1.Mechanism of Shenfu Xiongze Prescription in Regulating Autophagy Level to Intervene in Myocardial Remodeling in Rats via AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xueqing WANG ; Wei ZHONG ; Liangliang PAN ; Caihong LI ; Man HAN ; Xiaowei YANG ; Yuanwang YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):136-144
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the Shenfu Xiongze prescription regulates autophagy in rats with myocardial remodeling through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of myocardial remodeling induced by isoprenaline (ISO) was established. Rats were divided into the blank group,the model group,the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription,and the captopril group, 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group,the rat model of myocardial remodeling was established in the other groups by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg·kg-1 ISO for 3 consecutive weeks. At the same time of modeling, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription were administered the corresponding doses of Shenfu Xiongze prescription solution (8.4,16.8,and 33.6 g·kg-1),and the captopril group was administered captopril solution (25 mg·kg-1). As for the blank group and the model group, the same volume of normal saline was given. The treatment was continued for 3 weeks. Echocardiography was used to observe the cardiac structure and function,and the heart weight index was detected. Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to observe the pathological morphology changes of myocardial tissue. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Collagen Ⅰ),type Ⅲ collagen (Collagen Ⅲ),and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) proteins in myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),LC3,yeast Atg6 homolog protein (Beclin-1),AMPK,and mTOR in myocardial tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ,α-SMA,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),LC3,Beclin-1,p62, phosphorylation(p)-AMPK,p-mTOR,AMPK,and mTOR was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group,rats in the model group exhibited significantly decreased values of ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) (P<0.01), significantly increased values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group also showed increased degrees of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of myocardial tissue, significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA,and mTOR (P<0.01),and markedly decreased mRNA and protein levels of LC3,Beclin-1,and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription presented significantly elevated EF and FS values (P<0.01) and lowered LVIDd and LVIDs (P<0.05). In these groups, the inflammation and fibrosis were alleviated significantly. They also exhibited decreased serum levels of IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly reduced protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, p62, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), significantly decreased mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, and mTOR (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of LC3, Beclin-1, and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe Shenfu Xiongze prescription can improve the myocardial remodeling induced by ISO in rats by regulating the autophagy level,enhance cardiac function,and reduce inflammatory and fibrotic levels. This effect may be achieved through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Xueqing LIU ; Xinyu ZHONG ; Tingting WANG ; Ning WANG ; Man LIU ; Li WU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):69-78
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes and one of its most common complications. Prolonged hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and pathological angiogenesis, ultimately disrupting the blood-retinal barrier(BRB) and leading to visual impairment or even blindness. Recent studies show that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of DR's pathological changes. Meanwhile, Chinese herbal monomers have been shown to modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby intervening in the development of DR. In terms of inhibiting oxidative stress, saponin compounds such as platycodin-D and ginsenoside Rb1 downregulate the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), thereby ameliorating retinal oxidative stress. Flavonoids such as total flavonoids from Pueraria lobata flower and puerarin upregulate the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), effectively clearing lipid peroxides. Regarding the suppression of inflammation, phenolic compounds like resveratrol and chlorogenic acid inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, reducing the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and mitigating inflammatory responses. In the context of inhibiting apoptosis, polysaccharides such as Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide and Angelica sinensis polysaccharide downregulate the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and suppress the activity of the executioner Caspase-3, thereby reducing the apoptosis rate. As for the inhibition of neovascularization, compounds including bilobalide and physcion significantly decrease the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to a reduction in retinal pathological angiogenesis. Furthermore, Chinese herbal compound prescriptions such as Tongluo Zhujing pills, Yiqi Huoxue Yangyin decoction, Qiming granules, and Danlou tablets can also intervene in the onset and progression of DR through the mechanisms described above. In summary, both Chinese herbal monomers and Chinese herbal compound prescriptions can modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, alleviate inflammation, and participate in maintaining BRB integrity, suppressing retinal neovascularization, and preventing neurodegeneration, thereby delaying the progression of DR. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes recent studies at home and abroad on how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) works to treat DR, and the relationship between the Nrf2 pathway and DR. It aims to provide research ideas for preventing and treating DR.
3.Analysis of iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021
Guangming MAO ; Zhe MO ; Simeng GU ; Yuanyang WANG ; Fanjia GUO ; Yujie JIANG ; Yahui LI ; Xueqing LI ; Zhijian CHEN ; Xiaofeng WANG ; Xiaoming LOU ; Chenyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):221-226
Objective:To investigate the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province, explore the impact of salt industry system reform on iodine nutrition level of pregnant women, and provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods:From 2016 to 2021, a multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select 100 pregnant women from 90 counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province each year as survey subjects. Salt samples were collected from pregnant women's families, and one random urine sample was taken for salt iodine and urinary iodine level testing, respectively.Results:A total of 56 581 samples of household edible salt were collected from pregnant women, with a median salt iodine level of 23.20 mg/kg. Among them, 7 961 were non iodized salt, 45 803 were qualified iodized salt, and 2 817 were unqualified iodized salt. The iodized salt coverage rate was 85.93% (48 620/56 581), and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 80.95% (45 803/56 581). The proportion of non iodized salt increased from 10.05% (897/8 928) in 2016 to 15.09% (1 461/9 679) in 2021 (χ 2trend = 95.16, P < 0.001). A total of 56 581 urine samples were collected from pregnant women, with a median urinary iodine level of 130.50 μg/L. Among them, the proportions of urinary iodine levels < 150, 150 - 249, 250 - 499, and ≥500 μg/L were 58.32% (32 996/56 581), 27.24% (15 410/56 581), 12.24% (6 926/56 581), and 2.21% (1 249/56 581), respectively. The median urinary iodine level of pregnant women in inland areas was significantly higher than that in coastal areas ( Z = 19.15, P < 0.001). Furthermore, urinary iodine levels exhibited a non-linear decline as age increased (χ 2regression = 12.65, P < 0.001; χ 2partial = 22.65, P < 0.001) and as pregnancy progressed (χ 2regression = 37.28, P < 0.001; χ 2partial = 18.89, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The overall iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province is in a state of iodine deficiency (< 150 μg/L), and there is a greater risk in coastal areas compared to inland areas. However, in the context of the reform of the salt industry system, it is still necessary to strengthen the quality supervision of iodized salt, provide scientific iodine supplementation education, promote specialized iodized salt for pregnant women, and strengthen interventions for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders.
4.Effects of type and abundance of sialic acid receptors on susceptibility and viral ti-ter of different strains of Newcastle disease virus
Bingmei DONG ; Wenya XU ; Lili SONG ; Yanling XING ; Mengran LI ; Ziye LI ; Xueqing WEN ; Jingran ZHANG ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Qiyuan NING
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(4):656-661
The receptors of Newcastle disease virus(NDV)are sialic acid receptors that mainly in-clude neu5ac-α-2,3gal-β-1,4Glc(SAα2,3Gal)and neu5ac-2-s-α-2,6Gal10Me(SAα2,6Gal).The distribution and abundance of the two receptors in host cells have important effects on virus sus-ceptibility and intracellular proliferation.In order to further explore the effects of sialic acid recep-tors on susceptibility and proliferation characteristics of NDV different strains,the expression lev-els of SAα2,3Gal and SAα2,6Gal receptors on BHK-21 cell membrane were adjusted by overex-pression and RNAi assays,and the TCID50 values were determined after different BHK-21 cells were inoculated with NDV strains Ⅰ and LaSota.The results suggested that NDV strain LaSota preferentially binds to SAα2,6Gal and strain Ⅰ selectively binds to SAα2,3Gal receptor.Further-more,the viral titers of NDV strains LaSota and Ⅰ in cell culture were positively correlated with the expression levels of SAα2,6Gal and SAα2,3Gal receptors on host cell membrane respectively.In conclusion,our studies provide an understanding of the relationship between infectivity of NDV different strains and receptor types of host cell,and provide a method to increase viral titer of NDV for cell-based vaccine production.
5.Application of supraclavicular and anterior sternocleidomastoid approach in open thyroid cancer surgery
Jiubing BAO ; Li ZHOU ; Xueqing FANG ; Min TANG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(7):713-717
Objective To study the application value of the supraclavicular and anterior sternocleidomastoid space approach in open thyroid cancer surgery.Methods A retrospective study of 65 patients with thyroid cancer from January 2023 to December 2023 was conducted,the patients were divided into experimental group(30 cases)and control group(35 cases),which received thyroid cancer operation via supraclavicular and Sternocleidomastoid muscle anterior space approach and conventional open thyroid cancer operation respectively.The perioperative period,quality of life,pain and complications were compared between the two groups.Results The incision length,the number of lymph nodes removed,the operation time,the blood loss,the drainage volume,the drainage time and the hospital stay in the observation group were(4.00±0.76)cm,(6.41±0.73),(66.32±2.93)minutes,(37.14±6.69)mL,(1.41±0.59)days and(16.68±1.9),respectively 1)ml and(5.14±1.25)days.The control groups were(5.54±1.03)cm,(4.31±0.68)pieces,(80.42±2.96)minutes,(55.54±2.67)ml,(3.15±0.67)days,(31.19±1.96)ml and(7.88±1.28)days respectively.There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.001).Under the effects of interaction,time point effect and inter-group effect,the EQ-5D-5L scale and NRS score will change with the time point variation due to different surgical methods.The incidences of choking cough when drinking water,neck tightness sensation and total adverse events in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).Conclusion The supraclavicular and anterior sternocleidomastoid approach can reduce the length of incision,shorten the operation time,reduce postoperative pain and complications,and improve the quality of life of patients with thyroid cancer.
6.Party building-guided initiatives in colorectal cancer screening and support for primary healthcare in-stitutions
Xueqing YAO ; Chengzhi HUANG ; Zhiyuan LIU ; Zhanyan GUO ; Yue ZHOU ; Weixian HU ; Xiaowu LI ; Zhenbin LIN ; Yuemei ZHONG ; Dailan XIONG ; Zejian LYU ; Junjiang WANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(8):1274-1276
With the advancement of China's healthcare reform,enhancing the capacity of primary healthcare services has become a pivotal task.Colorectal cancer,one of the most prevalent malignancies in China,highlights the critical importance of early screening and diagnosis to improve patient survival rates.This study,guided by the principles of Party building and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics,examines the implementation and outcomes of a rural outreach program focused on colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic technologies.By promoting the dissemination of colorectal cancer screening initiatives,the paper aims to provide empirical evidence to support the deepening of primary-care services,foster high-quality ad-vancement of grassroots health services,and align with the national Healthy China Initiative,thereby more effectively safeguarding population health.
7.Analysis of iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021
Guangming MAO ; Zhe MO ; Simeng GU ; Yuanyang WANG ; Fanjia GUO ; Yujie JIANG ; Yahui LI ; Xueqing LI ; Zhijian CHEN ; Xiaofeng WANG ; Xiaoming LOU ; Chenyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):221-226
Objective:To investigate the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province, explore the impact of salt industry system reform on iodine nutrition level of pregnant women, and provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods:From 2016 to 2021, a multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select 100 pregnant women from 90 counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province each year as survey subjects. Salt samples were collected from pregnant women's families, and one random urine sample was taken for salt iodine and urinary iodine level testing, respectively.Results:A total of 56 581 samples of household edible salt were collected from pregnant women, with a median salt iodine level of 23.20 mg/kg. Among them, 7 961 were non iodized salt, 45 803 were qualified iodized salt, and 2 817 were unqualified iodized salt. The iodized salt coverage rate was 85.93% (48 620/56 581), and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 80.95% (45 803/56 581). The proportion of non iodized salt increased from 10.05% (897/8 928) in 2016 to 15.09% (1 461/9 679) in 2021 (χ 2trend = 95.16, P < 0.001). A total of 56 581 urine samples were collected from pregnant women, with a median urinary iodine level of 130.50 μg/L. Among them, the proportions of urinary iodine levels < 150, 150 - 249, 250 - 499, and ≥500 μg/L were 58.32% (32 996/56 581), 27.24% (15 410/56 581), 12.24% (6 926/56 581), and 2.21% (1 249/56 581), respectively. The median urinary iodine level of pregnant women in inland areas was significantly higher than that in coastal areas ( Z = 19.15, P < 0.001). Furthermore, urinary iodine levels exhibited a non-linear decline as age increased (χ 2regression = 12.65, P < 0.001; χ 2partial = 22.65, P < 0.001) and as pregnancy progressed (χ 2regression = 37.28, P < 0.001; χ 2partial = 18.89, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The overall iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province is in a state of iodine deficiency (< 150 μg/L), and there is a greater risk in coastal areas compared to inland areas. However, in the context of the reform of the salt industry system, it is still necessary to strengthen the quality supervision of iodized salt, provide scientific iodine supplementation education, promote specialized iodized salt for pregnant women, and strengthen interventions for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders.
8.Correlations of sleep quality and architecture with heart rate variability in patients with stenoses of vertebrobasilar artery system and internal carotid artery system
Suisui MA ; Changming WEN ; Yanlu JIA ; Hui LI ; Mengya XU ; Xueqing CUI ; Shuning SUN ; Yaoheng ZHANG ; Haozhe YIN ; Chunling LIU
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(4):362-369
Objective:To explore the correlations of sleep quality and architecture with heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with stenoses of vertebrobasilar artery system and internal carotid artery system.Methods:A retrospective study was performed; 72 patients with stenosis or occlusion of the head and neck arteries (not resulting in cerebral infarction) admitted to Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2023 to June 2024 were chosen, including 33 patients with moderate-to-severe stenosis or occlusion of the vertebrobasilar system (VB group) and 39 patients with moderate-to-severe stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery system (ICA group). Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and polysomnography (PSG) were used to evaluate the sleep quality and architecture, respectively; and 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram was used to assess the HRV. Differences in PSQI score, PSG and HRV parameters between the two groups were compared; partial correlation analysis was used to explore the correlations of HRV parameters with PSQI scores and PSG parameters; multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the independent influencing factors for HRV.Results:(1) Compared with the ICA group, the VB group exhibited significantly higher PSQI scores, spontaneous arousal index (SAI), ratio of time of stage 1 non-rapid eye movement sleep/total sleep time (T N1/T t), and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), while significantly lower ratio of time of rapid eye movement sleep/total sleep time (T R/T t), spindle wave density in stage 2 non-rapid eye movement sleep (N2), lowest blood oxygen saturation, standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (SDNN) of all sinus beats, low-frequency power (LF), and high-frequency power (HF, P<0.05). (2) In both VB group and ICA group, SDNN was negatively correlated with PSQI score ( r=-0.461, P=0.020; r=-0.378, P=0.036). In the VB group, SDNN was negatively correlated with T N1/T t ( r=-0.467, P=0.019) and SAI ( r=-0.551, P=0.004), and positively correlated with ratio of time of stage 3 non-rapid eye movement sleep/total sleep time (T N3/T t, r=0.686, P<0.001) and spindle wave density in N2 ( r=0.518, P=0.008); LF and HF were negatively correlated with SAI ( r=-0.481, P=0.015; r=-0.564, P=0.003). In the ICA group, HF was negatively correlated with spindle wave density in N2 ( r=-0.369; P=0.041). (3) Multivariate linear regression results indicated that T N3/T t (β=0.348, P=0.018), SAI (β=-0.330, P=0.018), and spindle wave density in N2 (β=0.286, P=0.013) were independent influencing factors for Ln_SDNN in patients with moderate-to-severe stenosis or occlusion of the vertebrobasilar system. Conclusion:Patients with stenosis or occlusion of the vertebrobasilar system exhibit poorer subjective sleep quality, increased light sleep, heightened arousal, and reduced sleep stability compared with those with stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery system, which may be caused by the imbalance of autonomic nerve function.
9.Continuing care needs of primary caregivers for neonates with enterostomy: a qualitative study
Yunsha KUANG ; Sufang LI ; Tingting YAN ; Lu CHEN ; Xueqing LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(2):244-248
Objective:To explore the continuing care needs of primary caregivers for neonates with enterostomy during the discharge transition period, based on Meleis's Transitions Theory.Methods:Totally 17 primary caregivers of neonates with enterostomy who were hospitalized or attending follow-up visits at Shenzhen Children's Hospital from June to December 2022 were selected by purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis method.Results:Four themes emerged: the need for caregiving knowledge, guidance on stoma care and operation skills, the demand for diverse forms of continuing care services, and psychological support needs.Conclusions:Primary caregivers for neonates with enterostomy face numerous challenges and needs during the discharge transition period. Essential strategies include providing stoma care training and assessment before discharge, enhancing caregiving capacity, implementing diversified health education to improve caregivers' knowledge accessibility, delivering hybrid (online and offline) multidisciplinary continuing care services, and addressing caregivers' psychological well-being.
10.Prevalence of sarcopenia and influencing factors in middle-aged and older adults in Zhejiang Province
Yincun WANG ; Xucheng WU ; Kaili SUN ; Xueqing JIA ; Liming ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Jing SHAO ; Zuobing CHEN ; Xiaoting LIU ; Peng ZHAN ; Zuyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(7):1224-1230
Objective:To investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and potential influencing factors in middle-aged and elderly populations in Zhejiang Province.Methods:Data were obtained from Zhejiang Provincial Household Economic Status Survey, a cross-sectional survey was condcuted in middle-aged and olde adults selected through multi-stage sampling in three cities in Zhejiang (Huzhou, Jiaxing and Shaoxing) in July 2023. A total of 3 019 study participants, average age 62.3 years old, 53.5% men, were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sarcopenia screening was conducted by using the questionnaire with five sarcopenia related-items. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with sarcopenia.Results:The prevalence of sarcopenia in the middle-aged and old study participants was 4.47%. Significant differences were observed between the participants with or without sarcopenia in terms of age, educational level, BMI, alcohol consumption status, diet habit, physical activity level, sleep quality, number of chronic diseases, childhood socioeconomic status, adulthood community socioeconomic status, muscle strength, walking assistance, ability to stand from seat, ability to climb stairs, and fall frequency ( P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that old age (≥75 years: OR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.60-4.97), low body weight ( OR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.06-3.62), unhealthy diet habit ( OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.01-2.46), physical inactivity ( OR=5.80, 95% CI: 3.09-10.88), poor or very poor sleep quality ( OR=1.65, 95% CI:1.23-2.41), number of chronic diseases (1 chronic disease: OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.08-3.14; 2 chronic diseases: OR=3.22, 95% CI: 1.81-5.71; 3 or more chronic diseases: OR=3.74, 95% CI: 2.11-6.65), poor childhood socioeconomic status ( OR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.23-7.20), and poor adulthood community socioeconomic status ( OR=3.87, 95% CI: 1.63-9.17) were significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Conclusions:The prevalence of sarcopenia was relatively low in middle-aged and old population in Zhejiang. Age, BMI, unhealthy diet, physical activity level, sleep quality, number of chronic diseases, childhood socioeconomic status, and adulthood community socioeconomic status were identified as significant influencing factors.

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