1.Mechanisms of Xiaozhi Qinggan Decoction in Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease by Regulating Ferroptosis
Haihang DONG ; Yuying TU ; Xingrong LI ; Yujie CAI ; Yi REN ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xiaozhi Qinggan decoction (XQD) in preventing and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating ferroptosis, network pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo experiments. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, mouse MASLD models were established by high-fat diet (HFD) induction. The model mice were randomly assigned to a positive control group (silybin, 50 mg·kg-1), low-, medium- and high-dose XQD groups (4.725, 9.45, 18.9 g·kg-1), with a normal control group. After 4 weeks of modeling, mice except the normal group were administered intragastrically for 8 consecutive weeks. Liver function, serum lipid levels, hepatic histopathology, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and Fe2+ were detected. The mRNA and protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 were determined by quantitative Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. In the network pharmacology analysis, active components and potential targets of XQD for MASLD were screened, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analyses, and molecular docking was performed to verify the target binding activity. In the in vitro experiment, the optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum was screened by cytotoxicity assay. HepG2 cells were transfected with ov-NC or ov-p53 plasmid, and a lipid accumulation model was induced by free fatty acid (FFA, 1.0 mmol·L-1). Cells were divided into a normal group, FFA model group, ov-NC+XQD (15%) group and ov-p53+XQD (15%) group. Intracellular Fe2+ level and lipid accumulation were evaluated, and the protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited markedly elevated body weight, liver weight, liver index, fasting blood glucose, AUC of glucose tolerance test, serum liver function and blood lipid levels at week 12 (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were observed by pathological staining. Additionally, hepatic levels of MDA, SOD and Fe2+ were increased (P<0.01), while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and medium-dose XQD groups showed significantly decreased body weight at week 12 (P<0.05). The silybin group, together with the medium- and high-dose XQD groups, presented reduced liver weight and liver index (P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and the AUC of glucose tolerance test were lowered in all four treatment groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological staining revealed alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammation, accompanied by decreased serum liver function and blood lipid levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, hepatic MDA and SOD levels were markedly reduced, while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Hepatic Fe2+ level was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was downregulated, and the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, tanshinone IIA and isorhamnetin as the core active components of XQD, with p53 serving as the key target. Stable binding was verified between these active components and the p53 protein. The optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum in vitro was determined to be 15%. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased intracellular Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, significantly upregulated p53 protein expression (P<0.01), and markedly downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ov-NC group exhibited reduced Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, downregulated p53 expression, and upregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression. In the ov-p53 group, p53 expression was upregulated (P<0.01), while SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression was downregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionXQD inhibits ferroptosis by downregulating p53 and upregulating SLC7A11 and GPX4, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes and improving MASLD.
2.Facilitators and barriers to work-related musculoskeletal disorder prevention behaviors among healthcare professionals: A comprehensive review
Haijing MA ; Su’e YUAN ; Hui ZHU ; Yujia CHEN ; Ping SONG ; Huiqin YU ; Yunxia LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):387-394
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant occupational health challenge among healthcare professionals globally, posing substantial threats to physical and mental well-being as well as work sustainability. Adopting preventive behaviors—including ergonomic postural adjustments, optimized work-rest scheduling, proper use of protective and assistive equipment, and regular physical activity—is essential for mitigating the risk of WMSDs. Guided by the social ecological model, the review synthesized current evidence on the determinants of WMSDs preventive behaviors across four levels: intrapersonal characteristics, work environment conditions, interpersonal support, and policy/institutional factors. The findings suggest that higher educational attainment, favorable health-related behavioral patterns, optimized ergonomic work environments, adoption of supportive collaborative systems, strong organizational support, as well as policy safeguards facilitate preventive behavior adoption. Conversely, limited prevention-related knowledge, low risk perception, insufficient physical activity, excessive workload, lack of appropriate protective equipment, inadequate ergonomic training, a prevailing culture of presenteeism, and inadequate policy implementation constitute significant barriers. Multi-dimensional intervention strategies targeting these determinants are warranted to enhance preventive behaviors, reduce the risk of WMSDs, and strengthen occupational health protection for healthcare professionals.
3.Treating Lean Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease from the Perspective of "Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence and Kidney Failing to Transform Qi"
Xingrong LI ; Haihang DONG ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Ya YOU ; Yuying TU ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1446-1450
It is considered that lean metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is characte-rized by a state of "lean body but fatty liver". From the perspective of the pathomechanism evolution of "spleen failing to disperse essence, while kidney failing to transform qi", the disease is systematically treated under the principle that spleen and kidney deficiency as the root and liver constraint with phlegm stasis as the branch. Spleen deficiency with impaired transformation and transportation leads to failure in the distribution of refined substances, initiating lipid turbidity accumulation and obstruction. Kidney dysfunction in qi transformation results in insufficient essence and blood, forming the root of bodily malnourishment. Over time, this further gives rise to liver constraint and loss of dispersing function, disorder in the movement of essential substances, and congealing of phlegm and stasis within hepatic collaterals. The dysfunction of three organs including spleen, kidney and liver constitutes the pathological basis of metabolic disturbances involving qi, blood, body fluids and essence. Treatment should follow the principle of "nourishing the healthy qi leads to spontaneous resolution of pathogenic accumulation", with three approaches. First, fortifying the spleen and eliminating dampness, using Sini Powder (四逆散) and Erchen Pingwei Powder (二陈平胃散) to restore the transport and transformation function of the middle jiao (焦), thereby guiding essential substances back to their proper physiological pathways. Second, tonifying the kidney and resolving turbidity, using Jinkui Shenqi Pill (金匮肾气丸) and Effective Integration Decoction (一贯煎) to replenish the lower jiao, promoting the restoration of essence and the transformation of turbid pathogen. Third, soothing the liver and resolving stasis, using Liujunzi Decoction (六君子汤) and Xiaozhi Qinggan Decoction (消脂清肝汤) to vent qi and blood stagnation, thereby interrupting disease progression. Together, these three methods reinforce healthy qi while eliminating pathogen, facilitating the restoration of proper essence transformation and the resolution of lipid turbidity.
4.Staged Treatment of Microvascular Lesions in Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease Based on the Collaterals-Regulating Approach of Insect-Derived Medicinals
Xingrong LI ; Haihang DONG ; Yuying TU ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Ya YOU ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1905-1909
It is proposed that the core pathogenesis of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) is characterized by deficiency of healthy qi with collateral stagnation and the binding of stasis and toxin. According to the characteristics of its microvascular lesions, PSVD can be treated through syndrome differentiation in three stages, including the occult stage, progressive stage, and decompensated stage. Considering the properties of insect-derived medicinals, such as rapid movement, penetrating action, and ability to search out pathogen and unblock collaterals, three therapeutic principles are established, which are unblocking collaterals, softening the liver, and dispelling pathogen. Clinically, the New-Modified Chaihu Biejia Decoction (柴胡鳖甲汤) is used as the basic prescription with staged modifications. During the occult stage, medicinals such as Quanxie (Scorpio) and Wugong (Scolopendra) are added to search out pathogen, unblock collaterals, and protect the channels from progression. During the progressive stage, Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga seu Steleophaga) and Qianglang (Catharsius molossus) are added to dispel stasis and soften hard masses, thereby removing concretions and dissipating masses. During the decompensated stage, Shuizhi (Hirudo) and Dilong (Pheretima) are added to eliminate stasis and promote urination, treating blood and fluid retention simultaneously.
5.Associations between neighborhood built environment and blood pressure levels among residents and joint exposure profiles of built environment factors
Huiqin WANG ; Kangkang GU ; Peihong LI ; Haoliang WANG ; Yucheng HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(9):1123-1131
Background Chronic non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, have become major threats to urban public health. The built environment has been linked to blood pressure. Objective To examine joint exposure patterns of built environment factors in relation to residents' blood pressure status and to identify environmental profiles of neighborhoods that may be favorable or unfavorable to hypertension prevention. Methods (1) A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1910 residents in Longzihu District, Bengbu City. Demographic characteristics, clinical indicators (including blood pressure), and lifestyle behavioral data were collected. Nine built environment indicators were derived within a 500-meter buffer zone surrounding each participant's residential address. (2) Using elevated blood pressure status as a binary outcome (all residents) and grade of elevated blood pressure as an ordinal multi-class outcome (residents with elevated blood pressure), the predictive performance of four binary classification models and nine multi-class classification models was compared, respectively. Feature importance was ranked based on the best-performing model. Multi-variable logistic regression with stepwise adjustment was then used to identify key environmental factors. (3) Using partial dependence plots, a joint exposure analysis was conducted in the target population of residents with elevated blood pressure (high-normal blood pressure and hypertension grades 1–3), with the 25th and 75th percentiles of key environmental factors as the low- and high-level thresholds, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the Bootstrap method. Results (1) Among the study participants, 863 had elevated blood pressure: 349 (40.4%) had high-normal blood pressure, and 398 (46.1%), 93 (10.8%), and 23 (2.7%) had hypertension grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. (2) Logistic regression showed the best performance in analyzing the association between built environment factors and elevated blood pressure status (n=1910), whereas random forest showed the best performance in analyzing the association between built environment factors and grade of elevated blood pressure (n=863). Road density, bus stop density, and hospital/clinic density were key environmental factors. (3) Pairwise joint exposure patterns were observed among the three key environmental factors: When any two were both below the low-level thresholds (road ≤0.54 km·km−2, bus stop ≤0.51 points·km−2, hospital ≤5.99 points·km−2), the risk of a higher grade of elevated blood pressure was greater than the overall sample average (relative predicted odds 1.29–1.31, 95% confidence interval lower bound >1); when any two were both above the high-level thresholds (road ≥0.75 km·km−2, bus stop ≥1.25 points·km−2, hospital ≥15.00 points·km−2), the risk was lower than the overall sample average (relative predicted odds 0.54–0.61, 95% confidence interval upper bound <1); low-high and high-low combinations did not differ significantly from the overall sample average (P > 0.05). Conclusion Joint exposure profiles characterized by road density, bus stop density, and hospital/clinic density are associated with elevated blood pressure among residents: Simultaneously low levels of any two of these environmental indicators are associated with a higher predicted risk of a more severe grade, whereas simultaneously high levels are associated with a lower predicted risk. These findings suggest that coordinated configurations of road networks, public transit accessibility, and medical service facilities may represent important environmental feature of neighborhoods favorable to hypertension prevention and control.
6.Intravitreal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of diabetic neovascular glaucoma
Lili CHEN ; Huiqin WU ; Bo ZHENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(11):1848-1853
AIM: To observe the efficacy of intravitreal Conbercept injection(IVC)in diabetic neovascular glaucoma(NVG).METHODS:Retrospective study. Totally 57 patients(57 eyes)with NVG(stage II)secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)treated in our hospital were collceted from January 2019 to December 2022. Among them, 30 patients(30 eyes)were treated by IVC and panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)in the observation group, and 27 patients(27 eyes)were treated by PRP in the control group. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA, LogMAR), intraocular pressure, neovascularization of the iridocorneal angle(NVA), central macular thinkness(CMT)changes and disease progression were analyzed with a follow-up of 2 years.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups(P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the BCVA in the observation group was better than the control group(P<0.05). The intraocular pressure, CMT and progression of NVA in the observation group were less than the control group(all P<0.05). The patients with NVG developed from stage II to stage III in the observation group was less than the control group(P<0.05). In the observation group, the BCVA improved compared with preoperative at 6 mo(P<0.05). In the control group, the BCVA decreased compared with preoperative after 24 mo(P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that NVG progression and intraocular pressure were factors affecting BCVA(LogMAR)changes(β=0.511, 0.014; t=4.461, 2.092; P<0.01, 0.041, respectively). In the observation group, the IOP decreased at 1, 6 and 12 mo compared with preoperative(all P<0.05), while there were no significant differences at 18 and 24 mo compared with preoperative(all P>0.05). In the control group, the intraocular pressure decreased at 6 mo compared with preoperative(P<0.05), while there were no significant differences at 1, 12, 18 and 24 mo compared with preoperative(all P>0.05). There were no significant difference about the types of glaucoma drugs between the observation group and the control group(all P>0.05). There were no infectious endophthalmitis and other complications observed in both groups.CONCLUSION: IVC combined with PRP demonstrates superior efficacy over PRP monotherapy in treating NVG(stage II)secondary to PDR. IVC combined with PRP showed better outcomes in controlling iris neovascularization, slowing visual impairment progression, reducing intraocular pressure, and delaying disease advancement.
7.Genetic detection for hereditary cancer syndrome among general population
Xinning CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Li YU ; Huiqin JIANG ; Fei HUANG ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Baishen PAN ; Beili WANG ; Wei GUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):627-633
Objective To examine the significance of susceptible gene detection for hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS) among general population. Methods A total of 2 928 individuals undergoing routine health examinations in Healthcare Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from September 2021 to April 2024 were enrolled retrospectively. Next generation sequencing was employed to identify susceptible genes for HCS. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guideline was used to analyze the pathogenicity of variants. Clinical data, imagings, follow-up data were also collected. Results The overall mutation rate of HCS panel was 3.59% (105/2 928), with 0.61% (18/2 928) for MutY DNA glycosylase (MUTYH), 0.27% (8/2 928) for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) and 0.23% (7/2 928) for mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Conclusions Healthy individuals carrying tumor susceptible genes usually lack the relevant clinical phenotypes. Whether comprehensive testing needs to be carried out among healthy people remains to be further explored.
8.Relationship between eNOS gene polymorphism and main complications in premature infants
Xiaoyan Li ; Bing Li ; Jia' ; an Wang ; Xian Dong ; Huiqin Wang ; Haijuan Zhu ; Bin Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):719-724
Objective :
To explore the polymorphism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) gene in umbilical cord blood of preterm infants and its relationship with major complications in preterm infants.
Methods :
A total of 254 preterm infants(<37 weeks) who were hospitalized were selected as the study subjects. Umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery to determine the genotypes and alleles of eNOS gene at three loci: rs61722009, rs2070744,and rs1799983. Clinical data of the preterm infants were recorded, and the relationship between eNOS gene polymorphism and major complications in preterm infants was analyzed.
Results:
(1) The TC+CC genotype at locus rs2070744 was an independent risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD) in preterm infants, with an OR(95%CI) of 1.266(1.017-1.577).(2) The GT+TT genotype at locus rs1799983 was an independent risk factor for retinopathy prematurity(ROP), with an OR(95%CI) of 1.184(1.008-1.391).(3) The AB+AA genotype at locus rs61722009 was also an independent risk factor for ROP,with an OR(95%CI) of 1.335(1.033-1. 726).(4) There was no significant relationship between gene polymorphism and the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome( RDS) and periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage( PIVH).
Conclusion
eNOS gene polymorphism is associated with the occurrence of BPD and ROP in preterm infants. The evaluation of e NOS gene polymorphism by umbilical cord blood measurement is helpful for the prevention and correct management of some serious complications.
9.Effect of β-elemene on mitochondrial structure and function of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells
Huiqin SUO ; Chenxu JING ; Jingming ZHAO ; Chikun LI ; Yunlu DING ; Hongbo CHU ; Guangyu CHENG ; Qingjie LI ; Hongguang JIN
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(5):1204-1210
Objective:To investigate the effect of β-elemene on mitochondrial structure and function of the A549 cells of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC),and to elucidate the mechanism of β-elemene in the treatment of NSCLC.Methods:The A549 cells at logarithmic growth stage were divided into blank control group(0 mng·L-1 β-elemene),low,medium and high doses of β-elemene groups(10,25 and 50 mg·L-1),and solvent control group(0.5%ethanol in equal volume).After treatment for 24 h,the cell activities in various groups were detected by MTT assay;the morphology changes of mitochondria in the cells in various groups was observed by transmission electron microscope;the levels of adenosine 5′-triphosphate(ATP)in the cells in various groups were detected by colorimetry;the mitochondrial membrane potential of the A549 cells in various groups were detected by JC-1 flow cytometry;mitochondrial membrane permeability transfer hole assay was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane permeabilities of the cells in various groups.Results:The MTT results showed that compared with blank control group,the cell activities in low,medium and high doses of β-elemene groups were decreased gradually(P<0.05),while the cell activity in solvent control group had no significant change,and the difference was not significant(P>0.05).The transmission electron microscope results showed that compared with blank control group,the mitochondria of A549 cells in low,medium and high doses ofβ-elemene groups showed swelling,vacuolation,disordered arrangement and dissolution,while the mitochondrial morphology of the A549 cells in solvent control group had no significant changes.The colorimetric method results showed that compared with blank control group,the ATP levels in the A549 cells in low,medium and high dose β-elemene groups were gradually decreased(P<0.05),while the ATP level in the A549 cells in solvent control group had no significant change,and the difference was not significant(P>0.05).The JC-1 flow cytometry method results showed that compared with blank control group,the mitochondrial membrane potential of the A549 cells in low,medium and high doses ofβ-elemene groups were decreased,and the percentages of the cells in Q2-4 region were increased(P<0.05);the percentage of the A549 cells in the Q2-4 region in solvent control group had no significant change.The results of mitochondrial membrane permeability transfer hole experiment showed that compared with blank control group,the mitochondrial membrane permeabilities of the A549 cells in low,medium and high doses of β-elemene groups were increased,and the percentages of the cells in M4 region were increased(P<0.05);the mitochondrial membrane permeability of the A549 cells and the percentage of the M4 cells in solvent control group had no significant changes,and the difference was not significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:β-elemene can inhibit the proliferation of the A549 cells,and the mechanism may be that the mitochondrial structure of A549 cells is damaged by reducing the level of ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential,changing the mitochondrial morphology and increasing the mitochondrial membrane permeability.
10.Changes and clinical significance of SDF-1,MCP-1 and sCD44 levels in aqueous humor of patients with diabetic cataract
Xiaoyu QU ; Hongna ZHU ; Anle SU ; Huiqin LU ; Bing WANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(6):694-697,703
Objective To analyze the changes and clinical significance of aqueous humor stromal cell-de-rived factor-1(SDF-1),macrophage chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)and soluble adhesion molecule CD44(sCD44)in patients with diabetic cataract(DC).Methods A total of 80 patients with DC admitted to the hos-pital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the DC group,and 40 patients with simple cataract during the same period were selected as the age-related cataract group.According to the stage of cataract,DC patients were divided into group A(incipient stage,32 cases),group B(intumescent stage,26 cases)and group C(mature stage and over mature stage,22 cases).According to the presence or absence of macular ede-ma after treatment,the patients were divided into occurrence group(20 cases)and non-occurrence group(60 cases).The levels of SDF-1,MCP-1 and sCD44 in each group were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve(AUC)were used to analyze the value of SDF-1,MCP-1 and sCD44 levels in the diagnosis of DC.Results The levels of SDF-1,MCP-1 and sCD44 in the DC group were higher than those in the age-related cataract group(P<0.05),and the levels of SDF-1,MCP-1 and sCD44 in the A,B and C groups increased sequentially(P<0.05).The level of MCP-1 in the occurrence group was higher than that in the non-occurrence group(P<0.05).The AUC of MCP-1,sCD44 and SDF-1 in the diagnosis of DC was 0.869,and the diagnostic efficiency was better.Conclusion The changes of aqueous SDF-1,MCP-1 and sCD44 levels are related to the stage of cataract in DC patients.Dynam-ic monitoring of these three indexes,especially MCP-1,is helpful to judge the condition and prognosis of DC patients.


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