1.Effects of prostaglandin E2 injection into the median preoptic nucleus on body temperature in female mice and its mechanisms
Ya LI ; Yi’an SONG ; Qiaofeng JI ; Lei XU ; Jie ZHANG ; Jianhui XU ; Xiaoyu HOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):250-257
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) microinjection into the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) on core body temperature in female mice, and to clarify its underlying mechanism. MethodsMicroinjection cannula were implanted into the MnPO of female mice using stereotaxic surgery.Subsequently, a multi-channel temperature acquisition system was used to simultaneously monitor rectal and brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperatures before and after intra-MnPO injections of different reagents.To investigate the thermoregulatory effects of the microinjection of PGE2 into the MnPO, 12 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a saline group (n=6) and a PGE2 group (n=6), which were injected with 0.1 μL saline and PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L), respectively.To determine whether E-series prostaglandin receptor (EP)1, EP3, and EP4 receptors mediate the thermoregulatory effects of PGE2, 15 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=5 per group).Mice in each group first received an injection of 0.1 μL PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L) into the MnPO. After their body temperature returned to baseline levels, they were subsequently injected with a mixture of either EP1, EP3 or EP4 antagonist (ant) (20 mmol/L) + PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L). ResultsCompared with baseline level, the rectal temperature (P<0.01) and BAT temperature (P<0.001) of female mice both increased significantly after microinjection of PGE2 into the MnPO.Compared with the saline group, the increases in rectal temperature (P<0.001) and BAT temperature (P<0.000 1) were significantly greater in the PGE2 group of mice.Furthermore, following the injection of PGE2 into MnPO, the increase in BAT temperature was found to be significantly greater than that in rectal temperature in mice (P<0.001).Compared to the administration of PGE2 alone, co-injection of an EP3 ant + PGE2 into the MnPO of mice resulted in a significantly smaller increase in both rectal temperature (P<0.001) and BAT temperature (P<0.001).In contrast, the increases in rectal and BAT temperatures following MnPO injection of either EP1 ant + PGE2 or EP4 ant + PGE2 were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionInjection of PGE2 into the MnPO elevates BAT and core body temperature in female mice via the EP3 receptor.
2.Association Between MTHFR C677T Gene Polymorphism and Hypertension, Hyperhomocysteinemia and Hyperlipidemia in Tibet Region
Pengchang LI ; Danni MU ; Zhijuan LIU ; Xiaoxing LIU ; Puchi ZEJI ; Liping TIAN ; Honglei LI ; Li'an HOU ; Dandan LI ; Jie WU ; Ling QIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):280-285
To explore the correlation between MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia(Hcy), and hyperlipidemia in the Tibetan population of Tibet. Using a cluster sampling method, participants from high-altitude regions including Ngari Prefecture, Lhasa City, and Nyingchi City in Tibet were enrolled. Differences in MTHFR C677T genotype distribution among individuals with hypertension, HHcy, and hyperlipidemia were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between these conditions and the TT genotype. A total of 574 eligible subjects were included, with a mean age of 40.64±12.67 years. Males accounted for 46.7%(268/574) and females 53.3%(306/574). Regional distribution was 34.8%(200/574) from Nyingchi City, 33.1%(190/574) from Lhasa City, and 32.1%(184/574) from Ngari Prefecture. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 117.89±18.98 mm Hg and 79.74±14.88 mm Hg, respectively. The frequency of the TT genotype was significantly higher in the hypertension group than in the non-hypertension group(12.32% The MTHFR C677T TT genotype is significantly associated with hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia in the Tibetan population, suggesting that this polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor for these diseases in high-altitude regions.
3.Exploration in Relationship Between Mitochondrial Homeostasis Dysregulation and Panvascular Diseases Based on Theory of ''Positive Deficiency Phlegm Stasis''
Hongping LI ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Lanchun LIU ; Chengzhi HOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):30-38
Panvascular diseases represent systemic vascular disorders characterized by atherosclerosis as their core pathological feature. Their incidence rates continue to rise, posing significant challenges for clinical management. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory of ''positive deficiency phlegm stasis'', this study delved into the pivotal role of mitochondrial homeostasis dysregulation in the pathogenesis and progression of pan-vascular diseases, along with its intrinsic connection to TCM pathogenesis. Mitochondrial homeostasis dysregulation pervades the entire course of these diseases, with mitochondrial oxidative stress serving as the initiating factor. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger endothelial dysfunction, lipid accumulation, and inflammatory initiation. Additionally, the imbalance between mitochondrial autophagy and apoptosis constitutes a pivotal link in disease progression. Excessive or insufficient autophagy may lead to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and excessive cellular apoptosis, thereby promoting plaque instability. Furthermore, mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming impairs energy supply and function in vascular wall cells, hindering subsequent vascular repair. These pathological processes constitute the microscopic manifestation of the core pathogenesis, which is characterized by ''the intermingle of phlegm and stasis and the deficiency of healthy Qi''. Specifically, the endogenous phlegm-turbidity drives mitochondrial oxidative stress injuries, the mutual entanglement of phlegm and stasis induces an imbalance between mitochondrial autophagy and apoptosis, while deficiency of healthy Qi propels mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders and reprogramming. In view of this, this study proposed to employ phlegm-resolving and turbidity-clearing methods to mitigate mitochondrial oxidative stress injuries, phlegm-resolving and blood-activating methods to regulate mitochondrial autophagy and apoptosis, and spleen-tonifying and kidney-nourishing methods to modulate mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming. This approach can prevent and treat panvascular diseases by multi-target regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, providing a theoretical framework and therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of panvascular diseases through integrated Chinese and Western medicine.
4.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
5.Evaluation of the effect of clinical pharmacists participating in the treatment of chronic heart failure based on the clinical pharmacy pathway
Guanhua HOU ; Baozhen WANG ; Yuchen TANG ; Jie CHENG ; Yuan DONG ; Zhiqiang DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):800-805
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of clinical pharmacists participating in the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) based on the clinical pharmacy pathway (CPP). METHODS Totally 226 CHF patients recruited from August 24th, 2024 to March 14th, 2025, were divided into an observation group and a control group based on the random number table method, with 113 cases in each group. All patients were treated with conventional therapy. The observation group was additionally given CPP management (including pharmaceutical care during hospitalization, the formulation of individualized discharge medication regimens, and pharmaceutical follow-up after discharge). The cardiac function parameters at admission, at discharge, at 3 and 6 months after discharge, drug use at 6 months after discharge, economic indicators, as well as the readmission rate and mortality rate at 6 months after discharge were compared between the two groups. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 Items (MMAS-8), Somatic Self-rating Scale (SSS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores were compared at admission, at discharge and at 3 and 6 months after discharge. RESULTS Six months after discharge, 24 patients dropped out. Eventually, 104 patients in the observation group and 98 patients in the control group completed the study. Compared with at admission, New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac functional classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and N -terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) of both groups of patients at discharge as well as at 3 and 6 months after discharge were significantly improved; moreover, the improvements at 3 and 6 months after discharge were significantly better than those at discharge. Meanwhile, the above indexes (except for NYHA cardiac functional classification at discharge, NT-proBNP and NYHA cardiac functional classification at 3 months after discharge) of the observation group at discharge, at 3 and 6 months after discharge were significantly better than the control group ( P <0.05). The utilization rates of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker (ARB)/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), the proportion of β-blockers reaching the target dose, the utilization rate of sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), and the proportion of SGLT2i reaching the target dose in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group ( P <0.05), and the proportion of drugs and readmission rate were significantly lower than the control group ( P <0.05). Compared with at admission, MMAS-8 scores of the patients in the observation group at discharge, at 3 and 6 months after discharge were significantly increased, while SSS and PHQ-9 scores were significantly lowered ( P <0.05). And all the above scores gradually decreas ed with the extension of discharge time ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Clinical pharmacists can utilize CPP to significantly improve patients’ cardiac function, medication adherence, somatic symptoms and depression. Additionally, they can significantly improve the utilization rates of ACEI/ARB/ARNI and SGLT2i, as well as the proportion of target doses of β-blockers and SGLT2i, while simultaneously reducing readmission rates.
6.Correlation between NOX gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss
Lei SHAN ; Ning ZHAO ; Jie LIU ; Xinyue HOU ; Xiaoqin LI ; Hai SU
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):58-64
Objective To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase (NOX) 2 and NOX4 genes and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Methods A total of 439 noise-exposed workers were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Based on pure-tone air conduction hearing threshold tests, participants were categorized into normal hearing, mild hearing loss, and moderate hearing loss groups, with 147, 154, 138 individuals, respectively. Peripheral venous blood samples of the workers were collected for DNA extraction. Genotyping of nine SNPs loci in NOX2 and NOX4 genes was performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction, single-base extension, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Results A total of seven of the nine SNPs loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium among the workers in the normal hearing group (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the genotype distribution or allele frequencies for these seven SNPs loci among workers in these three groups (all P>0.05). Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for confounders including age, sex, cumulative noise exposure, smoking, alcohol consumption, and earplug use, individuals carrying the GG genotype at rs200522762 had a lower risk of NIHL compared with those carrying the TT genotype under the codominant model (P<0.05). In the recessive model, individuals carrying the GG genotype at the rs200522762 locus had a lower risk than those carrying the GT+TT genotypes (P<0.05). Polymorphisms at the other six SNPs loci were not associated with NIHL risk (all P>0.05). Conclusion The NOX4 rs200522762 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to NIHL.
7.Prognostic value and immunomodulatory role of DNAJC5B in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Junxi HU ; Qingwen LIU ; Jiaqi HOU ; Jie YOU ; Shuyu TIAN ; Hao KONG ; Xiaolin WANG ; Yusheng SHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1634-1639
Objective To explore the role of DNAJC5B in immunotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods Using the ESCC dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, genes correlated with DNAJC5B expression were identified through Pearson correlation analysis. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed. Additionally, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were utilized to analyze the expression of DNAJC5B in different T-cell subsets. The prognostic value of DNAJC5B was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, receiver operating characteristic curves, and Cox proportional hazards models. Results DNAJC5B was highly expressed in patients with advanced-stage ESCC, particularly in males. GO and KEGG analyses revealed a significant correlation between DNAJC5B expression and immune-related processes, such as the adaptive immune response and cell surface receptor signaling pathways. Single-cell analysis results indicated that DNAJC5B expression was positively correlated with immune function, with DNAJC5B predominantly accumulating in CD8+ T cells. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the median survival time for patients with high DNAJC5B expression was 681 days, significantly shorter than the 1 361 days for patients with low expression (P<0.05). Furthermore, univariate and multivariate independent prognostic analyses demonstrated that DNAJC5B was an independent risk factor, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 3.577 and 4.114, respectively (both P<0.05). Conclusion DNAJC5B may play a crucial immunomodulatory role in ESCC, particularly in regulating CD8+ T-cell function and tumor immune escape. These findings support the potential of DNAJC5B as a biomarker for the treatment and prognostic assessment of ESCC.
8.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
9.Effect of prostaglandin E2 on discharge activity of warm-sensitive neurons in median preoptic nucleus of hypothalamus in female mice and its mechanism
Xiaoyu HOU ; Ya LI ; Yian SONG ; Tianhui HE ; Jie ZHANG ; Jianhui XU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(1):17-25
Objective:To discuss the effect of prostaglandin E2(PGE2),a pyrogenic mediator,on the discharge activity of warm-sensitive neurons(WSNs)in median preoptic nucleus(MnPO)of hypothalamus in the female mice,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:Coronal brain slices of MnPO were prepared from the female mice.The slices were then perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid(ACSF)containing synaptic transmission blockers(STBs).The discharge frequency was monitored using the patch clamp technique while changing the temperature of the perfusate to identify the WSNs.A total of 32 MnPO WSNs were divided into base line group(n=32)and PEG2(n=32).The patch clamp technique was employed to monitor the discharge frequencies of MnPO WSNs following the perfusion of ACSF and 1 μmol·L-1 PGE2,respectively.The MnPO WSNs with good activity and significant change in discharge frequency after PGE2 perfusion were divided into PGE2 receptor E-series prostaglandin receptrol(EP)1 antagonist(EP1 ant)+PGE2 group(n=7),EP3 ant+PGE2 group(n=7),and EP4 ant+PGE2 group(n=7).The patch clamp technique was used to monitor the discharge frequencies of MnPO WSNs following the perfusion of 3 μmol·L-1 EP1 ant and 1 μmol·L-1 PGE2 mixture,10 μmol·L-1 EP3 ant and 1 μmol·L-1 PGE2mixture,and 10 μmol·L-1 EP4 ant and 1 μmol·L-1 PGE2 mixture,respectively.Resluts:After perfuson of the ACSF containing STBs,a total of 188 MnPO neurons from the female mice with an intrinsic temperature sensitivity coefficient(m value)were identified;out of these,32 neurons had an m value of ≥0.8 and were identified as MnPO WSNs,accounting for approximately 17%of all recorded neurons.Compared with baseline discharge frequency,the discharge frequency of MnPO WSNs after addition of PGE2 was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with PGE2 group,the percentage change in discharge frequency of MnPO WSNs in EP3 ant+PGE2 group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with PGE2 group,the percentage change in discharge frequency of MnPO WSNs in EP1 ant+PGE2 group had no significant difference(P>0.05).Compared with PGE2 group,the percentage change in discharge frequency of MnPO WSNs in EP4 ant+PGE2 group had no significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion:In the female mice,WSNs make up approximately 17%of the total neurons in MnPO.PGE2 can directly inhibit the discharge activity of MnPO WSNs in the female mice through postsynaptic mechanism involving EP3 receptors.
10.Clinical characterization of 602 older patients with cancer related anemia received multi-line anti-tumor treatment
Xinpu HAN ; Zhu LIU ; Qing ZHANG ; Jie LIU ; Dong YAN ; Juling JIANG ; Ning KANG ; Juhua YUAN ; Ye FENG ; Yukun YIN ; Li HOU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(11):1578-1586
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of cancer related anemia(CRA)in older cancer patients undergoing multi-line anti-tumor treatment.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted,including patients with CRA who were≥65 years old and had received or were currently undergoing multi-line treatment at 9 hospitals in Beijing from June 1,2018 to September 30,2023.Data on gender,age,past history,family history,tumor type,metastasis site,clinical symptoms,blood routine,specialized examination for anemia,anti-tumor and anemia correction treatment were collected.The basic characteristics of the included patients,clinical symptoms,the status of blood cell reduction,treatment conditions,and the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome characteristics were analyzed.Results A total of 602 patients were included.The tumor types included lung cancer,colorectal cancer,gastric cancer,esophageal cancer,breast cancer,gynecological tumors,lymphoma.The overall median hemoglobin(HGB)level was 99.00(88.00,107.00)g/L.The HGB levels of patients with different tumor types showed significant differences(P<0.001).The HGB levels of patients with gynecological tumors were significantly lower than those of patients with colorectal cancer,lung cancer and esophageal cancer(P<0.05).The most common clinical symptoms were fatigue,loss of appetite,irregular bowel movements and pain.In terms of anti-tumor treatment,405 patients were receiving multi-line anti-tumor treatment(including combined chemotherapy,combined radiotherapy,combined targeted therapy,and combined immunotherapy),197 patients were receiving symptomatic supportive treatment after multi-line anti-tumor treatment.In terms of anemia correction treatment,183 patients received erythropoietin,folic acid,iron,vitamin B12,or blood transfusion,while 293 patients received TCM for correcting anemia(including Chinese patent medicines,Chinese herbal decoctions,combinations of Chinese patent medicines and Chinese herbal decoctions).Specialized tests for anemia,such as serum iron,total iron binding capacity,transferrin saturation,transferrin,erythropoietin et al,have a detection rate of only 3.65%~27.91%.In terms of the characteristics of TCM syndromes,the main TCM syndrome types of the patients were as follows:syndrome of spleen-stomach weakness,syndrome of qi and blood deficiency,syndrome of heart-spleen deficiency,syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency,syndrome of liver and kidney yin deficiency.Some patients also have the accompanying symptoms of internal binding of static blood and poison,phlegm dampness retention.Further comparison revealed that the HGB level of older patients with CRA who had syndrome of spleen-stomach weakness was significantly lower than patients with other symptom types(P<0.001).The HGB level of patients with syndrome of qi and blood deficiency was significantly lower than patients with syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency(P<0.01)and syndrome of liver and kidney yin deficiency(P<0.001).Patients with symptoms of internal binding of static blood and poison,or symptoms of phlegm dampness retention had significantly lower HGB levels compared to those without accompanying symptoms(P<0.01).Conclusion The rate of specialized blood test for anemia in older patients with CRA was relatively low.The most common TCM syndrome types were syndrome of spleen-stomach weakness and syndrome of qi and blood deficiency.The overall treatment rate was also low.The screening,specialized diagnosis and monitoring of older patients with CRA need to be given more attention,and treatment methods such as TCM,Western medicine,and integrated TCM-Western medicine should be selected based on the patient's condition.

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