1.Qinlian Hongqutang Improves NASH by Promoting Macrophage Polarization Through TLR4 and STAT6 Signaling Pathways
Yong ZHANG ; Yong HU ; Yunliang HE ; Yang YANG ; Donghui CHEN ; Sijie DANG ; Jia HE ; Yaqi LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):10-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Qinlian Hongqutang (QLHQT) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal and modeling groups. The NASH model was established by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After successful modeling, mice were randomly assigned to the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose QLHQT groups (0.51, 1.02, and 2.04 g·kg-1), and a positive control metformin group, with six mice in each group. The mice were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight was recorded before and after treatment. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as hepatic TC, TG, and LDL-C contents, were determined by biochemical assays. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to evaluate liver histopathology and lipid deposition, respectively. Flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to assess hepatic macrophage expression and related markers. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the potential mechanisms of QLHQT in regulating macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with the normal group, body weight and serum and hepatic levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Liver histopathology showed unevenly distributed round lipid droplets in the hepatocyte cytoplasm, accompanied by inflammatory cell aggregation. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of CD86-positive cells was significantly increased, whereas the proportion of CD206-positive cells was markedly decreased (P<0.05). Hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression were significantly increased, while hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in the liver were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, body weight was reduced in the high-, medium-, and low-dose QLHQT groups and in the metformin group. Serum and hepatic TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Liver histopathology showed alleviated hepatic lipid deposition, with markedly reduced lipid droplets and inflammation. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that the proportions of CD86-positive cells were significantly decreased, whereas the proportions of CD206-positive cells were significantly increased in the high-, medium-, and low-dose QLHQT groups (P<0.05). Hepatic iNOS levels and TNF-α mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01), whereas hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly increased (P<0.01). The hepatic protein expression levels of TLR4, TRAF6, and MyD88 were significantly decreased, while signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) phosphorylation was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in total STAT6 protein expression. ConclusionQLHQT effectively ameliorates hepatic inflammation in NASH mice, and the mechanism may involve STAT6- and TLR4-mediated signaling pathways driving polarization of M1 macrophages toward the M2 phenotype.
2.Qinlian Hongqutang Improves NASH by Promoting Macrophage Polarization Through TLR4 and STAT6 Signaling Pathways
Yong ZHANG ; Yong HU ; Yunliang HE ; Yang YANG ; Donghui CHEN ; Sijie DANG ; Jia HE ; Yaqi LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):10-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Qinlian Hongqutang (QLHQT) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal and modeling groups. The NASH model was established by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After successful modeling, mice were randomly assigned to the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose QLHQT groups (0.51, 1.02, and 2.04 g·kg-1), and a positive control metformin group, with six mice in each group. The mice were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight was recorded before and after treatment. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as hepatic TC, TG, and LDL-C contents, were determined by biochemical assays. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to evaluate liver histopathology and lipid deposition, respectively. Flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to assess hepatic macrophage expression and related markers. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the potential mechanisms of QLHQT in regulating macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with the normal group, body weight and serum and hepatic levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Liver histopathology showed unevenly distributed round lipid droplets in the hepatocyte cytoplasm, accompanied by inflammatory cell aggregation. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of CD86-positive cells was significantly increased, whereas the proportion of CD206-positive cells was markedly decreased (P<0.05). Hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression were significantly increased, while hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in the liver were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, body weight was reduced in the high-, medium-, and low-dose QLHQT groups and in the metformin group. Serum and hepatic TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Liver histopathology showed alleviated hepatic lipid deposition, with markedly reduced lipid droplets and inflammation. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that the proportions of CD86-positive cells were significantly decreased, whereas the proportions of CD206-positive cells were significantly increased in the high-, medium-, and low-dose QLHQT groups (P<0.05). Hepatic iNOS levels and TNF-α mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01), whereas hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly increased (P<0.01). The hepatic protein expression levels of TLR4, TRAF6, and MyD88 were significantly decreased, while signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) phosphorylation was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in total STAT6 protein expression. ConclusionQLHQT effectively ameliorates hepatic inflammation in NASH mice, and the mechanism may involve STAT6- and TLR4-mediated signaling pathways driving polarization of M1 macrophages toward the M2 phenotype.
3.Synthetic MRI Combined With Clinicopathological Characteristics for Pretreatment Prediction of Chemoradiotherapy Response in Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Siyu CHEN ; Jiankun DAI ; Jing ZHAO ; Shuang HAN ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Jun CHANG ; Donghui JIANG ; Heng ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Shudong HU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(2):135-145
Objective:
To explore the feasibility of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (syMRI) combined with clinicopathological characteristics for the pre-treatment prediction of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) response in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (ANPC).
Materials and Methods:
Patients with ANPC treated with CRT between September 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into response group (RG, n = 95) and non RGs (NRG, n = 32) based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1. The quantitative parameters from pre-treatment syMRI (longitudinal [T1] and transverse [T2] relaxation times and proton density [PD]), diffusion-weighted imaging (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]), and clinicopathological characteristics were compared between RG and NRG. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify parameters independently associated with CRT response and to construct a multivariable model. The areas under the receiveroperating characteristic curve (AUC) for various diagnostic approaches were compared using the DeLong test.
Results:
The T1, T2, and PD values in the NRG were significantly lower than those in the RG (all P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the ADC values between these two groups. Clinicopathological characteristics (Epstein–Barr virus [EBV]-DNA level, lymph node extranodal extension, clinical stage, and Ki-67 expression) exhibited significant differences between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that T1, PD, EBV-DNA level, clinical stage, and Ki-67 expression had significant independent relationships with CRT response (all P < 0.05). The multivariable model incorporating these five variables yielded AUC, sensitivity, and specificity values of 0.974, 93.8% (30/32), and 91.6% (87/95), respectively.
Conclusion
SyMRI may be used for the pretreatment prediction of CRT response in ANPC. The multivariable model incorporating syMRI quantitative parameters and clinicopathological characteristics, which were independently associated with CRT response, may be a new tool for the pretreatment prediction of CRT response.
4.Multidrug resistance reversal effect of tenacissoside I through impeding EGFR methylation mediated by PRMT1 inhibition.
Donghui LIU ; Qian WANG ; Ruixue ZHANG ; Ruixin SU ; Jiaxin ZHANG ; Shanshan LIU ; Huiying LI ; Zhesheng CHEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Dexin KONG ; Yuling QIU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1092-1103
Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) impairs the therapeutic efficacy of various chemotherapeutics. Novel approaches, particularly the development of MDR reversal agents, are critically needed to address this challenge. This study demonstrates that tenacissoside I (TI), a compound isolated from Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn, traditionally used in clinical practice as an ethnic medicine for cancer treatment, exhibits significant MDR reversal effects in ABCB1-mediated MDR cancer cells. TI reversed the resistance of SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PAC) by downregulating ABCB1 expression and reducing ABCB1 drug transport function. Mechanistically, protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), whose expression correlates with poor prognosis and shows positive association with both ABCB1 and EGFR expressions in tumor tissues, was differentially expressed in TI-treated SW620/AD300 cells. SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells exhibited elevated levels of EGFR asymmetric dimethylarginine (aDMA) and enhanced PRMT1-EGFR interaction compared to their parental cells. Moreover, TI-induced PRMT1 downregulation impaired PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, PRMT1-EGFR interaction, and EGFR downstream signaling in SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells. These effects were significantly reversed by PRMT1 overexpression. Additionally, TI demonstrated resistance reversal to PAC in xenograft models without detectable toxicities. This study establishes TI's MDR reversal effect in ABCB1-mediated MDR human cancer cells through inhibition of PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, suggesting TI's potential as an MDR modulator for improving chemotherapy outcomes.
Humans
;
Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects*
;
ErbB Receptors/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects*
;
Methylation/drug effects*
;
Saponins/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Nude
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
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ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/genetics*
;
Doxorubicin/pharmacology*
;
Paclitaxel/pharmacology*
;
Female
;
Repressor Proteins
5.Clinical analysis of four cases of pachydermoperiostosis
Qianhua LI ; Zhiqing TAO ; Zehong YANG ; Lefeng CHEN ; Xiuning WEI ; Jinjian LIANG ; Donghui ZHENG ; Lie DAI
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(2):123-127
Objective:To analyze the clinical features of pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) and improve its diagnostic level.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of four patients with PDP treated at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from 2015 to 2023, including clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and genetic testing results.Results:All four patients were male with an average onset age of 15 years old (ranging from 9 to 18 years old). One patient′s uncle had PDP, and another patient′s parents were consanguineous, though neither parent showed signs of PDP. All four patients exhibited clubbing, skin thickening, and acne; three had frontal bossing and deepened nasolabial folds; two showed scalp sulci changes on head MRI, and all had periosteal thickening of the phalanges visible on X-ray. One patient accompanied with hypokalemic nephropathy, and another had gastric ulcer. One patient underwent whole exome sequencing test which revealed a homozygous mutation, SLCO2A1 gene c.1406C>T, leading to a protein change p.Pro469Leu. Computational tools REVEL, SIFT, and Polyphen2 predicted this variant as deleterious.Conclusion:In addition to skin thickening, frontal bossing, scalp sulci changes, clubbing, and periosteal proliferation, patients with PDP may also present with hypokalemic nephropathy and gastric ulcer. The SLCO2A1 gene c.1406C>T mutation may be pathogenic.
6.Expert consensus on dispensing management of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in PIVAS
Xingchen YANG ; Wenhuan FU ; Donghui LAO ; Jing ZHAO ; Jianzhong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):1-6
OBJECTIVE To further standardize the dispensing management standard of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS),and provide reference for medical institutions to provide high-quality pharmaceutical services.METHODS Initiated by PIVAS Group,Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee,Shanghai Pharmaceutical Association,jointly led by Longhua Hospital,Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shanghai Geriatric Medical Center,a writing group was established by PIVAS experts from multiple medical institutions to discuss the basic requirements and dispensing process of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in PIVAS.The experts from the leading unit sorted out,summarized,analyzed,fed back and revised the opinions,and finally reached Expert Consensus on Dispensing Management of Intravenous Infusion Drugs for Clinical Trials in PIVAS.RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The main contents of this consensus include information management,operation process,fund management and document management of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in PIVAS.This consensus establishes a more standardized model for dispensing management of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in PIVAS,by standardizing clinical trail drug management operational procedures,accurately recording and preserving drug-related information,with the aim of achieving standardized and meticulous management of PIVAS's receipt of clinical trial drugs.
7.Analysis of the clinical characteristics of primary ureteral sarcomatoid carcinoma
Zijian LYU ; Donghui LI ; Hongwei WANG ; Lanting XU ; Yan FU ; Liang PENG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(3):335-341
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with primary ureteral sarcomatoid carcinoma, thereby enhancing the understanding of the clinical context surrounding this disease.Methods:We report a case of primary ureteral sarcomatoid carcinoma in an elderly patient diagnosed through postoperative pathology at the Fourth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army.Additionally, a literature review was conducted to analyze articles related to primary ureteral sarcomatoid carcinoma published both domestically and internationally up to July 2024.This review summarizes and analyzes information regarding the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis associated with this condition.Results:A total of 20 articles were reviewed, encompassing 24 cases of primary ureteral sarcomatoid carcinoma.Among the patients, 17 were older than 60 years, and when combined with the cases presented in this review, a total of 18 cases involved patients over the age of 60.Of these, 66.7%(12/18)were male, with a median age at diagnosis of 65 years.The reported cases often exhibited no clinical manifestations in the early stages; however, as the disease progressed, common urinary symptoms emerged, including frequency, urgency, pain, or painless hematuria, occurring throughout the ureteral course.The lesions were predominantly located in the left ureter(17 cases), which frequently exhibited dilation with effusion.Pathologic examination revealed the presence of microscopic spindle cells.Surgical treatment was administered to 20 patients, of whom 9 did not experience recurrence or metastasis during the follow-up period, while 7 cases resulted in mortality.Conclusions:Primary ureteral sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the ureter.Its clinical manifestations are generally regarded as non-specific, making pathological examination the gold standard for diagnosis.Immunohistochemical and imaging studies can assist in the diagnostic process.The current preferred treatment modality is surgical resection, while first-line therapies that combine chemotherapy with immunotherapy and targeted therapy have been shown to enhance tumor control.
8.Clinical features and prognosis of patients with severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome in Linyi,Shandong province,from 2023 to 2024
Naichun ZHANG ; Hongguo YANG ; Cheng XU ; Donghui ZHANG ; Ying QIU ; Feng GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(4):480-486
Objective:To analyze the clinical data of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)in Linyi city of Shandong province from 2023 to 2024,analyze the related factors affecting the prognosis,improve the understanding of the disease and reduce its mortality..Methods:The data of 36 SFTS patients diagnosed and admitted to Linyi People's Hospital from May 2023 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the clinical outcomes of the patients,they were divided into a survival group(n=30)and a death group(n=6). The clinical data and laboratory test results of the two groups were analyzed to evaluate the risk factors related to prognosis.Results:The median age in the death group was 68.33 years old,and that in the survival group was 63.96 years old,with no statistically significant difference. All patients had fever,22 had fatigue and poor appetite,and 21 had muscle aches and other systemic symptoms. some were prone to general symptoms such as fatigue,poor appetite,and muscle soreness. All patients in the death group had neurological symptoms such as headache and consciousness disorders. The levels of serum potassium,CRP,PCT,IL-6,ALT,AST,CK,CK-MB,LDH,α-HBDH,APTT,D-D,and viral load in the death group were higher than those in the survival group,with statistically significant differences( t=-3.344, P=0.002; Z=-2.195, P=0.028; Z=-3.648, P=0.000; Z=-3.641, P=0.000; Z=-2.241, P=0.025; Z=-2.288, P=0.022; Z=-2.427, P=0.015; Z=-2.007, P=0.045; Z=-3.127, P=0.002; Z=-2.404, P=0.016; Z=-2.755, P=0.006; Z=-3.081, P=0.002; P<0.05). The platelet count in the death group was lower than that in the survival group,and the difference was statistically significant( Z=-3.292, P=0.001, P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with increased AST,CK,IL-6,APTT,D-dimer and decreased platelet count had an increased risk of death. Fungal infections occurred in 15 cases,including 5 cases of Candida albicans,3 cases of Candida parapsilosis,and 7 cases of Aspergillus. All patients in the death group had fungal infections,all of whom had Aspergillus infections. Conclusion:SFTS patients often have fever,fatigue,and muscle soreness,and critically ill patients are prone to neurological symptoms. Patients with elevated AST,CK,IL-6,APTT,D-D,viral load,and decreased platelet count in the course of the disease often indicate poor prognosis and should be closely monitored. In addition,critically ill patients are prone to fungal infection.
9.Angiotensin(1-7)alleviates apoptosis in β-cells under high-glucose and high-fat conditions by enhancing autophagy
Donghui HU ; Mingjin SUN ; Chunli LU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(1):136-141
AIM:We aimed to evaluate the effect of angiotensin(Ang)(1-7)on autophagy in MIN6 cells un-der high-palmitate(PA)and high-glucose culture conditions.METHODS:MIN6 cells were cultured under various con-ditions:Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium(control,CON),high glucose and high PA concentrations(GLT),Ang(1-7)plus high glucose and high PA concentrations[Ang(1-7)+GLT],A779 inhibitor plus Ang(1-7)plus high glucose and high PA concentrations[A779+Ang(1-7)+GLT],and 3-methyladenine(3-MA)plus Ang(1-7)plus high glucose and high PA concentrations[3-MA+Ang(1-7)+GLT].The expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)was assessed using immunofluorescence,and Western blot was used to measure the expression of the autophagy-related proteins LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ and P62.Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry.RESULTS:GLT cells had fewer cytoplas-mic organelles,more vacuolated cells,an altered autophagosome distribution,higher P62 expression(P<0.05),and greater apoptosis(P<0.05)than CON cells.Ang(1-7)+GLT cells showed greater autophagosome formation,much less cy-toplasmic vacuolization,a higher LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio(P<0.05),lower P62 expression(P<0.05),and less apoptosis(P<0.05)than CON cells.A779 negated the pro-autophagic effects of Ang(1-7)in the MIN6 cells.Furthermore,inhibition of autophagy with 3-MA resulted in significantly greater apoptosis in 3-MA+Ang(1-7)+GLT cells vs Ang(1-7)-treated cells.CONCLUSION:Ang(1-7)activates Mas receptors to promote autophagy in pancreatic β cells cultured under high-glucose and high-fat conditions,thereby mitigating apoptosis and cellular pathology.
10.A qualitative study on barriers to self-management behaviors in postoperative pituitary adenoma patients
Donghui WANG ; Huilin FU ; Yuanyuan PAN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1730-1735
Objective To explore the barriers to postoperative self-management behaviors in patients with pituitary adenoma and provide a theoretical basis for developing nursing intervention strategies.Methods Using a purposive sampling method,16 postoperative pituitary adenoma patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Zhengzhou from July 2024 to January 2025 were selected for semi-structured interviews.The interview data were analyzed and refined through Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method.Results A total of 4 themes and 12 subthemes were extracted,including postoperative physiological dysfunction(sensory dysfunction,difficulty in managing diabetes insipidus,fatigue syndrome),psychosocial adaptation barriers(self-image distress,fear of disease recurrence,restricted information delivery),challenges in maintaining health behaviors(environment-behavior conflicts,insufficient adherence to medication and activity guidelines,inadequate complication management),deficiencies in support systems(non-specific postoperative guidance,poor communication channels,insufficient coordination of medical resources).Conclusion Postoperative self-management behaviors in pituitary adenoma patients are influenced by multidimensional factors,necessitating comprehensive intervention strategies addressing physiological,psychological,behavioral,and systemic support levels.

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