1.Effect of Astragali Radix on Gut Microbiota and GLP-1 in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Qi Deficiency Type
Keke HOU ; Lin CHEN ; Zhidan ZHANG ; Yunyi YANG ; Fangli ZHANG ; Yuanying XU ; Hongping YIN ; Lan DING ; Tao LEI ; Wenjun SHA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):161-170
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Astragali Radix-mediated changes in gut microbiota on treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM). MethodsA 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled eighty patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control in the Qi deficiency type. All patients received insulin therapy. The observation group (40 cases) was administered with Astragali Radix Granules, while the control group (40 cases) received a placebo. Both treamtents were taken orally twice daily. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16s rDNA sequencing. Serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glucose metabolism indicators including fasting blood glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2 h PG),glycated albumin(GA), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated. Pancreatic function was evaluated using fasting C-peptide (FCP), 2-hour postprandial C-peptide (2 h CP), and C-peptide area under the curve (AUCcp). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, clinical efficacy, and safety indicators were also observed. ResultsIn terms of glucose metabolism indicators, compared with the baseline, both groups exhibited significantly lower FPG, 2 h PG, GA and HbA1C (P<0.01),while FCP, 2 h CP and AUCcp were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after the treatment, the observation group showed significantly lower FPG, 2 h PG, GA and HbA1C(P<0.05, P<0.01),and significantly higher FCP, 2 h CP and AUCcp (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that Astragali Radix can improve glucose metabolism. In terms of the diversity of gut microbiota, no significant differences were detected in the Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indexes of the two groups compared with their respective baselines. However, compared with the post-treatment control group, the observation group demonstrated significant increases in the Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01). The β-diversity analysis showed significant separation in gut microbiota composition before and after treatment in both groups, indicating that Astragali Radix can significantly alter the structure and improve the diversity of gut microbiota. At the phylum level, compared with the baseline, both groups showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota(P<0.01). The relative abundance of the potentially harmful phylum Proteobacteria was significantly lower in the observation Group after treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the post-treatment control group, the observation group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota(P<0.01). No significant difference was found in Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio between the two groups after treatment, and other phyla showed no significant differences. At the genus level, compared with the baseline, the observation group exhibited a significant increase in Bacteroides (P<0.01) and a significant decrease in Escherichia-Shigella (P<0.01), whereas no significant difference was seen in the control group . Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group after treatment had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroides (P<0.01). No significant differences were seen in other genera. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified potential characteristics taxa: in the observation group, Bacteroidota at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Dubosiella at the genus level, in the control group, Proteobacteria at the phylum level as well as Barnesiella and Staphylococcus at the genus level. Correlation analysis based on a heatmap revealed that GLP-1 levels were positively correlated with Firmicutes, F/B ratio and Fusobacterium, and negatively correlated with Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella. In terms of clinical efficacy, compared with the control group, the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher (P<0.05). Compared with the baseline, the scores for shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, spontaneous sweating and reluctance to speak significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the score for weakness was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.01),indicating that Astragali Radix could improve clinical symptoms and alleviate weakness symptoms. In terms of safety, compared with the baseline, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05,P<0.01),indicating that Astragali Radix did not induce any significant abnormalities in liver and kidney functions. ConclusionAstragali Radix demonstrates the potential to significantly improve the gut microbiota environment in patients of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with Qi deficiency. The therapeutic effect may contribute to glycemic control, possibly mediated by an elevation in GLP-1 level. These findings may support its further clinical investigations and potential applications.
2.The study of m6A methylation-related proteins in the prefrontal cortex of PTSD mice
Jiaying LU ; Luodong YANG ; Keke LU ; Wenlong XIN ; Bin LI ; Qulong LI ; Guiqing ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):495-500
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of prefrontal cortical neurons, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO), and AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) proteins in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MethodsA PTSD mouse model was established using a single prolonged stress and foot shock stimulation (SPSS) method. The despair, anxiety, and learning and memory functions of PTSD mice were assessed through the open field test, Y-maze test, and forced swimming test. Neuronal damage was detected via HE and Nissl staining. The expression levels of METTL3, FTO, ALKBH5, and neuronal nuclear protein (NEUN) were assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared to control group, PTSD mice subjected to SPSS exhibited signs of despair, anxiety, and impaired learning and memory. HE and Nissl staining results showed neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex of PTSD mice. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression of the m6A-related proteins METTL3 and FTO decreased, while the expression of ALKBH5 increased in the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, NEUN protein levels showed a declining trend. ConclusionThe pathogenesis of PTSD may be associated with neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex and alterations in m6A methylation proteins.
3.Quality control protocol for adult overweight and obesity screening in health management (examination) institutions (2025 edition)
Jianling FAN ; Tiejun WANG ; Pengfei YANG ; Keke DING ; Xiaoning HAO ; Sunfang JIANG ; Ankang LÜ ; Jianping LU ; Sheng RONG ; Weibin SHI ; Shengwei SUN ; Yan TAN ; Qilei TU ; Zhiping WANG ; Bing WANG ; Jianyun WANG ; Weijian WANG ; Yan WANG ; Qun XU ; Chenli ZHANG ; Fan ZHANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Yansong ZHENG ; Jieru ZHOU ; Dan CHEN ; Jiaoyang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(6):1097-1111
Obesity, as a chronic recurrent disease, has become a major public health challenge in China. To implement the requirements of the Healthy China Initiative (2019—2030), under domestic guidelines or consensus statements on overweight and obesity, and in alignment with the latest scientific advances globally, the Quality control protocol for adult overweight and obesity screening in health management (examination) institutions (2025 edition) was developed. This protocol was drafted by the Health Management Center of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital and formulated through multiple rounds of deliberation by experts in China’s health examination quality control field. The protocol establishes unified standards for screening facilities, personnel qualifications, and measurement or testing procedures. It defines specific screening items, outlines a standardized screening pathway, and sets requirements for the final medical review, ensuring the scientific validity, effectiveness, and safety of the screening process. The implementation of this protocol will enhance the consistency of weight management practices for adults across health examination institutions and strengthen the quality control of overweight and obesity screening programs.
4.Analysis and prediction of disease burden of idiopathic epilepsy in China
Xiaojun WANG ; Chenwei LI ; Jianglin RAN ; Zhiheng FENG ; Keke YANG ; Huiyuan PENG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(7):689-698
Objective:To describe the temporal trend of disease burden of idiopathic epilepsy in China from 1990 to 2021 and predict the incidence of idiopathic epilepsy in China from 2022 to 2035 to provide references for the formulation of relevant health policies and measures.Methods:Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database regarding idiopathic epilepsy in China, changes in disease burden from 1990 to 2021 were acquired. Disease burden was quantified using age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate (ASDR) and their 95% uncertain interval (UI). Temporal trend analysis was performed using a linear regression model to estimate the estimated annual percent change (EAPC) and annual percentage change (APC) in incidence of idiopathic epilepsy and their 95% CI. Additionally, incidence and number of patients with idiopathic epilepsy in China from 2022 to 2035 were predicted using Bayesian age-period-cohort model. Results:The ASIR of idiopathic epilepsy increased from 22.35 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 15.04-30.92 per 100,000 population) to 28.19 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 19.03-37.89 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of 0.12% (95% CI: -0.10%-0.34%); ASPR of idiopathic epilepsy increased from 189.27 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 132.48-252.95 per 100,000 population) to 214.71 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 150.10-278.56 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -0.32% (95% CI: -0.57%-0.06%); ASMR of idiopathic epilepsy decreased from 1.86 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 1.59-2.24 per 100,000 population) to 0.80 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 0.67-1.00 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -2.96% (95% CI: -3.09%-2.82%); ASDR of idiopathic epilepsy decreased from 178.60 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 143.44-220.63 per 100,000 population) to 101.39 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 72.51-139.40 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -2.38% (95% CI: -2.54%-2.22%). The prediction model showed that by 2035, the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy in China will be 28.27 per 100,000 (95% CI: 23.19-38.66), with an estimated 394,928 incident cases (95% CI: 324,037-540,128). Conclusions:From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR and ASPR of idiopathic epilepsy in China show an upward trend, while the ASMR and ASDR hace a decline trend. Incidence of idiopathic epilepsy in China is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
5.Research advances in machine learning for prognosis and risk of adverse event prediction after mechanical thrombectomy in acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion
Chenwei LI ; Keke YANG ; Xiaojun WANG ; Weihua GUO ; Zhiheng FENG ; Huiyuan PENG
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(3):210-216,后插1
Acute large vessel occlusion stroke(ALVOS)of anterior circulation is associated with severe clinical manifestations and high rates of disability and mortality.Mechanical thrombectomy has emerged as the primary therapeutic intervention.However,post-procedural outcomes remain highly variable,and patients continue to face elevated risks of poor prognosis.Machine learning,a transformative tool in medical research,enables comprehensive analysis of multimodal data to identify specific biomarkers and improve the accuracy of predictions for clinical outcomes and adverse events.This review summarized the latest developments in machine learning applications aim at predicting post-thrombectomy prognosis and risk of adverse event,including futile recanalization,hemorrhagic transformation,and malignant cerebral edema in patients with anterior circulation ALVOS in order to provide a basis for developing personalized treatment plan and improve their clinical prognosis.
6.Research advances in machine learning for prognosis and risk of adverse event prediction after mechanical thrombectomy in acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion
Chenwei LI ; Keke YANG ; Xiaojun WANG ; Weihua GUO ; Zhiheng FENG ; Huiyuan PENG
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(3):210-216,后插1
Acute large vessel occlusion stroke(ALVOS)of anterior circulation is associated with severe clinical manifestations and high rates of disability and mortality.Mechanical thrombectomy has emerged as the primary therapeutic intervention.However,post-procedural outcomes remain highly variable,and patients continue to face elevated risks of poor prognosis.Machine learning,a transformative tool in medical research,enables comprehensive analysis of multimodal data to identify specific biomarkers and improve the accuracy of predictions for clinical outcomes and adverse events.This review summarized the latest developments in machine learning applications aim at predicting post-thrombectomy prognosis and risk of adverse event,including futile recanalization,hemorrhagic transformation,and malignant cerebral edema in patients with anterior circulation ALVOS in order to provide a basis for developing personalized treatment plan and improve their clinical prognosis.
7.Analysis and prediction of disease burden of idiopathic epilepsy in China
Xiaojun WANG ; Chenwei LI ; Jianglin RAN ; Zhiheng FENG ; Keke YANG ; Huiyuan PENG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(7):689-698
Objective:To describe the temporal trend of disease burden of idiopathic epilepsy in China from 1990 to 2021 and predict the incidence of idiopathic epilepsy in China from 2022 to 2035 to provide references for the formulation of relevant health policies and measures.Methods:Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database regarding idiopathic epilepsy in China, changes in disease burden from 1990 to 2021 were acquired. Disease burden was quantified using age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate (ASDR) and their 95% uncertain interval (UI). Temporal trend analysis was performed using a linear regression model to estimate the estimated annual percent change (EAPC) and annual percentage change (APC) in incidence of idiopathic epilepsy and their 95% CI. Additionally, incidence and number of patients with idiopathic epilepsy in China from 2022 to 2035 were predicted using Bayesian age-period-cohort model. Results:The ASIR of idiopathic epilepsy increased from 22.35 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 15.04-30.92 per 100,000 population) to 28.19 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 19.03-37.89 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of 0.12% (95% CI: -0.10%-0.34%); ASPR of idiopathic epilepsy increased from 189.27 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 132.48-252.95 per 100,000 population) to 214.71 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 150.10-278.56 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -0.32% (95% CI: -0.57%-0.06%); ASMR of idiopathic epilepsy decreased from 1.86 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 1.59-2.24 per 100,000 population) to 0.80 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 0.67-1.00 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -2.96% (95% CI: -3.09%-2.82%); ASDR of idiopathic epilepsy decreased from 178.60 per 100,000 population in 1990 (95% UI: 143.44-220.63 per 100,000 population) to 101.39 per 100,000 population in 2021 (95% UI: 72.51-139.40 per 100,000 population), with an EAPC of -2.38% (95% CI: -2.54%-2.22%). The prediction model showed that by 2035, the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy in China will be 28.27 per 100,000 (95% CI: 23.19-38.66), with an estimated 394,928 incident cases (95% CI: 324,037-540,128). Conclusions:From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR and ASPR of idiopathic epilepsy in China show an upward trend, while the ASMR and ASDR hace a decline trend. Incidence of idiopathic epilepsy in China is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
8.Mechanism study on the intervention of Jiawei Tongmai Huazheng Decoction on Wnt/β-catenin pathway promoting apoptosis of lesion cells in mice model of adenomyosis
Yang LIU ; Keke ZHANG ; Runhan WANG ; Wei SHI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(3):323-329
Objective:To study the effects of intervention of Jiawei Tongmai Huazhi Decoction in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway on apoptosis of lesion cells in mice with adenomyosis (AM); To discuss its mechanism of action.Methods:The AM mouse model was established using tamoxifen. The mice were divided into model group, Jiawei Tongmai Huazhi Decoction group, and progesterone group according to random number table method, with 7 mice in each group. Additionally, a blank group of 7 female mice was set up. Jiawei Tongmai Huazhi Decoction group received oral administration of Jiawei Tongmai Huazhi Decoction at a dosage of 36.51 g/kg/day, once daily. The progesterone group received oral administration of progesterone at a dose of 0.32 mg/kg twice a week. The blank group and model group received oral administration of the same volume of physiological saline once daily. After 2 months of intervention, the morphology of uterine tissues was observed by HE staining. The levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and prolactin (PRL) in the serum were measured by ELISA. The mRNA levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in uterine tissues were determined by PCR. The protein expressions of Wnt3a, β-catenin, Bax, and Bcl-2 in uterine tissues were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the model group, the levels of serum CA125 and PRL were reduced in the Jiawei Tongmai Huazhi Decoction group ( P<0.05). The protein expressions of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and Bcl-2 were also reduced ( P<0.05), the protein expressions of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and Bcl-2 decreased ( P<0.05), while the protein expressions of Bax increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Jiawei Tongmai Huazhi Decoction alleviates the progression of lesions by reducing serum CA125 and PRL levels in AM model mice, and can down-regulate Bcl-2 expression and up-regulate Bax expression, promoting apoptosis of ectopic lesion cells in mice. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway related expression proteins.
9.C-TIRADS combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound for evaluation of category 4 nodules in Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Sifan CHEN ; Feng CHEN ; Xiaofang TANG ; Zhou CHEN ; Keke YANG ; Fangqiang JIANG
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(3):21-25
Objective Evaluation of Chinese-thyroid imaging reporting and data system(C-TIRADS)combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)for the assessment of category 4 nodules in the setting of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.Methods Retrospective analysis of 120 C-TIRADS category 4 thyroid nodules from 79 patients with confirmed Hashimoto's thyroiditis who attended the Yiyang Central Hospital from June to December 2022.Thyroid nodules exhibiting one or more benign or malignant features that were suspicious on CEUS were treated as downgraded or upgraded one level.Using the final surgical pathology results as the gold standard,working characteristic(ROC)curves of subjects based on C-TIRADS grading before and after CEUS adjustment were plotted to compare diagnostic efficacy.Results The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the CEUS-adjusted C-TIRADS were 93.0%,87.8%and 90.8%,respectively(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve was 0.811 and 0.904,respectively(P<0.05).Conclusion C-TIRADS combined with CEUS has better diagnostic efficacy in evaluating category 4 nodules in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
10.Non-targeted Metabolomics Analysis of Fuling Yunhua Granules in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats
Mengyao TIAN ; Keke LUO ; Mengxiao WANG ; Tianbao HU ; Hongmei LI ; Zongyuan HE ; Lixin YANG ; Liyu HAO ; Nan SI ; Yuyang LIU ; Baolin BIAN ; Hongjie WANG ; Yanyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):195-204
ObjectiveBased on non-targeted metabolomics, to analyze the regulation of endogenous differential metabolites in serum of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) rats by Fuling Yunhua granules, and to clarify the metabolic pathways through which this granules exerted its effect on improving T2DM. MethodSeventy SD rats, half male and half female, were randomly divided into the control group, model group, and high, medium, low dose groups of Fuling Yunhua granules(20.70, 10.35, 5.18 g·kg-1 in raw drug amount) and the positive drug group(pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets, 8.1 mg·kg-1). Except for the control group, other groups were fed with high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ) to establish a T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, the treatment groups were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage, and the control group and model group were treated with an equal volume of saline by gavage, once/d, for 28 d. Fasting blood glucose(FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c(GHbA1c) levels were measured in all groups of rats during the administration period, and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathomorphological changes in the pancreatic tissues of rats at the end of the administration period. The endogenous metabolite levels in rat serum were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS), and the data were processed using principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). Differential metabolites were identified by the Human Metabolome Database(HMDB) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and screened for differential metabolites with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1, P<0.05, and fold change(FC)<0.6 or FC>1. And the metabolic pathway enrichment analysis of the screened differential metabolites was performed by MetaboAnalyst 5.0, then the screened differential metabolites were diagnosed and evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves. ResultCompared with the control group, the FBG level of rats in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01), the GHbA1c content tended to increase, but the difference was not statistically significant, and the pancreatic tissue of rats was obviously damaged, the number of pancreatic islets decreased, and the pancreatic β-cells were obviously reduced, atrophied and enlarged. Compared with the model group, the FBG levels of rats in the high dose group of Fuling Yunhua granules and the positive drug group were significantly reduced after 2 weeks of administration(P<0.05, P<0.01), the GHbA1c content of rats in the high dose group of Fuling Yunhua granules was significantly reduced(P<0.05), and the pancreatic tissue lesions of rats in the different dose groups of Fuling Yunhua granules were reduced. The results of non-targeted metabolomics showed that 46 differential metabolites were significantly changed in the model group compared with the blank group. Pathway enrichment analysis found that T2DM mainly affected biological processes including biosynthesis of primary bile acid, D-amino acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in rats. Compared with the model group, the levels of 8 differential metabolites in the high dose group of Fuling Yunhua granules were significantly adjusted, and the pathway enrichment analysis found that D-amino acid metabolism, retinol metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and other metabolic pathways were mainly involved. ROC curves further analysis revealed that the four characteristic differential markers of 11-cis-retinol, D-piperidinic acid, D-serine, and p-cresol sulfate had high diagnostic value for the treatment of T2DM with Fuling Yunhua granules. ConclusionFuling Yunhua granules can improve the symptoms of T2DM rats by regulating the amino acid metabolic and retinol metabolic pathways through the modulation of endogenous differential metabolites.

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