1.Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and their relationship with BMI management
Xi CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Yang LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):108-111
Objective To analyze the risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and explore their relationship with BMI management. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of 310 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent physical examinations at the 363 hospital between March 2023 and March 2025. Among these patients, those with MAFLD were counted. The risk factors of T2DM with MAFLD were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The relationship between T2DM with MAFLD and BMI management was explored by Spearman correlation coefficient analysis. Results Compared with the non-MAFLD group, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), fasting insulin (I0), fasting blood glucose (G0), BMI, triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and serum uric acid (SUA) were higher while the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was lower in the MAFLD group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI, SUA, I0, ALT, G0, and BMI control scale score were risk factors of T2DM with MAFLD (P<0.05). The score of BMI control scale of patients in the MAFLD group was higher than that in the non-MAFLD group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that T2DM with MAFLD was negatively correlated with BMI management (P<0.05). Conclusion BMI, SUA, I0, ALT, and G0 are all risk factors of T2DM with MAFLD. BMI management is negatively correlated with T2DM with MAFLD. Patients with T2DM should control BMI and blood glucose to reduce the occurrence of MAFLD.
2.Effects of baicalin on insulin resistance in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus and its mechanism
Kewei SHI ; Xi CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Bo YANG ; Yunchun LIU ; Yueyue GAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):450-455
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of baicalin (BC) on insulin resistance in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its underlying mechanism based on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog 1 (SUV39H1)/histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) axis. METHODS A GDM rat model was established by a combination of a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. The successfully modeled rats were divided into the GDM group, BC low-dose group, BC high-dose group, and high-dose of BC+AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) group, with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 pregnant rats fed a normal diet served as the control group. Rats in each group were given corresponding drugs/normal saline intragastrically and/or intraperitoneally, once daily for 2 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), pancreatic function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)], blood lipid indexes (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), liver function indexes (alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, alkaline phosphatase), inflammatory indicators (C-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), metabolic regulatory protein [complement-C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 (CTRP3)], insulin sensitivity related factors [glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), adiponectin], and oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA)] were measured. Pathological changes in liver tissue were observed, and the expressions of proteins related to the AMPK/SUV39H1/H3K9me3 axis in liver tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the GDM group, rats in the BC low- and high-dose groups showed varying degrees of improvement in pathological changes such as disordered cell arrangement, vacuolar degeneration, lipid deposition, and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue. Their FBG and FINS levels, HOMA-IR, the levels of blood lipid indexes, liver function indexes, inflammatory indicators and MDA, and the expressions of SUV39H1 and H3K9me3 were significantly decreased or down-regulated, while metabolic regulatory protein, insulin sensitivity-related factors and AMPK protein phosphorylation levels were significantly increased ( P <0.05). The improvement was more significant in the BC high-dose group ( P <0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the ameliorative effects of high-dose BC on the above quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS BC can significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, increase serum levels of CTRP3, GLUT4 and adiponectin, thereby improving insulin resistance in GDM rats. These effects may be related to the activation of AMPK and inhibition of SUV39H1-mediated H3K9me3 modification.
3.Construction and Evaluation of "Constitution-disease-syndrome" Trinity Model for Rodents with Qi Deficiency
Yasheng DENG ; Jiang LIN ; Yujiang XI ; Qian ZHOU ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Qiu CHEN ; Xi MING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):274-284
The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset,progression,transformation,and prognosis of diseases. At present,some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation",in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology,onset,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment. Against this background,the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution,aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models,thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions,diseases,and syndromes,but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods,the study evaluates the model's validity,reliability,and practicality,with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.
4.Effect and Mechanism of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus Lignans on Behavior of Schizophrenic Mice
Jiaqi LI ; Xi CHEN ; Siwei WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yiting LIU ; Ziyan GUO ; Zilong LUN ; Chengyi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):65-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans on schizophrenia induced by dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) in mice and to clarify its mechanism. MethodsMale mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into blank, model, positive drug, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (40, 80, 160 mg·kg-1, respectively) Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans groups. The blank group was administrated with distilled water, and the other groups were injected with 0.5 mg·kg-1 MK-801 to induce schizophrenia symptoms. Meanwhile, risperidone was injected at 0.2 mg·kg-1 in the positive drug group, and mice in the intervention groups were injected with corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of mice were observed by autonomous activity test, open field test, forced swimming test, and water maze test. The levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in peripheral blood were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the prefrontal lobe of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the changes of the hippocampal tissue were observed by Nissl staining. The protein levels of silencing information regulatory factor 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein O3a (FoxO3a) in the hippocampus of mice were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans reduced the total number of autonomous activities, total distance in the open field test, immobile time in the forced swimming test, and levels of TNF-α and NF-κB in peripheral blood (P<0.05), while increasing the number of platform crossings in the water maze test and DA and 5-HT levels in the brain tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, risperidone and low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans improve the neural cell morphology in the CA1 region, with full cells in neatly dense arrangement and exhibiting clear membrane boundary. Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans inhibited the expression of SIRT 1 and FoxO3a in the hippocampus (P<0.05). ConclusionTo sum up, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans may improve the behavior of schizophrenic mice by activating the SIRT1/FoxO3a signaling pathway to exert neuroprotective effects.
5.Construction and Evaluation of "Constitution-disease-syndrome" Trinity Model for Rodents with Qi Deficiency
Yasheng DENG ; Jiang LIN ; Yujiang XI ; Qian ZHOU ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Qiu CHEN ; Xi MING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):274-284
The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset,progression,transformation,and prognosis of diseases. At present,some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation",in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology,onset,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment. Against this background,the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution,aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models,thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions,diseases,and syndromes,but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods,the study evaluates the model's validity,reliability,and practicality,with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.
6.Impact of number of positive regional lymph nodes in N1 stage on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A propensity score matching study
Dandan LIU ; Jiachen WANG ; Lidan CHANG ; Jia CHEN ; Ranran KONG ; Shiyuan LIU ; Minxia ZHU ; Jiantao JIANG ; Shaomin LI ; Zhengshui XU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):63-71
Objective To explore the impact of number of positive regional lymph nodes (nPRLN) in N1 stage on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection from 2010 to 2015 were screened from SEER database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was determined using X-tile software, and patients were divided into 2 groups according to the cutoff value: a nPRLN≤optimal cutoff group and a nPRLN>optimal cutoff group. The influence of confounding factors was minimized by propensity score matching (PSM) at a ratio of 1 : 1. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) of patients. Results A total of 1316 patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC were included, including 662 males and 654 females, with a median age of 67 (60, 73) years. The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was 3, with 1165 patients in the nPRLN≤3 group and 151 patients in the nPRLN>3 group. After PSM, there were 138 patients in each group. Regardless of before or after PSM, OS and LCSS of patients in the nPRLN≤3 group were superior to those in the nPRLN>3 group (P<0.001). N1 stage nPRLN>3 was an independent prognostic risk factor for OS [HR=1.52, 95%CI (1.22, 1.89), P<0.001] and LCSS [HR=1.72, 95%CI (1.36, 2.18), P<0.001]. Conclusion N1 stage nPRLN>3 is an independent prognostic risk factor for NSCLC patients in TxN1M0 stage, which may provide new evidence for future revision of TNM staging N1 stage subclassification.
7.NAD+ Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypertension via Activation of SIRT3/IDH2 Signal Pathway
Yumin QIU ; Xi CHEN ; Jianning ZHANG ; Zhangchi LIU ; Qiuxia ZHU ; Meixin ZHANG ; Jun TAO ; Xing WU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):70-80
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide on vascular endothelial injury in hypertension and its molecular mechanism. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into saline group (Saline) and hypertension group (Ang Ⅱ, which were infused with Ang Ⅱ via subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps), and supplemented daily with nicotinamide mononucleotide (300 mg/kg), a precursor of NAD+. Blood pressure, endothelial relaxation function and pulse wave velocity were measured after 4 weeks. Wound healing assay and adhesion assay were used to evaluate the function of endothelial cells in vitro. mtROS levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of mtDNA, SIRT3 and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2). 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein expression levels of p-eNOS, eNOS, SIRT3 and IDH2 were detected by Western blot. ResultsNMN supplementation reduced blood pressure (P<0.001) and improved endothelial function and arterial stiffness (P<0.001) in hypertensive mice. In vitro, NMN improved endothelial function in AngII-stimulated endothelial cells (P<0.05) and attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress levels (P<0.001). Mechanistically, NMN elevated SIRT3 activity (P<0.001), which subsequently enhanced IDH activity (P<0.001) and reduced oxidative stress levels in endothelial cells. Conversely, knockdown of IDH2 would reverse the effect of SIRT3 in improving endothelial function (P<0.001). ConclusionNAD+ lowers blood pressure and enhances vascular function in hypertension by reducing the level of oxidative stress in endothelial cells through activation of the SIRT3/IDH2 signal pathway.
8.Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in patients with 10 years of hypertension
RUN GUO ; Wen SI ; Yaoyao CUI ; Yiqing CHEN ; Qiao LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):39-42
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in patients with 10 years of hypertension. Methods A total of 350 patients with 10 years or longer course of hypertension who underwent physical examination in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from June 2021 to June 2024 were selected. General information of the patients was collected through questionnaires. Renal function related indicators and imaging results were obtained through relevant laboratory tests and imaging examinations. Based on the results of renal function related indicators, the epidemiological characteristics of chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients with 10 years of hypertension, as well as risk factors for chronic kidney disease in the hypertensive patients were identified. Results Among the 350 patients enrolled in this study, there were 71 (20.29%) with proteinuria, 32 (9.14%) with hematuria, and 40 (11.43%) with decreased renal function. A total of 80 (22.86%) cases with structural variations such as kidney stones and cysts were detected by renal B-mode ultrasound. There were 121 (34.57%) patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease. There were statistically significant differences in gender, age, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia between patients with chronic kidney disease and those without (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that gender, age, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia were the risk factors for chronic kidney disease in patients with hypertension (P<0.05). Conclusion Patients with 10 years of hypertension have a high risk of chronic kidney disease, and the risk factors include gender, age, diabetes, hyperuricemia, and hyperlipidemia.
9.Determination of multi-component content and analysis of differential components in Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins
Qianying WU ; Dehong LIU ; Weikang CHEN ; Xi CHEN ; Yanyan ZHU ; Jie WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1071-1075
OBJECTIVE To determine the contents of 15 components in Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins (Citrus aurantium, C. junos, C. aurantium Linn., C. sinensis Osb., C. sinensis), screen differential components, and provide references for the quality evaluation of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus. METHODS HPLC method was adopted to determine the contents of synephrine, N-methyltyramine, 5,7-dihydroxychromone-7-neohesperidoside, neoponcirin, narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, naringenin, hesperetin, sinensetin, nobiletin, tangeretin, 5-demethylnobiletin, and auraptene in 46 batches of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins. The determination was performed on Waters Symmetry C18 column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid (gradient elution) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min; column temperature was set at 40 ℃ , detection wavelength was 284 nm, and sample injection volume was 5 μL. The differences between different origins of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus were analyzed by cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and differential components were screened. RESULTS The linear relationships of the aforementioned 15 components were all good within the tested mass concentration ranges (all r>0.999 0). The RSDs for precision, stability (24 h), and repeatability tests were all less than 2.00%. The average recovery rate ranged from 91.1% to 103.9% (all RSDs<3.10%). Cluster analysis, PCA, and OPLS-DA revealed that C. sinensis Osb. and C. sinensis were clustered into one category, while C. aurantium,C. junos and C. aurantium Linn. were clustered into another category. The variable importance projection values for neohesperidin, auraptene, naringin, neoponcirin, tangeretin, hesperidin, sinensetin, and 5,7-dihydroxychromone-7-neohesperidoside were all greater than 1. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the contents of 15 components in Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins are determined, and 8 differential components, including neohesperidin, auraptene, naringin, and neoponcirin, are screened out.
10.PANoptosis: a New Target for Cardiovascular Diseases
Xin-Nong CHEN ; Ying-Xi YANG ; Xiao-Chen GUO ; Jun-Ping ZHANG ; Na-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1113-1125
The innate immune system detects cellular stressors and microbial infections, activating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to eliminate intracellular pathogens and maintain homeostasis. Among these pathways, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis represent the most characteristic forms of PCD. Although initially regarded as mechanistically distinct, emerging research has revealed significant crosstalk among their signaling cascades. Consequently, the concept of PANoptosis has been proposed—an inflammatory cell death pathway driven by caspases and receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs), and regulated by the PANoptosome, which integrates key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. The core mechanism of PANoptosis involves the assembly and activation of the PANoptosome, a macromolecular complex composed of three structural components: sensor proteins, adaptor proteins, and effector proteins. Sensors detect upstream stimuli and transmit signals downstream, recruiting critical molecules via adaptors to form a molecular scaffold. This scaffold activates effectors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in PANoptosis. The PANoptosome is regulated by upstream molecules such as interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), which function as molecular switches to control PANoptosis. Targeting these switches represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, PANoptosis is influenced by organelle functions, including those of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes, highlighting organelle-targeted interventions as effective regulatory approaches. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, are profoundly impacted by PCD. Extensive crosstalk among multiple cell death pathways in CVDs suggests a complex regulatory network. As a novel cell death modality bridging pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, PANoptosis offers fresh insights into the complexity of cell death and provides innovative strategies for CVD treatment. This review summarizes current evidence linking PANoptosis to various CVDs, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiotoxic injury, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and vascular toxic injury, thereby providing critical clinical insights into CVD pathophysiology. However, the current understanding of PANoptosis in CVDs remains incomplete. First, while PANoptosis in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells has been implicated in CVD pathogenesis, its role in other cell types—such as vascular endothelial cells and immune cells (e.g., macrophages)—warrants further investigation. Second, although pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are known to activate the PANoptosome in infectious diseases, the stimuli driving PANoptosis in CVDs remain poorly defined. Additionally, methodological challenges persist in identifying PANoptosome assembly in CVDs and in establishing reliable PANoptosis models. Beyond the diseases discussed, PANoptosis may also play a role in viral myocarditis and diabetic cardiomyopathy, necessitating further exploration. In conclusion, elucidating the role of PANoptosis in CVDs opens new avenues for drug development. Targeting this pathway could yield transformative therapies, addressing unmet clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail