1.Multi-targeting Action Mechanism of Wenyang Xiaoyin Prescription on Doxorubicin-induced Mouse with Chronic Heart Failure Based on NF-κB/AVP-AQP2 Complex Pathway Mediated by Liver X Receptor
Baixue LI ; Junfeng ZHAO ; Song ZHANG ; Lei LIU ; Yangzhi PENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):286-297
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wenyang Xiaoyin Prescription (Linggui Zhugan Tang combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Tang) on a doxorubicin-induced mouse model of chronic heart failure (CHF). The multi-targeting action mechanism of the therapy is revealed, based on the arginine vasopressin (AVP)-vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R)-aquaporin 2 (AQP2) signaling pathway and nuclear transcription factor -κB (NF-κB) pathway mediated by the liver X receptor (LXR) in the heart, brain, and kidney tissue. MethodsCHF mouse models were established by using intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin and subsequently divided into a blank control group, a model control group, Wenyang Xiaoyin Prescription groups (Linggui Zhugan decoction combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei decoction) with various doses, a captopril group, and a combination group receiving both Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription (as before) and captopril. Cardiac function was assessed by using color Doppler echocardiography, while the levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), AVP, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the serum were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes and ventricular remodeling in ventricular tissues were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining, and myocardial cell apoptosis of mice was assessed by using TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to detect the protein and RNA expression levels of LXRα, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the cardiac tissue, LXRβ, AVP in the hypothalamus, and LXRβ, V2R, and AQP2 in the kidneys. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to quantify AQP2-positive collecting ducts in renal tissues. ResultsThe Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription significantly enhanced cardiac function indicators in CHF mice, reducing levels of BNP, AVP, and RAAS in the serum. It also mitigated myocardial cell damage and fibrosis change. The Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription inhibited the expressions of NF-κB and its downstream targets TNF-α and iNOS and improved myocardial inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, and ventricular remodeling by upregulating the expression of LXRα in cardiac tissues. Concurrently, the Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription elevated LXRβ expression in the kidneys and hypothalamus while downregulating the expression levels of AVP, V2R, and AQP2, as well as water permeability in the collecting ducts, thereby alleviating cardiac load. ConclusionThe intervention of Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription demonstrates a significant therapeutic effect on CHF, and its role involves the multi-target effect mechanism of the AVP/V2R/AQP2 and NF-κB pathways mediated by the nuclear receptor LXR in the heart, brain, and kidney tissue.
2.Association between occupational physical activity and cardiometabolic abnormalities in people aged 35 years and above at high risk of cardiovascular disease in Hubei Province
Longzhu XIONG ; Junfeng QI ; Chuansha WU ; Xiaojie SUN ; Shuzhen ZHU ; Junlin LI ; Ting ZHOU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):908-917
Background The association between occupational physical activity (OPA) and cardiometabolic risk factors remains controversial, potentially due to differences in the associations between OPA and various cardiometabolic indicators, as well as the lack of a clearly defined optimal OPA range for multiple-indicator synergistic benefits. Objective To investigate the relationship between OPA and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Hubei Province, and to explore an optimal OPA range for multi-indicator improvements. Methods Data were derived from the Hubei Province dataset of the China Health Evaluation And Risk Reduction Through Nationwide Teamwork from 2015 to 2023, including
3.PK-PD study on anti-post-stroke depression effect of Xuesaitong Soft Capsules
Juan YANG ; Hui LI ; Rui LU ; Yangyang YU ; Ruoxi FAN ; Yanshuang LIU ; Yidan LIU ; Junfeng LIU ; Ningna ZHOU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(9):2007-2013
Objective To preliminarily explore the potential efficacy of Xuesaitong Soft Capsule(XST)against post-stroke depression(PSD),and to investigate the material basis of XST's anti-PSD effect based on the metabolomics results to analyze its related pharmacokinetic(PK)characteristics and further analyze the pharmacodynamic(PD)equation of representative ingredients.Methods The initial evaluation of drug effica-cy was conducted by detecting the depressive-like behavior and neurotransmitter levels in rats.The Pearson correlation analysis was employed to analyze the correlation between the main metabolites regulated by XST and the saponin components entering the bloodstream.At various time points after drug administration,the blood concentration of ginsenoside Re and the concentration of norepinephrine(NE)in the serum of PSD rats were measured,and the compartment model was fitted accordingly.Furthermore,the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was utilized to determine the content of ginsenoside Re in the liver,spleen,kidney,prefron-tal cortex,hippocampus and striatum of PSD rats.Results Ginsenoside Re showed the optimal correlation by the Pearson correlation analysis.Based on its pharmacokinetic parameters,the pharmacodynamic equation with NE was E=160.462 × Ce/(38.663+Ce).The contents of ginsenoside Re in the liver,spleen,kidney,prefron-tal cortex,hippocampus and striatum of rats were(17.23+11.90),(19.05+5.67),(1.95+0.79),(70.13+6.75),(57.03+3.11),and(72.45+5.45)ng/g,respectively.Conclusion XST could improve the depressive-like behaviors in PSD rats by regulating the expression levels of neurotransmitter NE and 5-HT.Ginsenoside Re may be the pharmacodynamical material foundation for XST's preventative treatment of PSD.
4.Application value of gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells in liver diseases
Tingting ZHAO ; Junfeng LI ; Dan ZHOU ; Xiaoqin GAO ; Wei YUE ; Ruqin WANG ; Liting ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1220-1226
The immunomodulatory, repair, and regeneration-promoting functions of mesenchymal stem cells make them one of the potential treatment methods for liver diseases. At present, viral and non-viral delivery methods have been developed to genetically modify mesenchymal stem cells, and gene modification can promote the survival, homing, and cytokine secretion of mesenchymal stem cells, thereby enhancing the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to treat liver diseases. This article mainly summarizes the research advances in gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of liver diseases, in order to provide new insights and strategies for the clinical treatment of liver diseases.
5.Screening of Anti-breast Cancer Active Ingredients in Famous Classical Formula Yanghetang
Sijia SU ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Jingna ZHOU ; Junfeng GAO ; Xu TANG ; Binyu WEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):21-30
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), the combination of serum pharmacochemistry, response profile of absorbed components in serum, network pharmacology and drug-likeness prediction was used to screen the potential active ingredients of Yanghetang against breast cancer. MethodsUPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to identify the main components in different solvent extracts of Yanghetang, and serum pharmacochemistry was applied to analyze the absorbed components from the serum of female SD rats after 0.5, 1, 2 h of administration. Combined with the response characteristic values of serum drug components obtained from UNIFI 1.8.2, the absorbed prototype components and metabolites were screened to get the absorbed components of Yanghetang with a significant patterns of elimination and growth. Network pharmacology was applied to construct a drug-component-pathway-target-disease network, and molecular docking was performed between absorbed components and key targets of breast cancer, and the drug similarity was analyzed by SwissADME. ResultsForty-two compounds were identified in Yanghetang samples extracted with different solvents, of which 16 compounds were common to the three different extraction solvents(methanol, 50% methanol and water). The results of drug-containing serum analysis showed that there were 16 absorbed components in serum, including 5 prototypes and 11 metabolites. Network pharmacology results showed that Yanghetang against breast cancer involved 15 key targets such as proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src(SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and phosphoinositide 3 kinase catalytic alpha polypeptide(PIK3CA). Molecular docking results showed that 16 potential active ingredients were well combined with the predicted targets. Combined with drug likenesses, 12 compounds in the absorbed components of Yanghetang were considered to have potential for anti-breast cancer activity, mainly including α-pinene and γ-eudesmol and their metabolites, of which one was from Ephedrae Herba, one was from Rehmanniae Radix, and eight were from Cinnamomi Cortex. ConclusionThe chemical components of Yanghetang mainly include polysaccharides, monoterpene glycosides and coumarins, and its prototype components mainly undergo oxidation, hydrolysis and acetylation after entering the blood. Its anti-breast cancer mechanism may be related to the regulation of signaling pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt). The results of this study can lay a foundation for further exploration of Yanghetang in the treatment of breast cancer.
6.Treating premature ejaculation combined with anxiety and depression based on the "four-dimensional integration" of the "holism of body and spirit" theory
Yi WEI ; Zhiming HONG ; Junfeng QIU ; Zilong CHEN ; Hao KUANG ; Yangling ZENG ; Quan WANG ; Wenbin ZHOU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):418-423
Premature ejaculation refers to a sexual dysfunction in which men experience a short intravaginal ejaculation latency and a lack of control over ejaculation during sexual activity. The onset of this condition is often accompanied by anxiety and depression, which can seriously affect the quality of the patient′s sexual life and the relationship between partners. Based on the "integration of body and spirit" theory in traditional Chinese medicine, our team believes that this condition is a comorbidity of physical and spiritual factors. We propose that the core pathogenesis of this disease lies in the "loss of form and essence, impairment of spirit, and depression of the mind, "while the primary treatment principle involves "nourishing form and regulating spirit." As a result, a new diagnosis and treatment approach of "four-dimensional integration" is summarized in this study. The disease is treated through the four dimensions of shape, body, spirit, and emotion. Traditional Chinese medicine is used to adjust the shape in cases where the physical form is damaged. For individuals with depression of heart and liver qi, the treatment focuses on soothing the heart and smoothing liver qi, and the modified Wangyou Powder and Xuanzhi Decoction is used. In cases where the heart and kidney function are compromised, the treatment involves nourishing both the heart and kidney while restoring interaction between the heart and the kidney, and modified Jihuo Yansi Elixir is used. To reduce the sensitivity of the glans penis, the patient′s body is washed with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, and a delicate fumigation formula is decocted for external washing. For those who are not in tune with their god, psychological counseling can be used to regulate their spirit and advocate "self-partner" and psychotherapy. If there are issues with intimacy, partners should focus on cooperating during foreplay, sexual intercourse, and post-coital interactions. Overall, the treatment aims to harmonize the body and spirit, addressing both physical and psychological factors through a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach. This method provides new perspectives and ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
7.Application of full-neuroendoscopic technique in surgical treatment of posterior cranial fossa lesions
Zhiyi ZHOU ; Hao ZHAO ; Yifeng MIAO ; Chihao ZHU ; Xi YANG ; Siyuan WANG ; Junfeng FENG ; Yongming QIU
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(3):365-372
Objective·To investigate the application effects and benefits of full-neuroendoscopic technique in the surgical treatment of posterior cranial fossa lesions.Methods·A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 105 patients with posterior cranial fossa lesions who underwent surgery using full-neuroendoscopic techniques at the Department of Neurosurgery,Renji Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,between January 2021 and December 2023.The data included patients'gender,age,lesion locations,nature of lesions,surgical procedures,and postoperative recovery.Follow-up with contrast-enhanced MRI was performed one month postoperatively,with subsequent follow-ups every three months on average,depending on the nature of the lesions.Results·Among the 105 patients,there were 45 males with an average age of(56±17)years and 60 females with an average age of(62±12)years.Lesions were predominantly located in the cerebellopontine angle area(78 cases),with others in the petrous bone area(7 cases),cerebellum(10 cases),and brainstem(10 cases).The nature of lesions included vestibular schwannoma(11 cases),meningioma(7 cases),glioma(7 cases),brain metastases(7 cases),hemangioblastoma(6 cases),cyst(1 case),and neuropathic conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia(43 cases),hemifacial spasm(22 cases),and glossopharyngeal neuralgia(1 case).All patients successfully underwent resection or biopsy of their lesions or microvascular decompression under full-neuroendoscopy.The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 3 years.Enhanced MRI confirmed complete resection in 34 tumor cases(87.2%),near-total resection in 3 cases(7.7%),and biopsy in 2 cases(5.1%).Three deaths occurred during follow-up.Among the patients with vascular neuropathic diseases,two with trigeminal neuralgia experienced incomplete pain relief postoperatively.The resolution rates for hemifacial spasm and glossopharyngeal neuralgia were 100%.Postoperative complications occurred in 3 cases,with 2 cases of hydrocephalus that were managed with ventriculoperitoneal shunting,and 1 case of poor wound healing.Conclusion·Full-neuroendoscopic technique demonstrates potential in the surgical treatment of posterior cranial fossa lesions.
8.Euphorbia Lathyrol effects expressions of immune factors IL-7,IL-10 and VEGF in renal clear cell neoplasias mice through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway
Shengyou SONG ; Lei ZHOU ; Lunwei TAI ; Shijie PAN ; Junling JIANG ; Junfeng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(7):1581-1585,1592
Objective:To investigate the effect of Euphorbia Lathyrol on expressions of IL-7,IL-10 and VEGF in renal clear cell neoplasias(RCCN)mice by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.Methods:RCCN xenograft mice were established and divided into model group,Euphorbia Lathyrol group and Cisplatin group.Euphorbia Lathyrol group were given 20 mg/kg Euphorbia Lathyrol solution intragastric administration,model group were given 0.9%NaCl gastric feeding,Cisplatin group were given intraperito-neal injection of 4 mg/kg cisplatin solution,then mice weight and tumor volume were recorded.Expressions of TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad4 were tracked down through Western blot.Expressions of immune factors IL-7 and IL-10 in serum of xenograft mice were detected by ELISA.Expression of VEGF in tumor mass was detected by IHC.Results:After 14 days of administration,compared with model group,the proliferation of tumor grafts in Cisplatin group and Euphorbia Lathyrol group was inhibited(P<0.05),and the expressions of TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad4 protein and VEGF were observably decreased(P<0.05),expressions of IL-7 in serum was increased,while level of IL-10 in serum was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Euphorbia Lathyrol is able to reduce expressions of IL-7,IL-10,as well as VEGF in RCCN xenograft mice by impeding TGF-β1/Smad signaling transduction system.
9.Analysis of the influencing factors of early neurological deterioration and short-term prognosis in minor acute ischemic stroke patients
Longsheng CHU ; Xianjun HUANG ; Chenglei WANG ; Bohao WEI ; Yuepei GAO ; Ameng LI ; Ke YANG ; Junfeng XU ; Xianjin SHANG ; Zhiming ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(8):524-536
Objective To investigate the influencing factors associated with early neurological deterioration(END)in patients with minor acute ischemic stroke(mAIS),develop a clinical prediction model for END,and identify independent risk factors for 90-day neurological functional outcomes after stroke.Methods mAIS patients admitted consecutively to the Department of Neurology,Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College(the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College),from July 2023 to July 2024 were retrospectively collected.A minor ischemic stroke was defined as acute ischemic stroke with a National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score≤5 on admission.Baseline,clinical,and imaging data of all mAIS patients were collected and recorded,including demographic information(age,sex),past medical history(hypertension,diabetes mellitus,hyperlipidemia,coronary heart disease,atrial fibrillation),smoking history,alcohol consumption,baseline blood pressure,pre-onset modified Rankin scale(mRS),NIHSS scores at admission and during hospitalization(24 hours,48 hours,72 hours after admission),motor component subscore of the NIHSS scores,NIHSS scores at discharge,trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment(TOAST)classification,laboratory indicators(fasting blood glucose,hemoglobin A1c[HbA1c],total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein,low-density lipoprotein),clinical treatment information(intravenous thrombolysis,mono antiplatelet therapy,dual antiplatelet therapy,anticoagulation therapy)and length of stay.The status of stenosis and occlusion in the culprit vessel were assessed based on imaging results.Mild-to-moderate stenosis was defined as a stenosis rate of 0%to 69%,severe stenosis as a stenosis rate of 70%to 99%,and occlusion as complete interruption of the supplying artery.END was defined as an increase in NIHSS score of ≥2 points from baseline within 72 hours after admission,combined with an increase of at least 1 point in the motor score compared to the score at admission.Prognosis was assessed via telephone follow-ups at 90-day after onset using mRS score,with an mRS score ≤ 2 indicating a favorable outcome and an mRS score>2 indicating a poor outcome.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analysis were incorporated into multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify the independent risk factors for END in mAIS patients.A nomogram model was constructed,and calibration curves along with decision curve analysis were plotted to evaluate the model's goodness-of-fit and clinical utility.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with poor 90-day functional outcome after mAIS.Results(1)A total of 826 patients were included,aged 33-94 years,with a median age of 67(57,76)years.There were 571 males and 255 females.The NIHSS score at admission ranged from 0 to 5,with a median NIHSS score at admission of 3(2,4).The NIHSS motor subscore at admission ranged from 0 to 5,with a median baseline NIHSS motor score of 2(0,2).Among them,119 patients(14.4%)were in the END group and 707 patients(85.6%)were included in the non-END group.At 90days after stroke,744 patients(90.1%)had a favorable outcome,while 82 patients(9.9%)had a poor outcome.(2)Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the END group and the non-END group in terms of HbA1c,fasting blood glucose,baseline NIHSS score,baseline NIHSS motor subscore,history of alcohol consumption,diabetes mellitus,culprit vessel stenosis and occlusion,and TOAST classification(all P<0.05).Statistically significant differences were observed between the favorable outcome group and the poor outcome group in HbA1c,fasting blood glucose,incidence of END,baseline NIHSS score,discharge NIHSS score,culprit vessel stenosis and occlusion,TOAST classification,and history of alcohol consumption(all P<0.05).(3)Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that mAIS patients with severe stenosis of the culprit vessel(OR,5.88,95%CI2.32-14.91,P<0.01),occlusion of the culprit vessel(OR,5.74,95%CI 2.25-14.62,P<0.01),history of alcohol consumption(OR,5.59,95%CI3.41-9.17,P<0.01),elevated HbA1c(OR,1.67,95%CI 1.35-2.08,P<0.01),and higher baseline NIHSS motor score(OR,1.43,95%CI 1.08-1.89,P=0.012)had an increased risk of END.A higher discharge NIHSS score(OR,2.59,95%CI 1.89-3.57,P<0.01)and the occurrence of END(OR,18.42,95%CI 5.13-66.18,P<0.01)were associated with poor 90-day functional outcome after mAIS.(4)The nomogram model constructed based on independent risk factors of END in mAIS patients demonstrated an AUC of 0.78(95%CI 0.73-0.83)for predicting END,with a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 0.7.The model showed good calibration,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated good agreement between predicted and observed values(P=0.333).Decision curve analysis revealed that the model provided a high net benefit across a range of high-risk thresholds(0.1-0.7),suggesting its potential clinical utility.Conclusions Severe stenosis of the culprit vessel,occlusion of the culprit vessel,glycated hemoglobin levels,baseline NIHSS motor subscale scores,and history of alcohol consumption are independent risk factors for END in patients with mAIS.The nomogram model constructed based on these factors demonstrated good predictive performance.END and NIHSS scores at discharge are independent predictors of poor 90-day outcomes in patients with mAIS.
10.Expressions of Apo B/A1 and PCT in peripheral blood of acute pancreatitis patients with infectious pancreatic necrosis
Fang XU ; Xiao LIU ; Junfeng QIAN ; Zengli ZHOU ; Yong QIN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(6):850-853
OBJECTIVE To explore the expressions of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1(Apo B/A1)and procalci-tonin(PCT)in peripheral blood of the acute pancreatitis(AP)patients with infectious pancreatic necrosis(IPN)and analyze the predictive values.METHODS A total of 102 patients with AP who were treated in Lishui People's Hospital from Jan.2022 to Dec.2023 were recruited as the research subjects and were divided into the IPN group with 29 cases and the non-IPN group with 73 cases according to the status of IPN.The baseline data of the two groups of patients were analyzed,the expression levels of Apo B/A1,PCT and other serologic indexes were ob-served and compared between the two groups.The values of peripheral blood Apo B/A1 and PCT in prediction of IPN in the AP patients were analyzed by means of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.RESULTS There were no significant differences in the baseline data such as age and gender between the two groups of pa-tients.There were significant differences in the expression levels of peripheral blood Apo B/A1,PCT and RDW as well as blood calcium level between the IPN group and the non-IPN group(P<0.05);the expression levels of pe-ripheral blood Apo B/A1 and PCT of the IPN group were respectively(2.54±0.75)and(11.77±3.21)ng/ml,higher than those of the non-IPN group(t=8.712,12.095,all P<0.001);the blood calcium level of the IPN group was(2.22±0.22)mmol/L,lower than that of the non-IPN group(t=2.749,P=0.007).There were no sig-nificant differences in other serologic indexes.ROC curve analysis showed that both the single and joint detection of peripheral blood Apo B/A1 and PCT had the predictive efficiency for IPN in the AP patients(P<0.05),the ar-eas under the curves(AUCs)were 0.886,0.874 and 0.922,respectively;the efficiency of the joint detection of the two indexes was the highest,with the sensitivity 82.72%,the specificity 86.30%.CONCLUSIONS The peripheral blood Apo B/A1,PCT,RDW and blood calcium are the influencing factors for the IPN in the AP patients.The joint detection of Apo B/A1 and PCT can predict the IPN for the AP patients in early stage.


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