1.Effect of Quercetin on Cuproptosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rats and Its Mechanism via SLC31A1/FDX1 Pathway
Haoruo YANG ; Qiuai KOU ; Junhua REN ; Guo YUAN ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):121-130
ObjectiveTo observe the influence and therapeutic effect of quercetin on cuproptosis in rheumatoid arthritis rats and to explore its possible mechanism based on the solute carrier family 31 member 1 (SLC31A1)/ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) pathway. MethodsSixty male SD rats were divided into six groups: A control group, a model group, high- and low-dose quercetin groups (150 and 50 mg·kg-1), a cuproptosis inhibitor (tetrathiomolybdate, TTM) group (10 mg·kg-1), and a methotrexate group (2 mg·kg-1), 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group, the model of rheumatoid arthritis (CIA) rats was established by type Ⅱ collagen induction method. After successful modeling, each drug group was intervened according to the corresponding dose of drugs, and the control group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline by gavage, once a day, which lasted for 4 weeks. The swelling degree of rats' feet was observed, and the clinical arthritis scores were determined. The levels of serum rheumatoid factor (RF), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of copper ion (Cu), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) in joint tissue was detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of joint tissue. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dihydrolipoic acid transacetylase (DLAT) were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1, FDX1, lipoic acid synthase (LIAS), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit β (PDHB), and copper transporting P-type ATPase β (ATP7B) was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group exhibited joint swelling and deformity, significantly increased clinical arthritis scores, obvious bone destruction, synovial hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration in joint tissue. In addition, the serum levels of RF, MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Cp showed significant elevation, while the level of IL-10 was significantly reduced. The levels of Cu, MDA, ROS, and DLAT in joint tissue were markedly increased, whereas SOD and GSH content was significantly decreased. The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1 and HSP70 was significantly up-regulated, while the protein and mRNA expression of FDX1, LIAS, PDHB, and ATP7B was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, each treatment group exhibited varying degrees of improvement in joint swelling and deformation as well as clinical arthritis scores in rats. Additionally, there was a reduction in joint bone destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and synovial hyperplasia in rats. Furthermore, the serum levels of RF, MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Cp significantly decreased, while the level of IL-10 increased significantly. In joint tissue, the levels of Cu, MDA, ROS, and DLAT showed significant decreases, while SOD and GSH content exhibited significant increases. The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1 and HSP70 was down-regulated, while the protein and mRNA expression of FDX1, LIAS, PDHB, and ATP7B was up-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionQuercetin effectively reduces synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration in rats with rheumatoid arthritis, thereby alleviating pathological damage to joint tissue. This effect may be attributed to the blockade of the SLC31A1/FDX1 signaling pathway activation and inhibition of excessive cuproptosis.
2.Analysis of Quality Uniformity of Hengzhi Kechuan Capsules Based on HPLC-DAD-CAD
Qian MA ; An LIU ; Qingxia XU ; Cong GUO ; Jun ZHANG ; Maoqing WANG ; Xiaodi KOU ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):168-174
ObjectiveTo establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules, to quantitatively analyze 10 index components, and to evaluate the quality uniformity of samples from different batches. MethodsThe fingerprints and quantitative analysis of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules were established by a combination method of high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and charged aerosol detector(HPLC-DAD-CAD), adenosine, guanosine, vanillic acid, safflomin A, agarotetrol, naringin, hesperidin, militarine, ginsenoside Rb1, and glycyrrhizic acid were selected as quality attribute indexes. A total of 15 batches of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules from 2022 to 2024(3 boxes per batch) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and the quality uniformity level of the manufacturers was characterized by parameters of intra-batch consistency(PA) and inter-batch consistency(PB). The homogeneity and difference of quality attribute indexes of samples from different years were analyzed by heatmap clustering analysis. ResultsHPLC fingerprints and quantitative method of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules were established, and the methods could be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of this preparation, which was found to be stable and reliable by method validation. The similarity of fingerprints of 15 batches of samples was 0.887-0.975, a total of 13 common peaks were calibrated, and 10 common peaks were designated, all of which were quality attribute index components. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the contents of the above 10 ingredients in the samples were 0.038-0.078, 0.115-0.251, 0.007-0.018, 0.291-0.673, 0.122-0.257, 0.887-1.905, 1.841-3.364, 1.412-2.450, 2.207-3.112, 0.650-1.161, respectively. And the contents of ginsenoside Rb1 and glycyrrhizic acid met the limit requirements in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. For the samples from 15 batches, the PA values of the 10 index components were all <10%, indicating good intra-batch homogeneity, and the PB values ranged from 33.86% to 92.97%, suggesting that the inter-batch homogeneity was poor. Heatmap clustering analysis showed that the samples from different years were clustered into separate categories, and adenosine, guanosine, safflomin A, naringin, hesperidin and agarotetrol were the main differential components. ConclusionThe intra-annual quality uniformity of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules is good and the inter-annual quality uniformity is insufficient, which may be related to the quality difference of Pinellinae Rhizoma Praeparatum, Carthami Flos, Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum, Citri Fructus, etc. In this study, the fingerprint and multi-indicator determination method of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules was established, which can be used for more accurate and efficient quality control and standardization enhancement.
3.Ethical examination of artificial intelligence application in Alzheimer’s disease imaging diagnosis
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):179-186
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, fatal, and neurodegenerative disease, clinically characterized by gradually developed cognitive and memory function decline, language and visuospatial disorders, and other aspects. It remains incurable and irreversible to date. In clinical settings, Alzheimer’s disease usually faces the possibility of untimely diagnosis, causing difficulties in the early intervention of the disease. Thus, it is essential to improve diagnostic efficiency and help patients diagnose Alzheimer’s disease as early as possible. With the continuous development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, its application in Alzheimer’s disease imaging diagnosis has shown great potential. Meanwhile, it is also accompanied by many ethical issues. By exploring the ethical challenges brought by AI in the research and application of Alzheimer’s disease imaging diagnosis, such as data security, interpretability, algorithmic discrimination, and disclosure of incidental findings, the paper proposed the corresponding countermeasures, with a view to providing certain ethical guidance for the AI application in medical imaging diagnosis, protecting the rights and interests of subjects/patients, and promoting the healthy development of technology.
4.Clinical Observation on 60 Cases of Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion
Lu TIAN ; Hongwu XIE ; Meihua LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Shaozhong XU ; Changjun LI ; Zhixiong KOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):492-500
ObjectiveTo explore the central neuroregulation mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis on pain relief. MethodsThirty patients who did not have experience of Deqi (得气) during heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment were assigned to the "non-Deqi group", while another 30 patients who had experience of Deqi were assigned to the "Deqi group". Both groups received moxibustion at the left Heding (EX-LE2) acupoint. In the Deqi group, after the patients experienced sensation of Deqi at the acupoint, moxibustion was applied at approximately 3 cm from the skin for 10 minutes; in the non-Deqi group, moxibustion was also applied at approximately 3 cm from the skin for 10 minutes. Both groups received treatment once daily for 10 consecutive days. Knee joint pain was assessed before and after treatment using the visual analog scale (VAS). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were performed on all participants before the first treatment session and after the final session on the 10th day. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) maps before and after treatment were processed using the SPM12 module by MATLAB. ResultsAfter treatment, VAS scores in both groups were significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01), with the Deqi group showing significantly lower VAS scores than the non-Deqi group (P<0.01). Compared to before treatment, the Deqi group exhibited significant activation in the prefrontal cortex (t = 6.28), white matter (t = 6.36), and left temporal lobe (t = 9.33), while significant inhibition was observed in the occipital lobe (t = -9.86) and right cerebrum (t = -4.54, P<0.01); in the non-Deqi group, significant changes after treatment were observed in the left occipital lobe (t = -6.42), left medial frontal gyrus (t = -4.35), left middle frontal gyrus (t = -4.74), right superior frontal gyrus (t = -4.82), right superior temporal gyrus (t = -6.61), and right cerebellar posterior lobe (t = -8.64), all of which were in inhibited states (P<0.01). Compared to the non-Deqi group, the Deqi group exhibited significant activation after treatment in the external nucleus (t = 5.77), white matter (t = 3.58), right cerebrum (t = 5.84), left cerebellum (t = 5.35), and left cerebrum (t = 4.32), while significant inhibition was observed in the prefrontal cortex (t = -4.16), occipital lobe (t = -4.87), and precentral gyrus (t = -4.46, P<0.01). ConclusionsHeat-sensitive moxibustion provides better analgesic effects for knee osteoarthritis under state of Deqi. Its central neuroregulation mechanism may be related to the involvement of the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, external nucleus, white matter, right cerebrum, left cerebellum, left cerebrum, and precentral gyrus in modulating pain signals.
5.Investigation and analysis of the current situation of occupational stress of radiation workers in China
Qi ZHANG ; Jianfei LU ; Peng TONG ; Haoran SUN ; Shanshan KOU ; Xiaolan ZHOU ; ·Yusufu AIKEBAIER ; Weiguo ZHU ; Changsong HOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):46-54
Objective To investigate and analyze the occupational stress levels and influencing factors among radiation workers in China, and provide a reference for alleviating occupational stress and promoting mental health. Methods Using the general situation questionnaire, Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, and radiation protection knowledge questionnaire, a convenience sampling method was adopted to investigate the occupational stress of 243 radiation workers in Liaoning, Fujian, Guangdong, and Xinjiang provinces. The independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors. Results The average score of Effort-Reward Imbalance was 0.97 ± 0.22, and 100 (41.15%) radiation workers had occupational stress. There were significant differences in the detection rate of occupational stress among radiation workers of different ages, working years in radiation positions, monthly incomes, daily sleep durations, and daily working hours (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified daily working hours as a factor contributing to occupational stress. Conclusion The occupational stress among radiation workers in China is relatively severe. It is recommended to pay attention to the associated risks and implement targeted intervention measures to reduce the impact of occupational stress.
6.Computer-simulated repositioning combined with pelvic reduction frame for treatment of anteroposterior compression-III pelvic fractures
Zhenyang GAO ; Xiuan ZENG ; Qibing YANG ; Xianshuai KOU ; Kejing WANG ; Meng LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1870-1875
BACKGROUND:Pelvic fractures encompass a range of types,and the utilization of a pelvic reduction frame for restoration often lacks a systematic repositioning method.Instead,it relies on the operator's experience in conjunction with fluoroscopic findings,which can lead to uncertainty and non-reproducibility. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical efficacy of combining computer-simulated repositioning techniques with a pelvic reduction frame for the treatment of anteroposterior compression-III pelvic fractures. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 19 patients with anteroposterior compression-III pelvic fractures who underwent preoperative repositioning via computer simulation and intraoperative repositioning with the assistance of a pelvic reduction frame between January 2018 and December 2021.Among them,7 cases were fixed with double plate in anterior ring and 12 cases were fixed with single plate combined with anterior subcutaneous internal fixation(INFIX).All patients received posterior ring fixation with two sacroiliac screws.Operative duration,intraoperative reduction time,the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy use,blood loss,and follow-up duration were documented.These data were utilized to monitor fracture healing time and postoperative complications.Fracture reduction quality was evaluated according to the Matta scale,and the Majeed Pelvic Function Score was employed to assess patient function during the final follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Surgery was successfully completed in all 19 patients.The anterior ring was secured with double plates in 7 cases,while a single plate combined with INFIX was utilized in 12 cases.The posterior ring was stabilized with two sacroiliac screws,specifically targeting the S1 and S2 cones.(2)The operation duration ranged from 74 to 147 minutes,with a mean of(101.63±19.55)minutes.Intraoperative repositioning took place over a period of 26 to 41 minutes,with a mean of(38.11±3.31)minutes.The number of intraoperative fluoroscopies conducted ranged from 35 to 81,with a mean of(62.68±13.11)times.Intraoperative bleeding volumes varied from 60 to 130 mL,with a mean of(85.37±20.57)mL.(3)All the patients were diligently monitored for a duration of 12 to 26 months.Fracture healing was observed within a time frame of 12 to 20 weeks,with a mean of(16.37±2.50)weeks.(4)The evaluation according to Matta's criteria one day post-surgery revealed excellent outcomes in 14 cases and good outcomes in 5 cases.At the final follow-up,the Majeed function score indicated excellent results in 16 cases and good results in 3 cases.(5)Two patients experienced localized fat liquefaction phenomena,characterized by redness,swelling,and oozing at the incision site,which gradually resolved with proactive dressing changes.None of the patients encountered complications such as internal fixation loosening,loss of fracture reduction,or nerve injuries post-surgery.It is concluded that the combined approach of using computer-simulated repositioning techniques in conjunction with pelvic reduction frames for the treatment of anteroposterior compression-III pelvic fractures has advantages in enhancing repositioning efficiency and improving pelvic function.
7.Research on the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships in patients with sudden deafness from the perspective of narrative medicine
Jingjing LI ; XiaoHui KOU ; Hui LYU ; Aling ZHANG ; Hui YANG ; Weijun MA ; Jiayi WANG ; Caiqin WU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(6):718-726
Patients with sudden deafness encounter greater psychological challenges and communication barriers after experiencing sudden hearing loss, and traditional medical models often fail to adequately address their unique needs. This paper analyzed the current situation of emotional and behavioral changes in patients with sudden deafness, and the gap between their expectations and the reality of medical care. From the perspective of narrative medicine, the theory and characteristics of the reconstruction of the doctor-patient relationships in patients with sudden deafness were explored. The results showed that narrative medicine can enhance patients’ emotional resonance and understanding, improve the efficiency and quality of doctor-patient communication, promote the formulation of personalized treatment plans, and enhance treatment adherence and satisfaction. Based on these results, strategies and pathways for the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships for patients with sudden deafness were proposed, including building empathetic bridges and tapping into mechanisms of emotional resonance within narrative medicine; optimizing communication strategies and promoting the application of narrative techniques in doctor-patient dialogues; connecting narrative pathways and advocating the exploration of stories and strategies in personalized treatments; as well as facilitating treatment adherence and making full use of the psychodynamic effects of narrative medicine. Narrative medicine, as a patient-centered medical practice, can effectively promote the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships, enhance treatment effectiveness, and offer a more humane treatment experience for patients.
8.Treatment of Asthma by Regulation of Intestinal Flora in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on "Lung-Intestinal Coordination Therapy"
Wei ZHANG ; Jie SHI ; Xishu TAN ; Yule KOU ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):307-314
Bronchial asthma (asthma) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by airflow limitation, airway remodeling, and recurrent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough. Its prevalence is gradually increasing, and a portion of patients are still poorly controlled, leading to a serious social and medical burden. Modern studies have proposed the concept of the "lung-gut axis", which is based on the crosstalk between microorganisms and their metabolites in the lungs and large intestine, and have indicated that microbial dysbiosis in these organs may affect the onset and progression of asthma. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has found the phenomenon of lung-intestinal comorbidity and put forward the importance of "lung-intestinal coordination therapy" in the treatment of lung-related diseases. It has been found that intestinal flora and their metabolites can modulate immune responses through the lung-gut axis, demonstrating great potential for predicting asthma susceptibility, anticipating phenotypes, assessing asthma severity, and guiding treatment. TCM comopunds that embody lung-intestinal coordination therapy, including herbal formulas, single herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, acupoint application, and spinal pinching therapy, has been shown to regulate intestinal flora, improve metabolism, regulate immunity, alleviate lung inflammation, reduce mucus secretion, inhibit airway remodeling, effectively alleviate symptoms, and delay lung function decline. Based on "lung-intestinal coordination therapy", this paper used intestinal flora as the entry point to summarize the underlying mechanisms of TCM in asthma treatment and highlighted the pivotal role of intestinal flora in asthma, providing a new idea for its clinical treatment through the intestinal flora .
9.Ameliorative effect of Xuebijing injection on acute lung injury in sepsis by interfering with cGAS/STING pathway
Xiangying QIN ; Liyuan ZHANG ; Jiahu TANG ; Meng YUE ; Junping KOU ; Yuanyuan ZHANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(3):350-357
To investigate the effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on cGAS/STING pathway in alleviating sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI), the mouse sepsis-induced ALI model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and the cell inflammation model was constructed by LPS stimulating RAW264.7 cells. The effects of XBJ on lung tissue injury and cGAS/STING pathway-related protein expression in septic mice were investigated by HE staining, ELISA, and Western blot. The results showed that XBJ intervention could alleviate lung tissue injury, reduce serum IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-β, IL-1-β levels, and the expression of cGAS, STING, p-TBK1, and p-IRF3 proteins in lung tissue in vivo, and reduce the mRNA level of related inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 cells and the expression of cGAS/STING pathway proteins in vitro. The results showed that XBJ could play a role in the prevention and treatment of sepsis-induced ALI by inhibiting the inflammatory response via inhibition of the activation of cGAS/STING pathway. This study provides a new molecular mechanism for the clinical prevention and treatment of sepsis-induced acute lung injury with XBJ.
10.Dose analysis of eye lens and fingers of interventional radiology workers in Baoji City, China
Xinmei HU ; Zhongli WANG ; Zhigang JI ; Hui CHAO ; Guangping KOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):336-342
Objective To investigate the eye lens and hand dose levels of interventional radiology workers in Baoji City, China, and to provide data reference for radiation protection. Methods In two general hospitals, the eye lens and finger doses of 121 interventional radiology workers were monitored between 2021 and 2023. The average annual dose levels and dose distribution were analyzed based on years, job positions, surgical sites, and duties during surgery. Results The average annual dose to the eye lens was 3.36 mSv, with the highest dose of 16.36 mSv. The average annual dose to the fingers was 3.38 mSv, with the highest dose of 17.72 mSv. The average annual dose to the eye lens and fingers decreased from 2021 to 2023. The average annual dose to the eye lens of the interventional surgeons was higher than those of the technicians and nurses, while the average annual dose to the fingers of the interventional surgeons was higher than that of the technicians. The average annual doses to the eye lens and fingers of the first operator were similar to those of the second operator, but both were higher than other personnel involved in the interventional surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There were linear regression relationships between the annual doses to the eye lens and fingers and the effective whole-body dose of the interventional radiology workers. A paired test was conducted on the annual dose to the eye lens and fingers of the interventional workers for different surgical sites. The cardiovascular and peripheral vascular interventional workers had higher average annual doses to the eye lens than to the fingers, the cerebrovascular interventional workers had a higher average annual dose to the fingers than to the eye lens, and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion The annual doses to the eye lens and fingers of the interventional radiology workers in Baoji City were lower than the national limits. However, some workers showed eye lens annual doses close to the new international standard limit (20 mSv). Special attention should be given to interventional physicians, especially the first and second surgeons.

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