1.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
2.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
3.The clinical value of AGR,PSA combined with Gleason score in predicting biochemical recurrence in patients with localized prostate cancer after radical resection
Le ZHANG ; Guan ZHANG ; Qiubo XIE ; Jian SONG ; Xiang LI ; Yiyuan TU ; Tiejun PAN
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(4):333-338
Objective To explore the clinical value of albumin-globulin ratio(AGR)combined with prostate-specific antigen(PSA)and Gleason score in predicting biochemical recurrence(BCR)after radical resection in patients with localized prostate cancer, and to provide reference for early identification of BCR high-risk patients and individualized treatment. Methods The clinical data of 114 patients with localized prostate cancer treated during Sep.2019 and Sep.2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to postoperative BCR status, patients were divided into the BCR group(n=43)and non-BCR group(n=71).Preoperative clinical and pathological data were compared between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess the correlation between these indicators and BCR.The predictive performance of the combined model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare biochemical recurrence-free survival(BFS)among patients with different AGR, PSA levels and Gleason scores.Results Compared with the non-BCR group, the BCR group had significantly higher PSA level and ISUP grading, but significantly lower AGR level(P<0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that AGR was negatively correlated with BCR(HR=0.031, 95%CI:0.008-0.119, P<0.001), PSA was positively correlated with BCR(HR=1.009, 95%CI:1.002-1.016, P=0.017), and Gleason score was positively correlated with BCR(HR=1.551, 95%CI:1.199-2.005, P<0.001).The area under the ROC curve(AUC)for the combined prediction model(AGR + PSA + Gleason score)was 0.886, with a sensitivity of 90.7% and a specificity of 78.9%.Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that patients in the low AGR group, high PSA group, and high Gleason score group had significantly lower BFS than those in the high AGR group, low PSA group and low Gleason score group, respectively(all P<0.0001).Conclusion The combination of AGR, PSA and Gleason score is closely associated with postoperative BCR in patients with localized prostate cancer.The combined prediction model demonstrates high predictive efficacy and can provide an important reference for the early identification of high-risk BCR patients and for guiding individualized postoperative treatment.
4.Rules of moxibustion for low back pain by ZHOU Meisheng based on data mining and knowledge graph technology.
Chi WANG ; Caifeng ZHU ; Jiayu ZHANG ; Bingyuan ZHOU ; Xiaoyu CHEN ; Le CHENG ; Miaomiao XIE ; Xuechun DING
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):823-833
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the rules of moxibustion for low back pain by ZHOU Meisheng by using data mining and knowledge graph technology.
METHODS:
Taking the medical cases of moxibustion for low back pain from ZHOU Meisheng's legacy manuscripts and existing works as the research objects, information on disease types, symptoms, tongue manifestations, pulse conditions, syndrome patterns, moxibustion methods and acupoints were collected. Frequency statistics and community analysis were conducted by the ancient and modern medical record cloud platform V 2.3.7, cluster analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed by SPSS26.0, association rule analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed by SPSS Modeler 18.0, and the generated linked data were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 for complex network analysis. Knowledge graph of moxibustion for low back pain by ZHOU Meisheng was constructed based on the results of data mining. The data storage and display of knowledge graph were realized through the Neo4j 3.5.25 graph database, and the Cypher query language was used for knowledge graph retrieval and discovery.
RESULTS:
A total of 219 medical cases were collected, involving 14 disease types, 85 related clinical symptoms, 5 related TCM syndrome types, and 6 moxibustion methods. The acupoints were mostly attributed to the governor vessel, the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang, non-meridian and non-acupoint areas. The core prescription of acupoints derived from complex network analysis included tender points, Shenshu (BL23), Jinsuo (GV8), Yinjiao (CV7), Yaoyangguan (GV3), Yanglingquan (GB34), which were largely coincides with high-frequency acupoints. Cluster analysis obtained 4 cluster combinations. Community analysis yielded 6 communities, each corresponding to different acupoints.The constructed knowledge graph contained 187 nodes and 696 relationships, by retrieving clinical elements related to low back pain, the disease-moxibustion association graph, disease-acupoint association graph, accompanying symptom-acupoint association graph and syndrome type-matching point association graph were obtained.
CONCLUSION
When treating low back pain with moxibustion, ZHOU Meisheng adopts the principle of promoting circulation, distinguishing diseases to determine the treatment, selecting acupoints according to the diseases, and matching points according to the symptoms.And taking tender points, Shenshu (BL23), Jinsuo (GV8), Yinjiao (CV7), Yaoyangguan (GV3), Yanglingquan (GB34) as core acupoints, combined with tenderness point selection, acupoint selection based on meridian and zangfu syndrome differentiation, "sunshine area" acupoint selection, yin-yang acupoint matching. Additionally, he skillfully employs special points, such as Zhongzhu (KI15) and ear tips, pays attention to the reform of moxibustion tools, and innovates the moxibustion techniques, using distinctive moxibustion tools and methods to treat low back pain.
Moxibustion/methods*
;
Humans
;
Data Mining
;
Low Back Pain/history*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
History, Ancient
;
Female
;
China
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
5.Two cases of occupational acute and severe methyl acetate poisoning
Qiaoying XIE ; Yanming CHU ; Yanna LE
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(10):767-769
Methyl acetic acid methyl ester (MAME), a colorless, transparent, low-toxicity chemical with an aromatic odor, is widely used in the textile industry as a liquid substance. When absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, MAME is metabolized into methanol, potentially causing methanol-like poisoning symptoms. Clinical manifestations vary significantly among individuals, commonly presenting as metabolic acidosis, toxic encephalopathy, optic nerve damage, and even death, all associated with accumulation of formate in the body. This study reports two cases of acute MAME poisoning from August to December 2024. Both patients had confirmed occupational exposure to MAME and exhibited acute optic nerve and retinal damage, diagnosed as occupational acute severe MAME poisoning.
6.Clinicopathological characteristics of cutaneous melanocytic tumor with CRTC1::TRIM11 fusion of three cases
Yuanyuan XU ; Botao FAN ; Le XIE ; Yingxin HUANG ; Hongling LI ; Jinhui ZHANG ; Xuxuan WEI ; Rongjun MAO
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(12):1270-1275
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and diagnostic criteria of cutaneous melanocytic tumor with CRTC1::TRIM11 fusion (CMTCT), and to improve understanding of this entity.Methods:The clinical features, histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular characteristics of 3 CMTCT cases were analyzed, supplemented by a literature review.Results:All patients were female, aged 53, 46 and 46 years, respectively. Grossly, the lesions presented as dermal/subcutaneous nodules protruding from the skin surface. Histologically, tumor cells were arranged in nested and fascicular patterns separated by delicate fibrous septa. Tumor cell infiltration was observed in the epidermis of case 1, but not in that of cases 2 and 3. Tumor cells exhibited epithelioid, spindle-shaped, or oval morphology, with eosinophilic or pale cytoplasm and mild to moderate nuclear atypia. Tumor mitotic figure was <5/10 HPF. Scant melanin pigment was observed in case 2. IHC demonstrated diffuse and strong positivity for SOX-10, S-100 protein and MITF. HMB45 was negative in two cases (case 1 and case 3) and focally positive in case 2; Melan A was negative in two cases (case 1 and case 3) and partially positive in case 2. The Ki-67 proliferation index was approximately 5%-8%. Molecular analysis revealed CRTC1::TRIM11 fusion in three cases via RNA sequencing, and CRTC1 rearrangement in two cases (case 1 and case 3) via fluorescence in situ hybridization.Conclusions:CMTCT shares histological and immunophenotypic features with melanoma and clear cell sarcoma but is defined by the presence of CRTC1::TRIM11 fusion, necessitating molecular confirmation for definitive diagnosis. Complete excision with clear margins is recommended. While most of the CMTCTs exhibit indolent biological behaviors, rare cases may recur locally or metastasize, warranting close follow-up.
7.Research on the latent profile analysis and influencing factors of transition shock among newly employed nurses
Yuqiong TAO ; Le CUI ; Shanshan XIAO ; Tao YU ; Jianhui XIE
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(13):1788-1793
Objective:To identify the latent profiles of transition shock among newly employed nurses and explore its influencing factors.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Using the convenience sampling method, 215 newly employed nurses were selected as the research subjects. The General Information Questionnaire for Newly Employed Nurses, the New Nurse Transition Shock Evaluation Scale, and the Adversity Quotient Scale were used for the survey. The method of latent profile analysis was adopted to identify the types of nurses' transition shock.Results:There were three categories of transition shock among newly employed nurses. Among them, there were 134 nurses (62.32%) with moderate transition shock, 37 nurses (17.21%) with low-level transition shock and positive psychology, and 44 nurses (20.47%) with high-level transition shock and lack of knowledge and skills. Gender, whether being an only child, reasons for choosing a career, and adversity quotient were the influencing factors of the latent profiles of nurses' transition shock ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The transition shock of newly employed nurses is at a moderate level, with three latent types: moderate transition shock type, low-level transition shock-positive psychology type, and high-level transition shock-lack of knowledge and skills type. Managers should formulate detailed intervention strategies according to the influencing factors of different categories to reduce the level of transition shock among newly employed nurses.
8.The Historical Origin and Academic Research of Spasticity after Stroke
Shanshan ZENG ; Lingying WU ; Ran LI ; Jie TANG ; Songqing ZHANG ; Lin JIA ; Rui FANG ; Dahua WU ; Le XIE
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1832-1840
Post-stroke spasticity is a series of symptoms after stroke,such as hand and foot urgency,unflexion and extension of muscles,etc.In order to deeply understand the cognition of post-stroke spasticity of ancient Chinese physicians and comb out their therapeutic thoughts,this study took the General Catalogue of Chinese Ancient Books of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a bibliographic reference,all the ancient Chinese literature on spasms after stroke was retrieved manually and by computer,and then sorted and analyzed,and classified them by longitudinal time,and extracted the description about post-stroke spasticity,including medical classics,prescriptions,clinical evidence,medical records and so on.And this paper verified and summarized the etiology,pathogenesis,functional and indications and prescription characteristics of spasticity after stroke,in order to deeply understand systematic theories and treatment ideas of the ancient medical practitioners in the bud,development and mature stages of their understanding of spasticity after stroke,and provide the theoretical basis for the later doctors to understand this disease and the modern clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Development process of family resilience in children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia based on grounded theory
Lan YIN ; Jianhui XIE ; Jialing LONG ; Le XU ; Lanying WANG ; Yaqi OUYANG ; Yinzhi YI ; Can GU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(12):1599-1604
Objective:To explore the development process of family resilience in children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) and to understand the long-term challenges and coping strategies that CPT imposes on the families of affected children.Methods:This study combined purposive sampling and theoretical sampling. It selected 15 caregivers of CPT children from Hunan Children's Hospital for semi-structured interviews. Grounded theory was used to analyze the interview results.Results:The development of family resilience in CPT children's families occurred in three stages: pre-formation stage, formation stage, and maintenance stage. In facing negative emotions and family challenges, caregivers first needed to rebuild their inner beliefs. They then adjusted the family organizational model, adopted open and inclusive communication, and actively sought external support to foster the development of family resilience. Ultimately, caregivers were able to self-regulate their emotions, accumulate caregiving experience, and begin to shift their life perspective.Conclusions:The development of family resilience in CPT children's families is a dynamic, multi-stage process with interactions of multiple factors. Healthcare providers should offer professional health guidance according to the different stages of family development. Moreover, the government and schools should increase their attention and support, working together with families and healthcare providers to enhance family resilience for children with CPT.
10.Establishment of TCM Comprehensive Control and Prevention Program of Elderly Hypertension with Early Renal Damage Based on Delphi Method
Rui FANG ; Yong YANG ; Le XIE ; Yan YANG ; Yue ZHOU ; Wenfeng XU ; Jinwen GE
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1867-1877
Objective To establish a scientific and feasible Chinese medicine(CM)comprehensive control and prevention program for elderly hypertension with early renal damage(EH-ERD)patients through high-level evidence-based medicine(EBM)evidence.Methods On the basis of literature research and evidence evaluation,we construct a database of specific prescriptions and implementation methods of CM comprehensive control and prevention program with EH-ERD.40 senior titled-experts were consulted in two rounds of questionnaires based on Delphi methods.We selected,evaluated,and revised specific CM comprehensive control and prevention program of EH-ERD through the analysis of multiple factors,such as expert's positive activity coefficient,authority coefficient,degree of opinion concentration and degree of coordination.Results In view of the CM appropriate intervention techniques with high-grade evidence(level Ⅰ and Ⅱ)and recommendation(level A and B),we have developed the CM comprehensive control and prevention plan items for EH-ERD.The activity coefficients in two-round consultation were 92.5%and 97.14%respectively,the overall authority coefficient(Cr)was exceeded 0.70,and the coordination coefficient was less than 0.25.With a sound activity coefficient,a relatively high Cr and a rather unified degree of opinion concentration and coordination,the CM comprehensive control and prevention program for EH-ERD was established,which included six primary indicators(CM compound preparation,acupuncture and massage,CM health education,medicinal diet therapy,health care exercise and foot bath)and seventeen secondary indicators.Conclusion The CM comprehensive control and prevention program for EH-ERD established in this study can provide a basis for the further formation of expert consensus or guidelines.Moreover,it can supply the strategy and paradigm for standardization of CM-based health management of EH-ERD.

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