1.Study on the effects of carvacrol on stomach-heat and stomach-cold rats and its mechanism of cooling and clearing based on energy metabolism and gastrointestinal function
Qi ZHANG ; Yi LI ; Hongye LI ; Fengwei ZHANG ; Minghui JIANG ; Xingyu ZHAO ; Linze LI ; Xiaofang WU ; Yinming ZHAO ; Songrui DI ; Jianjun ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Linyuan WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):471-482
Objective:
To investigate the biological effects of carvacrol on rats with stomach-heat and stomach-cold and its regulation on transient receptor potential(TRP) channels in rats with stomach-heat, and to study the cold and heat properties of carvacrol and its possible mechanism.
Methods:
According to the random number method, 100 SD rats were divided into stomach-heat blank group, stomach-heat model group, Coptidis Rhizoma group, stomach-heat low-dose and high-dose carvacrol group, stomach-cold blank group, stomach-cold model group, Baked ginger group, stomach-cold low-dose group and high-dose carvacrol group, 10 rats in each group. The rat model of stomach-heat was established by intragastric administration of pepper aqueous solution (0.80 g/kg) and anhydrous ethanol, and the rat model of stomach-cold was established by intragastric administration of water extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and sodium hydroxide (10.40 g/kg). On the day of modeling, the rats in the Baked ginger group were given Baked ginger decoction (0.78 g/kg), and the rats in the Coptidis Rhizoma group were given Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (0.43 g/kg).The stomach-cold and stomach-heat low-dose group of carvacrol was given carvacrol emulsion (40 mg/kg), high-dose group was given carvacrol emulsion (80 mg/kg).All rats of the blank and model groups were given the equal volume of emulsion prepared by 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 1% Tween 80, 1% polyethylene glycol 400, and 93% normal saline, once a day, for 7 days. The general condition of rats was observed and the body mass was recorded. The pathological morphology of gastric tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The changes of material and energy metabolism, cyclic nucleotide (cAMP), thyroid hormone and gastrointestinal hormone in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential channel M8 (TRPM8) and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) in rats with gastric fever were detected by Western blotting.
Results:
Compared with the stomach-heat blank group, the body mass of rats in the stomach-heat model group decreased at the fifth and seventh day (P<0.05). The contents (or ratio) of hepatic glycogen (HGlyc), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were decreased (P<0.05), and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, cytochrome C oxidase (COX), NADH dehydrogenase (ND), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), cAMP/cyclic guanosine phosphate (cGMP), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and α-amylase (α-AMS) all increased (P<0.05). Compared with the stomach-heat model group, the body mass of rats in the Coptidis Rhizoma group decreased at the third, fifth, and seventh day, the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, TG, VIP and α-AMS were increased, and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, and GAS all decreased (P<0.05). The body mass of rats in the stomach-heat low-dose carvacrol group decreased at the seventh day. The contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, and VIP were increased, Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, and MTL all decreased, the expression of TRPV1 and UCP1 in gastric tissue decreased, while TRPM8 increased (P<0.05) in rats of the stomach-heat low-dose and high-dose carvacrol groups. Compared with the stomach-cold blank group, the body mass of rats in the stomach-cold model group decreased at the third, fifth, and seventh day, the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, TG, α-AMS, and VIP all increased, while Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, GAS, and MTL all decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the stomach-cold model group, the body mass of rats in the Baked ginger group was increased at the seventh day, and the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, VIP, and α-AMS all decreased, while Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, GAS, and MTL all increased (P<0.05). The contents of HGlyc, cAMP, α-AMS, and VIP of rats in the stomach-cold low and high-dose carvacrol group all decreased (P<0.05). TG in the stomach-cold low-dose carvacrol group was increased. TC, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, and cGMP all increased, while cAMP/cGMP decreased (P<0.05) in the high-dose carvacrol group.
Conclusion
In this study, the rat model of stomach-cold and stomach-heat were successfully established by using cold and heat factors. The result showed that carvacrol had a certain inhibitory effect on body mass, material energy metabolism, cyclic nucleotide level, thyroid hormone and gastrointestinal function in rats with stomach-heat, indicating that the drug was cold. Carvacrol′s cold medicinal property could be biologically explained by TRPV1 activation, UCP1 induction, and TRPM8 suppression.
2.Advances in the Application of 7T Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Neurological Diseases
Fengwei YU ; Pinzhen CHEN ; Zilong LI ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):519-524,536
With the advancement of medical imaging technology,MRI has become an essential tool for the diagnosis and research of neurological disorders.7T MRI,due to its high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio,demonstrates significant advantages in the diagnosis and research of neurological diseases.This article reviews the applications of 7T MRI in neurological research,including its use in neurodegenerative diseases,neuropsychiatric disorders and brain tumors.Furthermore,we discuss the future prospects and potential developments of 7T MRI in neuroimaging.
3.Imaging of Peripheral Nerves Around the Knee:A Comparative Study Between 3T and 7T MRI Using Double Echo Steady-State Sequences
Zilong LI ; Fengwei YU ; Pinzhen CHEN ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):467-473
Purpose To compare the effectiveness of double-echo steady state(DESS)sequences at 7T and 3T MRI in peripheral nerves and nerve fascicles around the knee joint.Materials and Methods Fourteen healthy volunteers in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from July 2022 to March 2025 were selected for 3T and 7T MRI scans,which included three-dimensional dual-echo steady state(3D-DESS)and dual-echo steady state with higher in-plane spatial resolution(DESSHR).Image and tissue signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were measured.Qualitative metrics were assessed using a five-point Likert scale,and consistency of qualitative measurements was evaluated.Results The SNR of the peroneal nerve using the 3D-DESS sequence on 3T MRI was significantly lower than that on 7T MRI(t=2.913,P=0.011),while there were no statistically significant differences in SNR between other sequences(t=-0.564,-0.843,1.424,all P>0.05).The CNR of the peroneal nerve/fat using the 3D-DESS sequence on 7T MRI(t=2.490,P=0.027)and the DESSHR sequence(t=3.354,7.467,both P<0.01)was significantly higher than that of 3T MRI.However,the CNR of the tibial nerve/fat using the 3D-DESS sequence(t=-4.162,P=0.001)and the CNR of the tibial nerve/muscle using the DESSHR sequence(t=-4.358,P=0.001)were significantly lower on 7T MRI than those on 3T MRI.The image quality of both the DESSHR and 3D-DESS sequences on 7T MRI was significantly superior than those of on 3T MRI(mean differences:0.139,1.000;χ2=4.765,70.000,P<0.029,P<0.001),with clearer imaging of nerves around the knee(mean differences:0.717-2.071;χ2=66.000,62.000,68.000,23.684,60.000,58.000,61.000,58.000,all P<0.001);the DESSHR sequence on 3T MRI had fewer artifacts than that on 7T MRI(mean difference:-0.785;χ2=47.078,P<0.001).The qualitative measurement results were consistently evaluated by five assessors with good agreement(Kappa=0.67-0.85,P<0.001).Conclusion Compared with 3T MRI,the DESS sequence based on 7T can better visualize the common peroneal nerve,tibial nerve,saphenous nerve and their nerve bundles.
4.Chinese expert consensus on postoperative follow-up for non-small cell lung cancer (version 2025)
Lunxu LIU ; Shugeng GAO ; Jianxing HE ; Jian HU ; Di GE ; Hecheng LI ; Mingqiang KANG ; Fengwei TAN ; Fan YANG ; Qiang PU ; Kaican CAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):281-290
Surgical treatment is one of the key approaches for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Regular postoperative follow-up is crucial for early detection and timely management of tumor recurrence, metastasis, or second primary tumors. A scientifically sound and reasonable follow-up strategy not only extends patient survival but also significantly improves quality of life, thereby enhancing overall prognosis. This consensus aims to build upon the previous version by incorporating the latest clinical research advancements and refining postoperative follow-up protocols for early-stage NSCLC patients based on different treatment modalities. It provides a scientific and practical reference for clinicians involved in the postoperative follow-up management of NSCLC. By optimizing follow-up strategies, this consensus seeks to promote the standardization and normalization of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment in China, helping more patients receive high-quality care and long-term management. Additionally, the release of this consensus is expected to provide insights for related research and clinical practice both domestically and internationally, driving continuous development and innovation in the field of postoperative management for NSCLC.
5.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
6.Real-world long-term outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Bolun ZHOU ; Lin LI ; Fan ZHANG ; Qilin HUAI ; Liang ZHAO ; Fengwei TAN ; Qi XUE ; Wei GUO ; Shugeng GAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2963-2973
BACKGROUND:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been included in various neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) regimens for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, due to the relatively short period for the use of ICIs in NAT, patients' clinical outcomes with different regimens are uncertain. Our study aims to examine the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NAIT) for NSCLC patients and compare the overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) of patients receiving different NAT regimens.
METHODS:
This study retrospectively included 308 NSCLC patients treated with different NAT regimens and subsequent surgery in National Cancer Center between August 1, 2016 and July 31, 2022. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were conducted to evaluate the prognosis of patients.
RESULTS:
With a median follow-up of 27.5 months, the 1-year OS rates were 98.8% and 96.2%, and the 2-year OS rates were 96.6% and 85.8% in patients of the NAIT and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) group, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.339; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.160-0.720; P = 0.003). The 1-year EFS rates were 96.0% and 88.0%, and the 2-year EFS rates were 92.0% and 77.7% for patients in the NAIT and NACT groups, respectively (HR, 0.438; 95% CI, 0.276-0.846; P = 0.010). For patients who did not achieve pathological complete response (pCR), significantly longer OS ( P = 0.012) and EFS ( P = 0.019) were observed in patients receiving NAIT than those receiving NACT. Different NAT regimens had little effect on surgery and the postoperative length of stay (6 [4, 7] days vs . 6 [4, 7] days, Z = -0.227, P = 0.820).
CONCLUSIONS
NAIT exhibited superior efficacy to NACT for NSCLC, resulting in longer OS and EFS. The OS and EFS benefits were also observed among patients in the NAIT group who did not achieve pCR.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/mortality*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Lung Neoplasms/mortality*
;
Middle Aged
;
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
;
Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Kaplan-Meier Estimate
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Immunotherapy/methods*
7.Three fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy techniques in treatment of intracranial oligometastases:a dosimetric study
Fengwei RAN ; Jiwei LI ; Kang ZHANG ; Xiang ZHAO ; Zhe WANG ; Jianjun LI ; Peng WANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(7):913-919
Objective:To compare the dosimetric characteristics of three fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy techniques,i.e.,tomo-therapy(TOMO),volumetric-modulated arc therapy(VMAT),and CyberKnife(CK),in the treatment of intracranial oligometastases,and to assess their dose distribution,treatment efficiency,and difference in dose delivered to organs at risk(OARs).Methods:A retro-spective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 54 patients with intracranial oligometastases who underwent fractionated stereo-tactic radiotherapy in The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in 2021-2023.Varian Eclipse 16.1 Physician Worksta-tion was used to perform tumor target volume delineation,and MANTEIA AccContour 3.2 software was used to perform the delineation of OARs,such as brainstem,spinal cord,and optical nerves.The delineated structures and images were transmitted to TOMO,CK,and Eclipse treatment planning systems to design three different radiotherapy treatment plans.Related key parameters were analyzed using the dose-volume histogram to evaluate the dosimetric characteristics of these three radiotherapy techniques,including conformity index(CI)of the target,dose homogeneity index(HI),beam-on time,the number of monitor units(MU),and the exposure dose of OARs.Results:All three treatment plans(TOMO,VMAT,and CK)met the requirements for prescribed dose.TOMO had a slightly better CI than VMAT and CK(1.05 vs.1.09 and 1.17,P<0.001).VMAT had a better HI than CK and TOMO(1.15 vs.1.28 and 1.46,P<0.001).In terms of execution efficiency,VMAT had a significantly shorter beam-on time than TOMO and CK(5 minutes,1 633 MU vs.10 minutes,8 932 MU and 39 minutes,5 191 MU,P<0.001).In terms of the exposure dose of OARs,CK provided the best protection for the lens,with a maximum dose of 15 cGy for the right lens and 17 cGy for the left lens,and TOMO had an advantage in dose control for the right cochlea,with a mean dose of 88 cGy,while VMAT had the best performance in limiting the dose for the spinal cord,with a maximum dose of 31 cGy(P<0.05).Conclusion:This study shows that TOMO,VMAT,and CK all meet the requirements for the prescribed dose and can effectively protect OARs in the treatment of in-tracranial oligometastases.In clinical practice,the most appropriate technique should be selected based on the features of lesions and treatment goals to achieve individualized treatment.
8.Advances in the Application of 7T Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Neurological Diseases
Fengwei YU ; Pinzhen CHEN ; Zilong LI ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):519-524,536
With the advancement of medical imaging technology,MRI has become an essential tool for the diagnosis and research of neurological disorders.7T MRI,due to its high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio,demonstrates significant advantages in the diagnosis and research of neurological diseases.This article reviews the applications of 7T MRI in neurological research,including its use in neurodegenerative diseases,neuropsychiatric disorders and brain tumors.Furthermore,we discuss the future prospects and potential developments of 7T MRI in neuroimaging.
9.Imaging of Peripheral Nerves Around the Knee:A Comparative Study Between 3T and 7T MRI Using Double Echo Steady-State Sequences
Zilong LI ; Fengwei YU ; Pinzhen CHEN ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):467-473
Purpose To compare the effectiveness of double-echo steady state(DESS)sequences at 7T and 3T MRI in peripheral nerves and nerve fascicles around the knee joint.Materials and Methods Fourteen healthy volunteers in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from July 2022 to March 2025 were selected for 3T and 7T MRI scans,which included three-dimensional dual-echo steady state(3D-DESS)and dual-echo steady state with higher in-plane spatial resolution(DESSHR).Image and tissue signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were measured.Qualitative metrics were assessed using a five-point Likert scale,and consistency of qualitative measurements was evaluated.Results The SNR of the peroneal nerve using the 3D-DESS sequence on 3T MRI was significantly lower than that on 7T MRI(t=2.913,P=0.011),while there were no statistically significant differences in SNR between other sequences(t=-0.564,-0.843,1.424,all P>0.05).The CNR of the peroneal nerve/fat using the 3D-DESS sequence on 7T MRI(t=2.490,P=0.027)and the DESSHR sequence(t=3.354,7.467,both P<0.01)was significantly higher than that of 3T MRI.However,the CNR of the tibial nerve/fat using the 3D-DESS sequence(t=-4.162,P=0.001)and the CNR of the tibial nerve/muscle using the DESSHR sequence(t=-4.358,P=0.001)were significantly lower on 7T MRI than those on 3T MRI.The image quality of both the DESSHR and 3D-DESS sequences on 7T MRI was significantly superior than those of on 3T MRI(mean differences:0.139,1.000;χ2=4.765,70.000,P<0.029,P<0.001),with clearer imaging of nerves around the knee(mean differences:0.717-2.071;χ2=66.000,62.000,68.000,23.684,60.000,58.000,61.000,58.000,all P<0.001);the DESSHR sequence on 3T MRI had fewer artifacts than that on 7T MRI(mean difference:-0.785;χ2=47.078,P<0.001).The qualitative measurement results were consistently evaluated by five assessors with good agreement(Kappa=0.67-0.85,P<0.001).Conclusion Compared with 3T MRI,the DESS sequence based on 7T can better visualize the common peroneal nerve,tibial nerve,saphenous nerve and their nerve bundles.
10.Chronic Starvation Stress Promotes Migration Ability of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Inducing ITGB1 Upregulation
Siyu LI ; Jinghua CAO ; Fengwei WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2024;51(4):240-248
Objective To investigate the effects of chronic starvation stress on the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Methods By using prolonged serum starvation to simulate chronic starvation stress in tumor cells, we established enduring serum-deprived models of SW480 and DLD-1 cells and observed cellular morphological change. Effects of prolonged serum starvation on SW480 and DLD-1 proliferative and migratory capabilities were assessed using CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Differential gene-expression analysis on SW480 cultured with 1% FBS or 10% FBS medium was followed by GO and KEGG pathway assessments. Migration-related protein interactions were explored using String database and Metascape software, leading to 16 genes being selected for RT-qPCR validation. Protein levels of ITGB1 and key molecules in the relevant pathways were measured. Mobility changes in SW480 were observed through Transwell assay after ITGB1 knockdown or STAT3 inhibition. Results Prolonged serum starvation significantly inhibited the proliferation of SW480 and DLD-1 cells, and DLD-1 mobility, while enhanced SW480 migration. Transcriptome analysis revealed that prolonged serum deprivation caused the upregulation of 3016 genes, among which 283 were involved in cell migration. Metascape analysis identified the correlations among potential core genes


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