1.Mechanism of action of estrogen deficiency in autoimmune hepatitis via the intestinal barrier
Mingzhu SONG ; Ling LI ; Jinxia ZHU ; Shu ZHANG ; Guangwei LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):438-444
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated chronic liver inflammatory disease with unknown pathogenesis, and intestinal barrier dysfunction is considered an important factor. Meanwhile, there are sex and age differences in the incidence rate of AIH, suggesting that hormone may be involved in regulation. On this basis, this article focuses on the association between estrogen, intestinal barrier, and immune homeostasis, systematically reviews the evidence that estrogen deficiency disrupts intestinal barrier homeostasis, and further summarizes the potential mechanism of estrogen in regulating the development and progression of AIH via intestinal barrier.
2.Comparison of Therapeutic Effect of Different Preparation Processes of Baihe Dihuangtang on Depressed Mice Based on Q-Marker
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Jiahui PENG ; Dan LI ; Shengjun MA ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):159-167
ObjectiveBased on modern analytical techniques and a depressed mouse model established by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), to evaluate the quality marker(Q-Marker) and pharmacodynamic difference of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by different processes. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish the characteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang, and determine the content of Q-Marker in the samples prepared by ancient and modern processes. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(3 mg·kg-1), low and high dose groups of ancient process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), and low and high dose groups of modern process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, CUMS was used to induce depression in mice from the other groups for 28 d. After successful modeling, administration groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage every day, and the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Change in body mass of mice was recorded, tail suspension test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. ResultsCharacteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes were established, the similarity between the two was 0.951, and 8 characteristic peaks were recognized with the reference peak of regaloside A. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the Q-Marker content was similar in Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by ancient and modern processes. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test, reduced total movement distance in the open field test, and elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the behavioral indicators of mice in the Baihe Dihuangtang treatment group were significantly improved in terms of tail suspension time and open field exercise, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes both had antidepressant effects, and the difference between the two was not statistically significant in improving depressive symptoms. ConclusionQ-Marker of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by modern and ancient methods are equivalent in content, and the pharmacological effects are consistent, indicating that dried Lilii Bulbus can replace fresh products in the preparation of Baihe Dihuangtang. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs of Baihe Dihuangtang and a reference for its rational application and clinical use.
3.Comparison of Therapeutic Effect of Different Preparation Processes of Baihe Dihuangtang on Depressed Mice Based on Q-Marker
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Jiahui PENG ; Dan LI ; Shengjun MA ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):159-167
ObjectiveBased on modern analytical techniques and a depressed mouse model established by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), to evaluate the quality marker(Q-Marker) and pharmacodynamic difference of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by different processes. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish the characteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang, and determine the content of Q-Marker in the samples prepared by ancient and modern processes. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(3 mg·kg-1), low and high dose groups of ancient process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), and low and high dose groups of modern process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, CUMS was used to induce depression in mice from the other groups for 28 d. After successful modeling, administration groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage every day, and the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Change in body mass of mice was recorded, tail suspension test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. ResultsCharacteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes were established, the similarity between the two was 0.951, and 8 characteristic peaks were recognized with the reference peak of regaloside A. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the Q-Marker content was similar in Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by ancient and modern processes. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test, reduced total movement distance in the open field test, and elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the behavioral indicators of mice in the Baihe Dihuangtang treatment group were significantly improved in terms of tail suspension time and open field exercise, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes both had antidepressant effects, and the difference between the two was not statistically significant in improving depressive symptoms. ConclusionQ-Marker of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by modern and ancient methods are equivalent in content, and the pharmacological effects are consistent, indicating that dried Lilii Bulbus can replace fresh products in the preparation of Baihe Dihuangtang. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs of Baihe Dihuangtang and a reference for its rational application and clinical use.
4.Modulating active targeting nanoparticle design according to tumor progressions.
Huifang NIE ; Rong HUANG ; Guangwei JIANG ; Wenshuai LI ; Lan YANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Min QIAN ; Wei GUO ; Tao YE ; Rongqin HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1143-1158
Targeting drug delivery systems mediated by nanoparticles has shown great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, influences of different tumor progressions on the accumulation of nanoparticles, especially the ligand-modified active targeting nanoparticles are seldom exploited. In this work, the accumulation and penetration of RGD-modified gold nanoparticles (active AuNPs) with different sizes were investigated in orthotopic breast cancer with different tumor progressions. The results showed that the smallest active AuNPs had better accumulation and permeation effects in early tumor tissues with the relatively looser extracellular matrix, larger gaps, lower interstitial fluid pressure, and less receptor expression, which was due to size effects. However, the larger active AuNPs had better accumulation and penetration effects in late tumor tissues with highly expressed target receptors integrin α v β 3 because of the multivalent interactions between larger active nanoparticles and integrin α v β 3. In the midterm, tumor accumulation of active AuNPs was equally influenced by size effects and multivalent interactions. Therefore, RGD-modified nanoparticles with sizes of 7 and 90 nm accumulated more in tumors. This study will guide a rational design of active targeting nanoparticles for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of tumors based on their progressions.
5.CDH17-targeting CAR-NK cells synergize with CD47 blockade for potent suppression of gastrointestinal cancers.
Liuhai ZHENG ; Youbing DING ; Xiaolong XU ; Huifang WANG ; Guangwei SHI ; Yang LI ; Yuanqiao HE ; Yue GONG ; Xiaodong ZHANG ; Jinxi WEI ; Zhiyu DONG ; Jiexuan LI ; Shanchao ZHAO ; Rui HOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Jigang WANG ; Zhijie LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2559-2574
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, cancer relapse remains a significant challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we engineered nanobody-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells targeting cadherin 17 (CDH17) for the treatment of GI tumors. In addition, to enhance the efficacy of CAR-NK cells, we also incorporated CV1, a CD47-SIRPα axis inhibitor, to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of this combination. We found that CDH17-CAR-NK cells effectively eliminated GI cancers cells in a CDH17-dependent manner. CDH17-CAR-NK cells also exhibit potent in vivo anti-tumor effects in cancer cell-derived xenograft and patient-derived xenograft mouse models. Additionally, the anti-tumor activity of CDH17-CAR-NK cells is synergistically enhanced by CD47-signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) axis inhibitor CV1, likely through augmented macrophages activation and an increase in M1-phenotype macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Collectively, our findings suggest that CDH17-targeting CAR-NK cells are a promising strategy for GI cancers. The combination of CDH17-CAR-NK cells with CV1 emerges as a potential combinatorial approach to overcome the limitations of CAR-NK therapy. Further investigations are warranted to speed up the clinical translation of these findings.
6.The impact of iron overload and ferroptosis on the development and progression of autoimmune hepatitis and their mechanism of action
Bolin WANG ; Ling LI ; Jinxia ZHU ; Jiawen ZHANG ; Zhigao LUO ; Guangwei LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2384-2389
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory disease caused by immune dysfunction, and its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that iron homeostasis imbalance and ferroptosis are closely associated with the pathogenesis and progression of AIH. This article reviews the pathological mechanism and impact of iron overload and ferroptosis in AIH, in order to provide new insights and theoretical bases for research on the mechanism and clinical treatment of AIH.
7.Research Progress and Quality Marker Prediction of Famous Classical Formula Baihe Dihuangtang
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Dan LI ; Bo SUN ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Shengjun MA ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(18):235-242
Baihe Dihuangtang is a famous classical formula that has been respected by physicians in the past and is still used today. It was first recorded in ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, and is composed of Lilii Bulbus and Rehmanniae Radix juice. This paper systematically reviewed the research progress of historical evolution, pharmacological activities and clinical applications of Baihe Dihuangtang in recent years, and found that there was no major changes in the composition, decoction method and indications of this formula since the Han dynasty. According to the herbal textual research, the fleshy scaly leaves of Lilium brownii var. viridulum should be selected for Lilii Bulbus in this formula, and the tuberous roots of Rehmannia glutinosa were selected for Rehmanniae Radix. According to the dosage conversion of ancient and modern times, the dosage is 245 g of fresh Lilii Bulbus and 400 g of fresh Rehmanniae Radix, and the ratio of their juice is 1∶1. Its efficacy is to nourish Yin and clear heat, and to tonify the heart and lungs, which is used to treat the heart and lung Yin deficiency syndrome of lily disease. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the research on the pharmacological effects of Baihe Dihuangtang mainly focuses on anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, improving insomnia and regulating metabolism, and it is mostly used clinically for neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. The quality marker(Q-Marker) of Baihe Dihuangtang were predicted according to the principles of ingredient specificity, component validity, component measurability, formula compatibility, and quality transmissibility and traceability, and it was determined that catalpol, rhmannioside D, regaloside A, regaloside B, regaloside C, and acteoside could be selected as potential Q-Markers of Baihe Dihuangtang, which could provide scientific reference for the establishment of the quality control system and the development of compound preparation of this famous classical formula.
8.Clinical efficacy of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement in cardiac implantable electronic lead-related tricuspid regurgitation: A multi-center retrospective cohort study
Jingyi CAO ; Xiaoping NING ; Ning LI ; Fan QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Bailing LI ; Guangwei ZHOU ; Lin HAN ; Zhiyun XU ; Fanglin LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(06):818-825
Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) in cardiac implantable electronic lead-related tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Methods The patients with severe TR who underwent LuX-Valve TTVR in 9 Chinese medical centers from June 2020 to August 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. They were divided into a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) group and a non-CIED group based on whether they had pre-existing CIED implantation. Success of the procedure was defined as safe implantation of the LuX-Valve and complete withdrawal of the delivery system. Prognostic improvement was defined as a decrease of TR grade to≤2+ and an improvement of cardiac function by≥2 grades. Surgical success and postoperative prognosis were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 190 patients were collected, including 50 males and 140 females with a mean age of 66.2±7.8 years. There were 29 patients in the CIED group, and 161 patients in the non-CIED group. In the CIED group, 28 patients were implanted with a permanent pacemaker and 1 patient with a cardioverter-defibrillator. Preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function class, TR degree, left ventricular ejection fraction, tricuspid annular plane systolic excusion, and cardiac risk scores were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). Postoperative TR was reduced to≤2+ in all patients, and there was no statistical difference in the incidence of perivalvular leakage between the two groups (P=0.270). Postoperative CT of CIED patients showed the valve was in place, and the lead was not extruded, twisted, or deflected. The in-hospital mortality of the two groups were 10.3% and 1.9%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.047). In addition, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative improvement of cardiac function and mortality in the 1- and 2-year follow-up. Conclusion TTVR is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with CIED implantation, and the pre-existing lead has no significant effect on the clinical efficacy.
9.Incidence rate of low-level viremia and related influencing factors in treatment-experienced chronic hepatitis B patients:A Meta-analysis
Lu XIE ; Yanan LIU ; Guangwei LIU ; Pengyu LI ; Xinning HU ; Qiujia KANG ; Huijun GUO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(7):1334-1342
Objective To systematically evaluate the incidence rate of low-level viremia(LLV)in chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients and related influencing factors,and to provide evidence-based medicine evidence for effective intervention and prevention of LLV in clinical practice.Methods This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline,with a PROSPERO registration number of CRD42023455304.CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane library were searched for observational studies on LLV and related influencing factors in CHB patients published up to July 21,2023.Stata 16.0 software was used to perform the meta-analysis.Results A total of 12 articles were included,with a total sample size of 3408 cases,among whom there were 1181 patients with LLV.The meta-analysis showed that the incidence rate of LLV was 32.8%(95%confidence interval[CI]:27.6%—38.3%)in treatment-experienced CHB patients.High HBsAg quantification(odds ratio[OR]=2.107,95%CI:1.782—2.491,P<0.001),positive HBeAg(OR=3.258,95%CI:2.629—4.038,P<0.001),high HBV DNA level at baseline(OR=1.286,95%CI:1.157—1.430,P<0.001),and history of entecavir treatment(OR=3.089,95%CI:1.880—5.074,P<0.001)were risk factors for LLV;duration of antiviral therapy≥3 years(OR=0.175,95%CI:0.093—0.331,P<0.001)and high alanine aminotransferase level at baseline(OR=0.985,95%CI:0.978—0.992,P<0.001)were protective factors against LLV.The sensitivity analysis showed no significant change in effective value,suggesting that the results of the meta-analysis were relatively stable.The funnel plot of the studies included was basically symmetrical,and the results of the Egger's test and the Begg's test suggested that there was no obvious publication bias in the articles included.Conclusion Clinicians should guide decision making based on the influencing factors for LLV and related clinical evidence,so as to reduce long-term clinical risks and avoid adverse outcomes.
10.Nomenclature of diseases: From the perspective of cardiovascular-renal-metabolic syndrome
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(11):927-929
The introduction of " Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic" syndrome highlights the importance of prioritizing the prevention and treatment of cardio-renal-vascular complications early in diabetes diagnosis. However, it raises the question of whether reclassifying diseases with defined cause and established treatment into a broad 'syndrome’ with an unclear cause improves disease nomenclature. It would be prudent for the relevant authorities to provide clarification on the terminology used.

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