1.Mechanisms of Jiangtang No. 3 Prescription in Alleviating Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Rats via TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway-mediated Inflammation
Tongxun WANG ; Lantian LIU ; Runqi LI ; Haoxiang LI ; Yi ZHAO ; Tian TIAN ; Rufeng MA ; Sihua GAO ; Dandan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):109-117
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Jiangtang No. 3 prescription on inflammatory pathways and insulin resistance-related indicators in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to elucidate its molecular mechanism in combating diabetes. MethodsA T2DM rat model was established using a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to the model group, metformin group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Jiangtang No. 3 prescription groups, and a normal group was also set. Daily gavage was administered for 8 weeks as follows: metformin at 0.1 g·kg-1·d-1, Jiangtang No. 3 prescription granules at 1.62, 3.24, 6.48 g·kg-1·d-1 for the respective dose groups, and sterile water for the normal and model groups. Rat body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were measured. After drug intervention, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and insulin (INS). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphological changes in adipose tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in adipose tissue. Western blot was used to measure the corresponding protein expression levels. ResultsCompared with the model group, Jiangtang No. 3 prescription groups exhibited significantly increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced FBG (P<0.05, P<0.01), significant reductions in TC, TG, NEFA, and LDL (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a significant increase in HDL (P<0.01). Serum levels of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and adipose tissue pathology was improved. The protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and GSDMD were markedly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of these indicators were also significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Some effects were superior to those of the positive control drug metformin, and certain indicators exhibited dose-dependent improvements. ConclusionT2DM rats display significant inflammatory responses, disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Jiangtang No. 3 prescription effectively suppresses inflammatory mediators, improves glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, and ameliorates pathological changes in adipose tissue. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in visceral adipose tissue, thereby influencing downstream inflammatory mediators.
2.Swine TRIM25 inhibits vesicular stomatitis virus replication by activation of type I IFN signaling pathway and binding vRNA
Ying CAO ; Jinxia ZHANG ; Dongwan YOO ; Haowen ZHANG ; Dandan JIANG ; Yue HU ; Xiaoyan CONG ; Juntong LI ; Xiangju WU ; Yijun DU ; Jing QI ; Juan HUANG
Journal of Veterinary Science 2026;27(3):e25-
Objective:
To define the mechanism by which swine TRIM25 restricts vesicular stomatitis virus replication.
Methods:
Porcine 3D4/21 cells with TRIM25 overexpression or knockdown were infected with vesicular stomatitis virus. Viral replication was quantified by immunoblotting, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and 50% tissue culture infectious dose assays. Type I interferon signaling was assessed by transcript quantification, interferon-beta and interferon-stimulated response element reporter assays, and co-immunoprecipitation.Viral RNA binding was tested by RNA immunoprecipitation.
Results:
TRIM25 overexpression reduced viral RNA and infectious titers, whereas TRIM25 knockdown increased replication (p < 0.01). TRIM25 increased interferon-beta and interferon-stimulated gene expression and enhanced interferon-beta and interferonstimulated response element promoter activity (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, TRIM25 promoted Lys63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I and increased phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1 and interferon regulatory factor 3. TRIM25 also bound vesicular stomatitis virus genomic RNA, and binding required the C-terminal region.
Conclusions
and Relevance: Porcine TRIM25 restricts vesicular stomatitis virus replication by amplifying type I interferon signaling and directly binding viral RNA.
3.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
4.Effect of Huangling Jidu Xizhuo Granules on NLRP3, Intestinal Flora and Short-term Prognosis in Patients with Gout
Dandan TIAN ; Shanping WANG ; Li YANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Xi CHEN ; Chuanbing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):150-156
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of retention enema with Huangling Jiedu Xiezhuo granules(HJXG) on Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), intestinal flora, and short-term prognosis in patients with gout. MethodsA total of 60 patients with gout admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected and divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with febuxostat, and the observation group was treated with retention enema with HJXG on the basis of the control group. After 14 days of continuous treatment, the clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain index of the two groups were compared, and serum creatinine(SCr), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), uric acid(UA), cystatin C(CysC), β2- microglobulin(β2-MG), glomerular filtration rate test(GFR), creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), hypersensitive C-reactive protein,(hs-CRP), interleukin 6(IL-6), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), NLRP3 inflammasome levels, and the number of intestinal flora were detected in the two groups. The prognosis of patients was followed up within 12 weeks. COX regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of short-term prognosis. ResultsAfter treatment, TCM syndrome scores and VAS pain index in both groups were reduced (P<0.05), and TCM syndrome scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. After treatment, ESR, hs-CRP, IL-6, NLRP3, IL-18, and IL-1β were significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.01), and the levels of IL-6, ESR, NLRP3, and IL-18 were significantly improved in the observation group compared with the control group (P<0.05). BUN, SCr, UA, β2-MG, GFR indexes in both groups were significantly lower after treatment, Ccr indexes in both groups were significantly higher after treatment, and the levels of SCr, UA, CysC, and Ccr in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the intestinal flora in both groups was improved, and the observation group was significantly improved compared with the control group in terms of Lactobacillus, Proteus, Bacteroides, and Escherichia coli (P<0.05). COX regression analysis showed that retention enema with HJXG could reduce the risk of poor short-term prognosis in patients with gout compared with Western medicine alone. ConclusionThe retention enema with HJXG can improve the curative effect of patients with gout, improve the TCM syndromes, reduce inflammation, and enhance renal function, intestinal flora, and short-term prognosis.
5.Effect of Shenshu Fujian Decoction on PDGF/NKD2/Wnt Signaling Pathway in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure
Peng DENG ; Xuekuan HUANG ; Hongyu LUO ; Yuxia JIN ; Dandan WANG ; Xin CHEN ; Shuxian YANG ; Honglin WANG ; Munan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):79-86
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Shenshu Fujian decoction on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/naked cuticle homolog 2 (NKD2) /Wnt signaling pathway in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Niaoduqing group (5 g·kg-1), low-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (5.5 g·kg-1), medium-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (11 g·kg-1), and high-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (22 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A CRF rat model was established by feeding a 0.5% adenine diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, intragastric administration was given once daily for 28 consecutive days. After treatment, the renal morphology of rats was observed. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to detect renal histopathological changes, and collagen volume fraction (CVF) was calculated. Serum levels of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of fibronectin 1 (FN1), type Ⅰ collagen (ColⅠ), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), NKD2, dishevelled protein 2 (DVL2) and β-catenin in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant renal pathological changes, a markedly increased kidney weight/body weight ratio (P<0.01), significantly elevated CVF (P<0.01), and notably increased serum levels of SCr, BUN, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01). Expression levels of FN1, ColⅠ, α-SMA, PDGFR-β, NKD2, DVL2, and β-catenin in renal tissue were also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased kidney weight/body weight ratios and CVF (P<0.01), as well as markedly decreased serum SCr, BUN, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Protein expression levels of FN1, ColⅠ, α-SMA, PDGFR-β, NKD2, DVL2, and β-catenin in renal tissue were decreased, with more pronounced effects observed in the Niaoduqing, medium-dose, and high-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenshu Fujian decoction improves renal function, reduces inflammation, and reverses renal fibrosis in CRF rats, possibly by downregulating the expression of PDGF/NKD2/Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins.
6.Effect of Xinfeng Capsules Combined with Chronic Disease Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Rapid Disease Control and Short-term Prognosis of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Dandan TIAN ; Hong ZHAO ; Man LUO ; Shanping WANG ; Li YANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Xi CHEN ; Chuanbing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):137-144
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Xinfeng capsules combined with chronic disease management of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on rapid disease control and short-term prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MethodsA total of 80 RA patients hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to March 2024 were enrolled and randomly divided into an observation group (40 cases) and a control group (40 cases). The control group was treated with conventional methotrexate combined with standard chronic disease management, while the observation group was additionally treated with Xinfeng Capsules combined with TCM chronic disease management. The treatment course lasted 24 weeks. The outcomes were compared between two groups, including disease activity [28-joint disease activity score (DAS28), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), simplified disease activity index (SDAI)], visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, TCM syndrome score, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), morning stiffness duration, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20%, 50% and 70% response rates (ACR20/50/70), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (CCP-Ab), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG). The Chronic Disease Self-Management Scale (CDSMS) was used to evaluate patients’ self-management ability, self-care ability, and nursing satisfaction. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks to assess prognosis, and COX regression analysis was performed to determine the impact on short-term prognosis. ResultsAfter treatment, TJC, SJC, morning stiffness duration, DAS28, CDAI, SDAI, VAS, TCM syndrome score, ESR, hs-CRP, RF, CCP-Ab, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IgG, HAQ, SAS, SDS, chronic disease self-management behavior, self-efficacy, and self-care ability all improved significantly in both groups compared with baseline (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed more significant improvements in TJC, SJC, morning stiffness duration, DAS28, CDAI, SDAI, VAS, TCM syndrome score, ESR, IL-1β, IgG, HAQ, SAS, SDS, self-care ability, chronic disease self-management behavior, and self-efficacy (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The ACR70 response rate and nursing satisfaction were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). COX regression analysis showed that Xinfeng capsules combined with TCM chronic disease management reduced the risk of poor short-term prognosis in RA patients. ConclusionXinfeng capsules combined with TCM chronic disease management facilitates rapid disease control in RA patients, effectively improves short-term prognosis, and plays an important role in the treatment of the disease.
7.Identification of novel pathogenic variants in genes related to pancreatic β cell function: A multi-center study in Chinese with young-onset diabetes.
Fan YU ; Yinfang TU ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Tianwei GU ; Haoyong YU ; Xiangyu MENG ; Si CHEN ; Fengjing LIU ; Ke HUANG ; Tianhao BA ; Siqian GONG ; Danfeng PENG ; Dandan YAN ; Xiangnan FANG ; Tongyu WANG ; Yang HUA ; Xianghui CHEN ; Hongli CHEN ; Jie XU ; Rong ZHANG ; Linong JI ; Yan BI ; Xueyao HAN ; Hong ZHANG ; Cheng HU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(9):1129-1131
8.Diagnostic technique based on firefly algorithm for fault of MR coil of MRI equipment with superconductivity
Xucheng HUANG ; Xiangdi YANG ; Xulun ZHANG ; Dandan LIN ; Yizhou ZHUO ; Chi JIN ; Zhizhi WU
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(11):50-55
Objective:To explore a method that can improve the detecting accuracy for faults of magnetic resonance(MR)through diagnostic technique based on firefly algorithm for fault of MR coil of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)equipment with superconductivity,so as to enhance the performance and reliability of MRI equipment.Methods:A diagnosis technique for fault of MR coils in MRI equipment with superconductivity was proposed.Wavelet basis function was used to decompose initial vibration signals,and they were separated into resonance components with high-frequency and that with low-frequency,so as to enhance signal purity.The signal entropy value of deconvolution became the minimum value through iteratively adjusted the filter's coefficients,and identified the optimal system function of inverse filter,thus,to effectively recover the resonance characteristic of initially high and low frequency.A multi-objective function,which integrated entropy value of low-resonance component,smoothness and the differentiation of that with high-resonance components,was constructed.An improved firefly algorithm was introduced to combine linearly decreasing inertia weight factor,and simulate the process of swarm intelligence optimization,so as to realize global search and precise identification for faults'characteristics.Finally,the optimally diagnostic result was outputted.Results:The diagnostic technique based on firefly algorithm for fault of MR coil of MRI equipment with superconductivity can effectively decompose and enhance the original signal,and significantly suppress the interference of background noise.The algorithm can approach the true solution of the fault,which only need 298 iterations through global search for the combination of faults'features and diagnostic parameters.It can realize accurate identification for the faults of MR coil.Conclusion:The diagnostic technique,which based on firefly algorithm for fault of MR coil of MRI equipment with superconductivity,appears obvious advantages on diagnostic accuracy and convergence speed.It can provide a feasible approach for rapid diagnosis for fault of MRI equipment with superconductivity.
9.Three-dimensional model of swallowing musculoskeletal system based on CT image data and biomechanical characteristics analysis
Dandan FANG ; Ruijie MA ; Yi HUANG ; Kelin HE ; Lei WU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(29):6167-6173
BACKGROUND:At present,there are many clinical studies on dysphagia,but little is known about the stress of bones and hyoid muscles caused by dysphagia.OBJECTIVE:To establish a three-dimensional model of swallowing musculoskeletal system to investigate the stress changes of hyoid and suprahyoid muscles during swallowing.METHODS:A healthy adult male was selected for head and neck CT scanning.A three-dimensional model was constructed by image extraction method.According to hyoid motion,the lowest and highest positions of hyoid were set,and the muscle strength of suprahyoid muscles was successively loaded to observe the stress influence of suprahyoid muscles on hyoid under physiological state.By changing the material properties of muscles,we simulated different degrees of dysphagia and observed the stress changes of suprahyoid muscle group under the condition of dysphagia.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The finite element models including C2-C4 vertebrae,partial temporal bone,mandible,hyoid,and mylohyoid-geniohyoid muscle were established,which could reflect the displacement of hyoid and stress changes during swallowing.(2)Under physiological conditions,among suprahyoid muscles,mylohyoid muscle had the greatest influence on hyoid stress,followed by digastric muscle,geniohyoid muscle,and stylohyoid muscle.(3)By simulating different degrees of dysphagia,it was found that with the increase of the severity of dysphagia,the stress of suprahyoid muscles gradually increased.(4)These findings conclude that among suprahyoid muscles,mylohyoid muscle and digastric muscle have the greatest influence on hyoid stress,which suggests the importance of specific muscle stimulation.The aggravation of dysphagia was positively correlated with the stress change of suprahyoid muscles,which could provide a biomechanical reference for the mechanism study and clinical diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia.
10.Mitochondrial mechanism of resting energy metabolic rate changes induced by corticosterone and effects of kidney tonifying prescriptions in mice
Yuxin JIA ; Dandan CHEN ; Jimeng HU ; Xiaohong DENG ; Jianhua HUANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(7):1043-1052
Objective To explore the change trend and related mechanism of resting metabolic rate induced by corticosterone in mice,and observe the intervention effects of Zhibai Dihuang Pill and Jinkui Shenqi pill.Methods Sixty-four mice were randomly divided into short-term and long-term groups,and each group was randomly divided into four groups.Mice in CORT group,ZBDH group and JKSQ group were given sterile drinking water containing corticosterone,and mice in Ctrl group were given sterile drinking water containing 1%anhydrous ethanol.Mice in ZBDH group and JKSQ group were given Chinese medicine by gavage.RMR of mice in each group was dynamically monitored during modeling and Chinese medicine intervention.The morphology of mitochondria in liver and muscle were observed by transmission electron microscope.The TR expression level in liver and muscle tissues of each group was observed by immunofluorescence,and MDA and ATP levels were detected in liver and muscle tissues of each group.levels of ACTH,TSH,INS,T3,T4,FT3,FT4,8-OHdG,FGF-21,GDF-15,L-lactic acid and pyruvic acid in serum were also detected.Results Compared with Ctrl group,the mitochondrial morphology of liver and muscle tissues in CORT group was damaged,and the expression of TR was decreased.In short-term(Day 8),RMR,ATP in liver,serum T4,ACTH and INS levels were significantly increased in the CORT group,while serum FGF-21,TSH levels and MDA in liver were significantly decreased.In long term(Day 56),RMR,serum 8-OhdG,INS,and ATP in liver and muscle were significantly decreased in the CORT group,serum FGF-21,GDF-15,T3,T4,FT3,FT4,MDA in liver and muscle were significantly increased.Compared with CORT group,in short term,RMR,serum L(+)-lactate in ZBDH group were significantly decreased,while serum 8-OHdG and the expression of TRα in muscle were significantly increased.In JKSQ group,the mitochondrial morphology of muscle tissue was improved,the expression of TRα and serum FGF-21 were significantly increased,while serum L(+)-lactic acid,FT4 and ATP in liver were significantly decreased.In long term,serum FGF-21 was significantly lower in ZBDH group,and in JKSQ group,RMR,ATP in liver tissue and TRα expression in muscle were significantly increased,while the levels of FGF-21,GDF-15,T3,FT4 in serum and MDA in muscle tissue were significantly decreased.Conclusion CORT induced RMR to increase first and then decrease with the intervention time.In the short term,Zhibai Dihuang Pill significantly decreased RMR in mice,while in the long term,Jinkui Shenqi Pill significantly increased RMR.The mechanism may be related to mitochondrial injury,thyroxine secretion and thyroxine receptor expression.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail