1.Qiangjing Tablets Regulate CDK4-E2F Signaling Pathway to Delay Aging of Leydig Cells and Testicular Tissue in Rats
Xiucheng LAN ; Meijing WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Junjun LI ; Liang DONG ; Xujun YU ; Fang YANG ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):328-336
ObjectiveTo reveal the molecular mechanism by which the traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription Qiangjing tablets regulate the aging of the testicular tissue and Leydig cells in rats through the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)-early 2 factor (E2F) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the cell experiment, 2-month-old SPF-grade SD male rats were selected and randomly assigned into a blank control group (administrated with an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection) and a Qiangjing tablets group (20 rats in each group) according to body weight. The Leydig cell model of aging was established by treatment of TM3 cells with 100 μmol·L-1 H2O2, and the modeling performance was evaluated based on the levels of p16 and p21 determined by Western blot. The antioxidant NAC (1 mmol·L-1) was used as the positive control for eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells were intervened with Qiangjing tablets-containing serum at low (2.5%), medium (5%), and high (10%) concentrations. The testosterone level in the cell supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 were analyzed by Western blot. In the animal experiment, 19-month-old naturally aging rats were used as the model group, and 2-month-old rats as the young control group. The positive control group was subcutaneously injected with 5.21 mg·kg-1·d-1 testosterone propionate. Qiangjing tablets were administered by gavage at low, medium, and high doses of 0.72, 1.44, 2.88 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. The general conditions of rats were observed, and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 in the testicular tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsIn the cell experiment, compared with the blank control group, the model group showed upregulated expression of CDK4 and E2F1 (P<0.05) and slightly downregulated expression of E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the NAC group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05), slightly upregulated in the medium-dose Qiangjing tablets group, and downregulated in the high-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05). The NAC group showed downregulated expression of E2F1 (P<0.05) and E2F2, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Qiangjing tablets groups showed downregulated expression of both E2F1 and E2F2 (P<0.05). Compared with that in the NAC group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group and downregulated in the medium-dose and high dose (P<0.05) groups. The expression of E2F1 was down-regulated in all the three dose groups, with statistically significance in the high dose group (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 were downregulated in all the three dose groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiment, compared with the young control group, the model group exhibited downregulated expression of CDK4 (P<0.05) and slightly upregulated expression of E2F1 and E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 decreased in the testosterone propionate group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05) but increased in the medium-dose (P<0.05) and high-dose groups. In addition, the expression of E2F1 decreased (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 was slightly elevated. Compared with that in the NAC group, CDK4 expression was elevated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Similarly, the E2F1 expression was also upregulated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium-dose group (P<0.05). The expression of E2F2 was downregulated in all the Qiangjing tablets groups. ConclusionQiangjing tablets delay the aging process of Leydig cells and testicular tissue by up-regulating the expression of CDK4 and lowering the levels of E2F1 and E2F2.
2.Qiangjing Tablets Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Varicocele by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Liang DONG ; Fang YANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Xinyi TANG ; Yulin LI ; Xujun YU ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):347-359
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qiangjing tablets (QJT) alleviate the spermatogenic function damage caused by varicocele (VC) based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-mediated oxidative stress. MethodsTen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into a control group and a model group. Pathological examination confirmed the stability of the model. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized into control, model, low-dose (0.23 g·kg-1) QJT, medium-dose (0.46 g·kg-1) QJT, high-dose (0.92 g·kg-1) QJT, and mazhilin (61.7 mg·kg-1) groups, with 6 rats in each group. A rat model of experimental left varicocele (ELV) was established by partially ligating the left renal vein to simulate the human nutcracker syndrome. The rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 28 consecutive days. The in vitro testicular culture model of rats was established through the Transwell chamber method and intervened with QJT-containing sera (2.3, 4.6, and 9.2 g·kg-1). Microscopic observation was carried out for the morphology of the left kidney. A micrometer was used to measure the diameter of the left spermatic vein (LSV). The body weights of rats were recorded weekly, and the epididymis and testis weights were measured. The pathological changes of the testicular tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of testosterone (T) in the cell culture supernatant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat testicular tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to determine the ROS content. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze Keap1, Nrf2, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-Hsd), GATA-binding protein-4 (Gata-4), and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit). The ultrastructure of the tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression of Keap1, Nrf2, glutathione S-transferase α2 (Gsta2), glutathione S-transferase μ1 (Gstm1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1) was quantified by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the T concentration was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in each dose group of the Qiangjing Tablets were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionQJT improves sperm motility in the rat model of VC by modulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress injury.
3.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
4.Typical failure treatment of large-aperture 16-slice spiral Siemens SOMATOM Sensation Open CT
Yu-kun ZHU ; Shi-dong CHENG ; Ming YANG ; Fei WENG ; Jing TIAN ; Chen LIANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):112-114
Three typical failures of large-aperture 16-slice spiral Siemens SOMATOM Sensation Open CT were introduced in terms of phenomenon,cause and treatment method.References were provided for medical engineers to treat similar failures.
5.Design and application of search and rescue simulation training system
Jie-qiong ZHANG ; Yu-hang DONG ; Rui WANG ; Jie REN ; Huo-liang CHEN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(4):15-20
Objective To design a search and rescue simulation training system to enhance medical command,search and rescue capabilities of the PLA air force.Method A search and rescue simulation training sysgtem was designed based on the war gaming theory and developed with C/S architecture,C++language and MongoDB database for data storage,which was composed of four subsystems for scenario setting,action coordination and commanding operation simulation.The scenario setting subsystem included 3 modules of map editing setting,scenario editing and organization preparation;the action coordination subsystem had 5 modules of deduction process control,deduction coordination intervention,deduction status monitoring,perspective control and addition of deduction conditions;the commanding operation subsystem involved in 3 modules of command and control,real-time information query and operation command;the operation simulation subsy-stem consisted of 3 modules of agent search,rescue and treatment simulation,operation ruling and operation intelligence management.Results The system developed facilitated search,rescue and commanding training-related teaching and search and rescue program rehearsal verification,and thus comprehensively enhanced the trainee's capabilities in search,rescue,commanding and decision making.Conclusion The system developed integrates effectively medical commanding with operational commanding during search and rescue,providing a novel means for air force search and rescue operations and medical service simulation training.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(4):15-20]
6.Practice and inspiration of Party-building leadership in promoting the high-quality development of Chi-nese hospital medical association
Wenping DONG ; Mengli LAN ; Ping YI ; Feng LU ; Xuhong LI ; Liuping WEI ; Jian HU ; Yong YU ; Chen LIANG ; Yongcai LEI
Modern Hospital 2025;25(8):1160-1163
The development of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)medical alliances plays a pivotal role in enhancing grassroots TCM service capabilities and meeting public demand for TCM healthcare.However,challenges persist in establishing these alliances,including insufficient Party leadership at primary TCM institutions and deficiencies in clinical services,talent de-velopment,and emergency care capacity.This study examines innovative Party building approaches in public hospitals within the new era context,analyzing practical cases of alliance development.Our findings demonstrate that integrating Party building into the governance structure of medical alliances not only strengthens Party leadership at primary TCM institutions but also significant-ly promotes TCM service development.Systematic analysis of case hospital practices reveals several key insights.Firstly,strengthening top-level design through Party committee leadership is crucial.Secondly,addressing the most pressing public healthcare concerns with genuine commitment forms the foundation.Thirdly,deep integration of Party building with core medical services represents the essential approach.Lastly,policy-responsive innovation based on consolidated achievements serves as the key driver.
7.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.
8.Mechanism of action of D-limonene on steatosis in primary hepatocytes based on AMPK/ACC/CPT1A signaling pathway
Qian-jun REN ; Su LI ; Yu-qing CHEN ; Yin-ying LIAO ; Chun-ni LIANG ; Rui-chao FANG ; Xu-dong LIU ; Xiao-fang ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1665-1672
Aim To explore the effects of D-limonene on the steatosis of primary mouse hepatocytes and its potential mechanism of action.Methods Oleic acid-induced steatosis in primary mouse hepatocytes was used as a model to observe the effects of D-limonene on cell viability,cellular lipid content,and intracellular expression of proteins such as AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1(ACC1),and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A(CPT1A).Results It was found that a low dose of D-limonene could effectively enhance the viability of primary mouse hepatocytes.When oleic acid at a con-centration of 300 μmol·L-1 successfully induced steatosis in primary mouse hepatocytes,D-limonene re-duced the lipid content of the cells,and D-limonene up-regulated the cellular AMPK expression level,down-regulated the cellular ACC1 and fatty acid synthetase(FAS)expression levels,which in turn promoted the overexpression of CPT1A.Conclusions D-limonene has the effect of reducing lipid deposition in primary mouse hepatocytes,and the mechanisms may be related to the activation of AMPK,the inhibitions of ACC1 and FAS,and the up-regulation of CPT1A protein expres-sion level.
9.Typical failure treatment of large-aperture 16-slice spiral Siemens SOMATOM Sensation Open CT
Yu-kun ZHU ; Shi-dong CHENG ; Ming YANG ; Fei WENG ; Jing TIAN ; Chen LIANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):112-114
Three typical failures of large-aperture 16-slice spiral Siemens SOMATOM Sensation Open CT were introduced in terms of phenomenon,cause and treatment method.References were provided for medical engineers to treat similar failures.
10.Exploration of Heat Clearing Herbs with Anti-inflammatory and Anti-tumor Effects Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Pathogenic Factors of Pancreatitis-induced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Yana BAO ; Xiaonan ZHANG ; Xi GUAN ; Liang ZHAO ; Yuying CUI ; Yu WU ; Dong SHANG ; Hong XIANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):161-167
Background When discussing the new concept of"pancreas spleen integration"in the early stage,we proposed that dampness heat stagnation in the spleen and deficiency due to stagnation are the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pathogenesis elements of pancreatitis-induced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,among which dampness heat is the soil of pancreatitis deteriorates into pancreatic cancer.Objective Based on the TCM pathogenesis elements of pancreatitis to cancer with"damp heat"as the main factor,data mining technology was used to analyze the properties,channel conversion and active ingredients of heat-clearing Chinese medicines with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects,and to summarize the drug characteristics of these Chinese medicines.To prospectively predict the use of drugs in the transformation process of pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer.Methods Taking Traditional Chinese Medicine(10th Edition of China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press)as the drug data source,66 heat-clearing herbs were searched in the literature database of CNKI and PubMed of inflammation * TCM or(inflammation+tumor)* TCM.The active ingredients were analyzed in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP).Results Among the 66 heat-clearing drugs(excluding adjunct drugs),58 herbs had anti-inflammatory effects,53 herbs had anti-tumor effects,and 48 herbs had both anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.The three groups of drugs were mainly bitter,sweet and pungent in five flavors,and were mainly liver,stomach,lung,heart and large intestine in meridian affinity.Five flavors and meridian affinity were highly similar.In the TCMSP,the"five principles of drug class"were used to screen the active ingredients of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs.A total of 1041 active ingredient data were screened,and 798 active ingredient data were screened after duplicate items were deleted.Top three active ingredients were Luteolin,Kaempferol and Acacetin.Conclusion Based on the analysis of five flavors,meridian affinity and active ingredients of heat-clearing medicine,this study found that the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of these Chinese herbs are highly overlapping,it has important guiding significance for the drug research and clinical prescription of pancreatitis-induced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

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