (P<0.01). After treatment with the mitophagy inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA), the beneficial effects of XZP on mitochondrial function and its inhibitory effects on pyroptosis-related protein expression were significantly reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXZP reduces ROS levels by activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis, which provides new molecular evidence for the mechanism by which XZP alleviates BCP.
2.Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste Relieves Bone Cancer Pain in Mice by Alleviating Activation of Microglia in Spinal Cord and Damage to Neurons via Blocking PAR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway
Guangda ZHENG ; Linghan MENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Lingyun WANG ; Changlin LI ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):91-100
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste (XZP) on bone cancer pain (BCP). MethodsThirty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: a Sham group, a BCP group, a BCP+low-dose XZP group, a BCP+high-dose XZP group, and a BCP+high-dose XZP + protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) agonist GB-110 group. BCP mice model was constructed by injecting Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femoral cavity of the right leg, which was followed by being treated with XZP for 21 d. After 21 d, the mice were sacrificed. Nissl staining was used to evaluate the survival of spinal cord neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to localize ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) in spinal cord tissue, thereby assessing microglial activation and neuronal survival. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spinal cord tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels associated with M1/M2 polarization of microglia. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression of proteins related to microglial polarization as well as those involved in the PAR2/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway in the spinal cord. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the spinal cord neurons were damaged, the number of Nissl-positive spinal cord neurons in the spinal cord tissue was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the rate of NeuN-positive cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The spinal cord microglia were activated, the inflammatory level of the spinal cord tissue was enhanced, and Iba1 staining was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of PAR2, NLRP3, ASC and NF-κB p65 proteins in the spinal cord tissue of the BCP mice was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the BCP group, high-dose XZP treatment significantly increased the number of Nissl-positive spinal cord neurons in the BCP mice (P<0.01), significantly enhanced the rate of NeuN-positive cells in the spinal cord tissue, and significantly weakened Iba1 staining (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly decreased, while the levels of TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS were decreased, whereas those of cluster of differentiation 206 (CD206), arginase-1 (Arg-1), and YM1/2 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Low-dose and high-dose XZP treatment significantly decreased the expression of PAR2, NLRP3, ASC, and NF-κB p65 proteins in the spinal cord tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). These effects could all be significantly eliminated by the PAR2 agonist GB-110. ConclusionXZP can mitigate BCP in mice, which may be achieved through blocking the activated PAR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Pain Management: A Review
Lingyun WANG ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):114-123
Cancer pain is one of the most common complications in patients with malignant tumors, severely affecting their quality of life. Its pathogenesis involves complex interactions among the tumor microenvironment, peripheral sensitization, and central sensitization. The tumor microenvironment initiates peripheral pain sensitization by secreting algogenic mediators, activating ion channels and related receptor signaling pathways, driving abnormal osteoclast activation, and mediating neuro-immune crosstalk. Persistent nociceptive input further triggers increased excitability of central neurons, activation of glial cells, and neuroinflammatory cascade reactions, ultimately leading to central pain sensitization. Although traditional opioid drugs can alleviate pain to some extent, they still have many limitations, such as incomplete analgesia, drug tolerance, and adverse reactions. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds have made continuous progress in the treatment of cancer pain. Studies have shown that they can not only effectively relieve cancer pain and reduce the dosage of opioids but also significantly improve patients' quality of life. TCM treatment of cancer pain follows the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment. Based on this, targeted therapeutic principles have been proposed, including promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, regulating Qi, and unblocking collaterals; tonifying the kidney, replenishing essence, warming Yang, and dispersing cold, activating blood, resolving phlegm, detoxifying, and dispersing nodules, as well as strengthening the body, replenishing deficiency, and harmonizing Qi and blood. Modern research indicates that TCM compounds can exert synergistic effects through multiple pathways, inhibiting inflammatory responses, regulating nerve conduction, intervening in bone metabolism and related gene expression, thereby producing anti-inflammatory and bone-protective effects to achieve the goal of alleviating cancer pain. This article systematically elaborates on the pathogenesis of cancer pain, the clinical application of TCM in treating cancer pain, and its related mechanisms of action, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and new strategies for the integration of TCM into comprehensive cancer pain management.
4.Predictive value of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 for long-term prognosis of elderly patients with stable CHD
Jianfen ZHUANG ; Jiaqi YE ; Haixiao CHEN ; Ying JIANG ; Yesheng QIAN ; Qing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2024;26(5):495-498
Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum lipoprotein-associated phospho-lipase A2(Lp-PLA2)for long-term prognosis of elderly patients with stable coronary heart dis-ease(CHD).Methods A retrospective trial was conducted on 198 patients with stable CHD ad-mitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018.All of them were followed up for 5 years,and divided into adverse cardiovascular event group(n=42)and control group(n=156)according to whether adverse cardiovascular events occurred during follow-up.Clinical features and Lp-PLA2 level were compared between the two groups.The predictive value of Lp-PLA2 for adverse cardiovascular events was analyzed in elderly patients with stable CHD within 5 years.Re-sults The adverse cardiovascular event group had significantly older age(74.95±7.02 vs 70.17±6.30 years,P=0.000),larger proportions of diabetes(54.76%vs 27.56%,P=0.001),of coronary artery stenosis ≥75%(69.05%vs 47.44%,P=0.013)and of left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)<50%(50.00%vs 28.21%,P=0.008),and higher Lp-PLA2 level(478.38±187.54 U/L vs 308.17±126.73 U/L,P=0.000)when compared with the control group.The AUC value of age and Lp-PLA2 was 0.683(95%CI:0.590--0.776,P<0.001)and 0.763(95%CI:0.677--0.848,P=0.763),respectively,in predicting the long-term prognosis in elderly patients with stable CHD.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age,diabetes,coronary artery stenosis ≥75%,LVEF<50%and Lp-PLA2 were independent influencing factors for adverse cardiovascular events within 5 years in elderly patients with stable CHD(P<0.05,P<0.01).Con-clusion Increased Lp-PLA2 level is associated with adverse cardiovascular events within 5 years in patients with stable CHD.
5.Antithrombin deficiency caused by SERPINC1 gene mutations predispose to venous thrombotic events
Haixiao XIE ; Yuan CHEN ; Qiyu XU ; Xingxing ZHOU ; Kaiqi JIA ; Manlin ZENG ; Lihong YANG ; Mingshan WANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2023;46(2):203-208
Objective:To analyze 12 antithrombins (AT) gene mutations that cause AT deficiency and discuss the relationship between the SERPINC1 gene. mutations and venous thrombotic events.Methods:This study belongs to case series of observational studies. Collected the clinical data of 12 AT deficiency cases in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from April 2014 to April 2021 and collected the blood samples before treatment. The AT activity (AT: A) and AT antigen (AT: Ag) was detected by chromogenic substrate and immunoturbidimetry, respectively. The 7 exons and flanking sequences of the SERPINC1 gene were sequenced directly by PCR, the suspected mutations were validated by reverse sequencing. Analyzed the correlation between the SERPINC1 gene. mutations and venous thrombotic events and figured out the proportion.Results:The AT: A of the 12 patients all decreased significantly, ranging from 30% to 66%, and the AT: Ag of the 7 patients decreased accordingly, showing type Ⅰ AT deficiency, and the AT: Ag of the other 5 patients were normal, presented type Ⅱ AT deficiency. 12 mutations were found including 6 heterozygous mutations which were discovered for the first time: c.456_458delCTT(p.phe121del), c.318_319insT(p.Asn75stop), c.922G>T(p.Gly276Cys), c.938T>C (p.Met281Thr), c.1346T>A(p.Leu417Gln)and c.851T>C(p.Met252Thr). All 12 patients had venous thrombosis, and 3 cases including 2 compound heterozygotes and 1 single heterozygote all suffered from deep venous thrombosis (DVT) when they were younger without obvious triggers. The other 9 patients all combined with the other thrombotic factors including old age, hypertensive, smoking, pregnancy, and prolonged immobilization.Conclusion:Patients with AT deficiency caused by SERPINC1 gene defects are prone to venous thrombosis, especially combined with other thrombotic factors.
6.Survival efficacy of MDS/AML patients with TP53 abnormal received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Dan FENG ; Mingyang WANG ; Jia LIU ; Haixiao ZHANG ; Xin CHEN ; Rongli ZHANG ; Weihua ZHAI ; Qiaoling MA ; Aiming PANG ; Donglin YANG ; Jialin WEI ; Yi HE ; Sizhou FENG ; Mingzhe HAN ; Erlie JIANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2023;44(3):222-229
Objective:TP53-abnormal MDS/acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients’ allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) treatment’s effectiveness and influencing factors should be studied.Methods:42 patients with TP53 gene status change MDS/AML who underwent allo-HSCT from 2014.8.1 to 2021.7.31 at the Hematology Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were the subject of a retrospective analysis. The 42 patients were divided into three groups: the TP53 deletion group (group A) , TP53 mono-alle mutation group (group B) , and TP53 multi-hit group (group C) . The differences in clinical features and prognostic factors after transplantation were analyzed.Results:There were 42 MDS/AML patients, including 21 patients with MDS, and 21 patients with AML. The median follow-up period was 34.0 (7.5-75.0) months and the median patient age at the time of transplantation was 41.5 (18-63) years old. The total OS was 66.3% (95% CI 53.4%-82.4%) in 3 years after transplantation, and EFS was 61.0% (95% CI 47.7%-78.0%) in 3 years. For 3 years after receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, there were no statistically significant differences in 3-year OS and EFS in groups A, B, and C ( P≥0.05) . The 3 years OS was 82.5% (95% CI 63.1%-100.0%) in group A, 60.6% (95% CI 43.5%-84.4%) in group B, and 57.1% (95% CI 30.1%-100.0%) in group C. Univariate analysis revealed that the number of co-mutant genes, pre-HSCT treatment, and disease type did not affect prognosis, while age, karyotype, co-mutation, positive blast cell before transplantation, and positive blast cell after transplantation were common prognostic factors for OS and EFS ( P<0.1) . MRD levels before transplantation were found to be independent risk factors for OS ( P=0.037, HR=33.40, 95% CI 1.24-901.17) in a multivariate analysis. Conclusion:Patients with MDS/AML who have TP53 mutations can benefit from allo-HSCT, but patients with complex karyotypes have a worse prognosis. Meanwhile, the final flow cytometry (FCM) monitoring blast cell test before HSCT has a certain guiding significance for prognostic assessment.
7.Research progress on home self-management in patients with deep vein thrombosis
Xueying MA ; Hao CHEN ; Haixiao YU ; Jinjun ZHANG ; Shuxiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2023;29(32):4457-4462
Patients with deep vein thrombosis require long-term anticoagulant therapy to prevent the spread or recurrence of the thrombus. Self-management can enhance patients' awareness of the disease and adherence to anticoagulant therapy, reducing the recurrence rate. This study reviews the current status, evaluation tools, intervention methods, and influencing factors of self-management in patients with deep vein thrombosis, providing reference for improving the home self-management ability of patients with deep vein thrombosis.
8.Treatment of trochanter fractures in total hip arthroplasty with ventral compression steel wire tension band
Jiajing YE ; Zhong ZHU ; Zhenghua HONG ; Lingjun JIANG ; Haizhao WU ; Shouli WANG ; Haixiao CHEN ; Zhongyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2022;42(5):297-305
Objective:To evaluate the various wire tension belt ventral compression wiring technologiesfor treating several types of femoral greater trochanter fractures in total hip replacement, according to the different types of greater trochanter of femur fractures.Methods:From March 2013 to June 2019, a total of 1 280 cases of primary total hip arthroplasty were completed in our hospital, 21 patients with greater trochanter fractures were identified in total hip replacement. There were 11 males and 10 females with an average age of 65.81±6.45 years (range 42-76 years). All of them were unilateral. There were 11 cases on the left and 10 cases on the right. There were 11 cases of osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia, 4 cases of hip osteoarthritis, 4 cases of aseptic necrosis of femoral head and 2 cases of femoral neck fracture. Different wire tension belt ventral compression wiring technologies were used for each fracture type. Harris hip function score, Parker activity score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of hip pain were evaluated during follow-up. X-ray films were taken to evaluate the fracture healing, prosthesis position, loosening and dislocation.Results:Three new fracture types were proposed: A transverse fracture from the greater trochanter tip to the base (4 cases); B oblique fracture from the greater trochanter tip to the base (according to the fracture line direction, type B was further divided into types B1 (4 cases) and B2 (6 cases); and C fracture line from the greater trochanter to subtrochanteric plane (7 cases). Among the 21 patients, one died at an early stage, two were lost during follow-up, and 18 were followed up for an average of 30.7±7.6 months. In 18 patients, the mean operation time was 110.0±20.0 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 356.9±115.7 ml. The patients' Harris score was 35.26±5.52 at the preoperative, 65.7±6.42 at the 3 months after operation, and 87.75±6.21 at the final follow-up. The difference was statistically significant ( F=377.23, P<0.001). The patients' Parker score was 2.17±0.98 at the preoperative, 5.94±1.11 at the 3 months after operation,and 8.01±0.77 at the final follow-up. The difference was statistically significant ( F=170.96, P<0.001). The patients' VAS score was 6.22±1.11 at the preoperative, 2.61±0.92 at the 3 months after operation, and 1.28±0.67 at the final follow-up. The difference was statistically significant ( F=139.71, P<0.001). Deep vein embolism, heterotopic ossification was noted in one and another patient, respectively. The patient with non-union refused reoperation and had a broken steel wire, lower-limb limp, and no notable pain at the 12-month follow-up examination. Radiographs of 17 patients showed good location of the femoral prosthesis and no chronic pain. Conclusion:Different types of greater trochanter fractures in total hip arthroplasty were proposed, using different wire tension belt ventral compression wiring technologies for the various types of femoral greater trochanter fractures during total hip replacement can improve clinical outcomes.
9.Construction and practice of a lean mode for COVID-19 epidemic prevention
Lingfeng ZHU ; Junbo LIANG ; Baofu CHEN ; Bo SHEN ; Linhong ZHU ; Haixiao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2021;37(5):362-365
A lean management practice had been in place in Taizhou Enze Medical Center during the COVID-19 epidemic period, featuring the " principle-system-tool" theory of the Shingo model, in an effort to build a new model of COVID-19 prevention and control. The center upheld such five principles of lean management as overall planning, total involvement, system collaboration, concern with process and continuous improvement, and people-oriented practice. Under such principles, the center set up five supportive systems of lean management tools, namely risk identification, rapid screening, homogeneous treatment, customized follow-up and employee care. Integrated use of multiple tools of lean management, had improved the hospital′s crisis response ability, achieving desirable outcomes in stages in combating COVID-19 epidemic.
10.Middle-column preserved pedicle subtraction closing-opening wedge osteotomy for the treatment of stiff kyphosis
Bo DENG ; Yao CHEN ; Zhenghua HONG ; Zhangfu WANG ; Xinbin FENG ; Weifu CHEN ; Haixiao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2021;41(1):8-17
Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of middle-column preserved pedicle subtraction closing-opening wedge osteotomy for the treatment of stiff kyphosis.Methods:From January 2016 to April 2018, 12 patients with stiff kyphosis in our department were treated with middle-column preserved pedicle subtraction closing-opening wedge osteotomy. The patients' operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, surgical complications, low back pain and leg pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) score, and SF-36 were recorded.These parameters were compared at preoperative, postoperative, and at the final follow-up. Coronal parameters included lumbar scoliosis Cobb angle, C 7 vertebral body center to humeral vertical line distance (C 7PL-CSVL), whilesagittal parameters includedlumbar Lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and sagittalvertical axis (SVA). Results:All of 12 patients successfully completed the operation.The mean operation time was 238.20±65.95 min, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 440.50±133.60 ml.The patients’ODI score was 65.92%±6.96% at the preoperative, and 21.00%±3.19% at the final follow-up. The difference was statistically significant ( t=20.32, P<0.0001).The VAS score of back pain was 6.00±0.95 at preoperative, 2.33±0.89 at 3 months postoperatively, and 1.42±0.51 at the final follow-up. The VAS score of leg pain was 6.91±1.24 at preoperative, 2.50±1.00 at 3 months postoperatively, and1.50±0.52 at the final follow-up. There was significant difference in SF-36 at preoperative and at final follow-up ( P<0.05). The differences in LL, SS, PT and SVA at the preoperative and at final follow-up were statistically significant ( F=17.47, P<0.001; F=5.015, P=0.0125; F=14.66, P<0.001; F=81.11, P<0.001) . There was significant difference in lumbar scoliosis Cobb angle and C 7PL-CSVL at the preoperative and at final follow-up ( F=87.19, P<0.001; F=100.9, P<0.001) . Conclusion:The advantages of this surgical procedure includesimple operation, reducedsurgery time, and shorten intraoperative bleeding, which can effectively relief clinical symptoms, improve the quality of life, correctkyphosis, and maintain the patient's spinal-pelvic balance.

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