1.Effect of RUNX3 on the activation, proliferation, and migration capabilities of hepatic stellate cells
Hui LING ; Xianchen WANG ; Junbo YOU ; Jiahao FAN ; Xiao CUI ; Jiming SHA ; Liquan YU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):277-284
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of targeted silencing of Runt-related Transcription Factor 3 (RUNX3) on the proliferation and migration of Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs), as well as subsequent collagen deposition. MethodsMouse hepatic stellate cell line (JS-1) was selected and then morphologically observed and identified under a microscope. After the cells had fully adhered, they were treated with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) for 24 hours to induce hepatic stellate cell activation. Furthermore, a RUNX3 silencing model was established using RUNX3 lentiviral infection. The experiment was divided into four groups: Control group, TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, and TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group. Protein expression changes of RUNX3, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Alpha 1 type I collagen (Collagen I) were detected using Western blot method. Cellular immunofluorescence assays were employed to investigate the deposition changes of α-SMA and RUNX3 in hepatic stellate cells. RT-qPCR was utilized to examine the mRNA expression changes of RUNX3, α-SMA, and Collagen I. The proliferative capacity of hepatic stellate cells was assessed using Edu staining. The migratory ability of hepatic stellate cells was evaluated through wound healing assays and Transwell migration experiments. ResultsCompared with Control group, a significant elevation in RUNX3 was observed in the TGF-β1-induced activated HSCs (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related markers and α-SMA and Collagen I were significantly upregulated (P<0.001). Additionally, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly enhanced (P<0.001). In contrast, when compared to TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group exhibited a notable decrease in RUNX3 and other related indicators, such as the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA and Collagen I (P<0.05). Concurrently, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly inhibited in TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group (P<0.01). ConclusionSilencing RUNX3 can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells. Conversely, RUNX3 promotes the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs, thereby facilitating the activation of HSC.
2.Analysis of the incidence and mortality trends of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in China from 1990 to 2021
Xuewei DOU ; Wenfei CUI ; Ling NIU ; Binglei YIN ; Jinjin WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):176-182
ObjectiveTo analyze the long-term trend of incidence and mortality of type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in China from 1990 to 2021. MethodsThe Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of standardized incidence rate and standardized mortality rate, and the age-period-cohort (APC) model was constructed to analyze the longitudinal age change, period and cohort effect risk ratio (RR). ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence rate of type 2 DKD in males and females showed an overall upward trend, with AAPC of 0.08% and 0.36%, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rate of the total population and female showed a downward trend, with AAPC of -0.61% and -1.03%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in males. APC model showed that the age effect existed: the peak age was 75-79 years old, the mortality rate of females increased, and the mortality rate of males decreased after 80-84 years old. For the effect of time period, the risk of type 2 DKD incidence in females in 2017—2021 was 1.05 times that in 2002—2006, and the risk of death in males and females in 2017—2021 was 0.84 and 0.71 times that in 2002—2006, respectively. For cohort effects, the highest risk of disease was seen in men and women born in 1967—1971, and the highest risk of death was seen in men born in 1952—1956 and women born in 1912—1916. ConclusionFrom 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence rate of type 2 DKD in China shows an upward trend, and the standardized mortality rate shows a downward trend. It is necessary to strengthen the health behavior publicity and education of type 2 DKD, and actively carry out early screening to reduce the disease burden.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
5.The influence of fortified whey protein enteral nutrition preparations on the nutritional status and disease benefit perception of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Chunqin TIAN ; Lichun CUI ; Ling MA
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(5):667-672
Objective:To evaluate the effects of fortified whey protein enteral nutrition preparations on the nutritional status and disease benefit perception of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during chemotherapy.Methods:A total of 96 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer admitted to the Chang′an Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were included and divided into two groups according to the random number table method. The control group ( n=48) received standard chemotherapy and conventional nutritional support, while the observation group ( n=48) was treated with whey protein and enteral nutrition preparations in addition to the control group. During the treatment period, the nutritional sign indicators of the patients [body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) score], serum indicators [albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PAB), hemoglobin (Hb)], and immune function (CD3 + , CD4 + , CD8 + , CD4 + /CD8 + ) patient quality of life scores [Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), Zubrod Performance Status (ZPS), Quality of Life Score (QOL)], Specific Disease Benefit Scale (BFS) score and chemotherapy response were monitored. Results:After chemotherapy, the levels of ALB, PAB and Hb in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05), BMI and TSF were significantly higher than those in the control group, PG-SGA score was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05), and CD3 + , CD4 + and CD4 + /CD8 + were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). CD8 + was lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05); The KPS and QOL of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the ZPS was significantly lower than that in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The scores of acceptance, healthy behavior and personal growth dimensions of the BFS score in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). During the intervention period, the incidence of gastrointestinal reactions and thrombocytopenia in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The fortified whey protein enteral nutrition preparations have a significant improvement effect on the nutritional status and disease benefit perception of patients with advanced NSCLC during chemotherapy, and may help improve the overall condition and chemotherapy tolerance of patients.
6.The clinical characteristics and outcomes of 21 cases of neonatal congenital chylothorax
Yan CUI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hongxiang GUO ; Xiuyong CHENG
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(11):832-836
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of neonatal congenital chylothorax (CC) and to provide evidence for improving its clinical management.Methods:The clinical data from 21 neonates diagnosed with CC and admitted to the Department of Neonatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, from February 2014 to June 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. According to gestational age, patients were classified into preterm group (<37 weeks) and full-term group (≥37 weeks). The clinical manifestations, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes were analyzed.Results:A total of 21 children with CC were included, including 16 males and five females, with an average gestational age of (36.35±2.39) weeks.Pleural effusion was bilateral in 13 cases, right-sided in seven cases, and left-sided in one case. Seven infants presented with fetal hydrops, and nine experienced birth asphyxia. The premature infants were 13 cases and the full-term infants were eight cases.The preterm group had a significantly higher rate of intrauterine therapy and lower serum albumin levels compared with the full-term group ( P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the use of mechanical ventilation, treatment modality, duration of pleural effusion, or length of hospital stay ( P>0.05). Of the 21 cases of CC,12 cases achieved resolution of pleural effusion after conservative treatment, which included thoracentesis, sequential nutritional therapy, and octreotide administration. Eight infants required additional chemical pleurodesis with intrathoracic erythromycin and subsequently recovered. Among all patients, 18 cases were discharged after improvement, and no recurrence was found after telephone follow-up for 8~12 months after birth.Three infants were diagnosed with Down syndrome,one died after early withdrawal of treatment, and the other two with pleural effusion disappeared after treatment were lost to follow-up after discharge. Conclusions:Preterm infants with CC are more likely to receive intrauterine therapy and have lower serum albumin levels than full-term infants. For patients who do not respond to conservative management, chemical pleurodesis with intrathoracic erythromycin can be considered. Most neonates with CC have a favorable prognosis after appropriate treatment.
7.Effects of treadmill exercise on hippocampal autophagy-induced apoptosis in ovariectomized stressed rats
Yanli SONG ; Xi ZHANG ; Yangbo GUO ; Xiaomei LING ; Linhai LI ; Zixin YANG ; Xiaoyun SU ; Jianmei CUI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(18):3848-3855
BACKGROUND:Apoptosis and autophagy imbalance in the hippocampal region of perimenopausal depressed rats are closely related to cognitive decline.Whether aerobic exercise can reduce apoptosis by promoting hippocampal autophagy and thus improve the learning and memory abilities of perimenopausal depressed rats is not clear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the possible mechanism by which 4-week moderate-intensity treadmill exercise improves learning memory ability in ovariectomized stressed rats.METHODS:Forty Sprague-Dawely rats were randomly divided into four groups,namely,sham operation group(n=10),ovariectomized group(n=10),ovariectomized stress group(n=10)and ovariectomized stress exercise group(n=10).Except for the sham operation group,the ovaries were removed in the other three groups to establish a perimenopausal rat model,and then a depressed rat model was established by chronic unpredictable stress in the latter two groups.The rats in the ovariectomized stress exercise group underwent a 4-week moderate-intensity treadmill exercise.Tail suspension test and sucrose preference test were performed to text depression-like behaviors in rats after exercise and stress.The eight-arm maze experiment was used to test the learning and memory behaviors of rats after exercise and stress.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase/UNC-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1/mammalian target of rapamycin(AMPK/mTOR/ULK1),hippocampus apoptotic factor Caspase-3 and the protein expression of autophagy markers LC-3II/Beclin-1 in the hippocampus.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham operation group,rats in the ovariectomized and ovariectomized stress groups had prolonged resting time in the tail suspension test and decreased sugar-water intake and sugar-water preference in the sucrose preference test.(2)Ovary removal reduced the learning memory capacity of rats,as evidenced behaviorally by a significant increase in the number of working memory errors,the number of reference memory errors,and the completion time,and an even more pronounced increase in the above measures in the ovariectomized stress group.(3)Compared with the ovariectomized group,there was a significant reduction in the number of working memory errors,the number of reference memory errors,and the completion time in the ovariectomized stress group.(4)Compared with the sham operation group,in the ovariectomized and ovariectomized stress groups,the expression of hippocampal apoptotic factor Caspase 3 protein was significantly elevated,the expression of autophagy-related factors proteins Beclin-1 and LC3II,as well as the protein expression of AMPK and ULK1,was decreased,whereas the expression of mTOR protein was elevated.Changes in the above indicators were more significant in the ovariectomized stress group.(5)Compared with the ovariectomized stress group,in the ovariectomized stress exercise group,the protein expression of Caspase 3 was significantly decreased,the protein expression of Beclin-1 and LC3II was significantly increased,the protein expression of AMPK and ULK1 was significantly increased,and the protein expression of mTOR was significantly reduced.To conclude,4-week moderate-intensity treadmill exercise may promote cellular autophagy and reduce apoptosis through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 autophagy signaling pathway,thereby enhancing the learning and memory capacity of rats with ovariectomized depression
8.The effect of resistance training on alleviating lymphedema in breast cancer patients after surgery
Ling WANG ; Shaomei SHANG ; Yuexian SHI ; Cui WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(2):185-193
Objective To construct a resistance training program for breast cancer related lymphedema,and to examine its feasibility and effects.Methods The first draft of the resistance training program was developed based on the 2 intervenable factors of"muscle contraction"and"chest negative pressure"in lymphatic reflux power source and the best evidence of resistance training.The program was revised and its feasibility was analyzed through 2 rounds of expert demonstration and pilot study.The patients enrolled in 2022.1-2022.5 in a tertiary A hospital in Hefei were assigned to an experiment group(34 cases)and patients enrolled in 2022.9-2023.1 in a tertiary A hospital in Wuhu were assigned to an control group(34 cases)based on convenient sampling method.Both the experiment and control group were given comprehensive decongestive therapy with manual lymphatic drainage,wearing the pressure clothing,and skin care for 12 weeks.The patients in the experiment group were given additional resistance training for 12 weeks.Grip strength and extracellular water/intracellular water(ECW/ICW)of affected upper limb,forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1)were evaluated before and 2,4,8,12 weeks after intervention.Results The resistance training program included 4 parts,including resistance breathing training,resistance muscle training,warm-up training and relaxation training.The expert authority coefficient is 0.89;the Kendall coordination coefficient of the first round of expert consultations is 0.42;the coefficient of variation is 0.08~0.27.The Kendall coordination coefficient of the second round of expert consultations is 0.67,and the coefficient of variation is 0~0.19.The pilot study results showed that the completion degree of 5 patients was 62.50%~100%,and there are no adverse events occurred during intervention.A total of 31 patients in the experimental group and 30 patients in the control group completed the 12-week intervention.The results of repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that the increase of grip strength in affected upper limb and FEV1 value in the experiment group were significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);thie reduction of ECW/ICW value in the experiment group was significantly greater than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The resistance training program of breast cancer-related lymphedema is scientific and feasible.It can improve the"muscle contraction"and"chest negative pressure"of lymphatic reflux power source,and relieve lymphedema.
9.Influencing Factor Analysis and Prediction Model Construction of Immune-Related Thyroid Dysfunction Caused by Sintilimab Treatment in Solid Tumors
Yanjun CUI ; Tian MA ; Yi LIU ; Libo ZHAO ; Xinyi DU ; Ling JIAO ; Aijun CHAI ; Rongrong FAN ; Yanguo LIU ; Lin HUANG ; Xiaohong ZHANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(10):1556-1561
Objective To explore the influencing factors of immune-associated thyroid dysfunction caused by sintilimab treatment in solid tumors and construct a prediction model.Methods Medical records of patients diagnosed with solid tumors and treated with sintilimab at Peking University People's Hospital(Xizhimen Campus,Tongzhou Campus,Shijiazhuang Campus)from January 2023 to September 2024 were collected to explore the influencing factors that caused immune-related thyroid dysfunction using univariate and multifactorial binary logistic regression analyses and to establish a prediction model.The predictive effect of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results A total of 120 patients were included,and 33 presented with immune-related thyroid dysfunction.Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)[OR=2.470,95%CI=(1.279,4.771)]and treatment cycles[OR=1.298,95%CI=(1.117,1.509)]were independent risk factors for the occurrence of immune-associated thyroid dysfunction,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve was(0.897±0.043)[95%CI=(0.813,0.981)],the Yoden index was 0.703,and the model prediction accuracy was 86.5%.Conclusion The risk of immune-related thyroid dysfunction caused by sintilimab is high,and TSH and treatment cycle are the influencing factors,and the constructed model has certain predictive value and is of reference significance.
10.The effect of resistance training on alleviating lymphedema in breast cancer patients after surgery
Ling WANG ; Shaomei SHANG ; Yuexian SHI ; Cui WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(2):185-193
Objective To construct a resistance training program for breast cancer related lymphedema,and to examine its feasibility and effects.Methods The first draft of the resistance training program was developed based on the 2 intervenable factors of"muscle contraction"and"chest negative pressure"in lymphatic reflux power source and the best evidence of resistance training.The program was revised and its feasibility was analyzed through 2 rounds of expert demonstration and pilot study.The patients enrolled in 2022.1-2022.5 in a tertiary A hospital in Hefei were assigned to an experiment group(34 cases)and patients enrolled in 2022.9-2023.1 in a tertiary A hospital in Wuhu were assigned to an control group(34 cases)based on convenient sampling method.Both the experiment and control group were given comprehensive decongestive therapy with manual lymphatic drainage,wearing the pressure clothing,and skin care for 12 weeks.The patients in the experiment group were given additional resistance training for 12 weeks.Grip strength and extracellular water/intracellular water(ECW/ICW)of affected upper limb,forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1)were evaluated before and 2,4,8,12 weeks after intervention.Results The resistance training program included 4 parts,including resistance breathing training,resistance muscle training,warm-up training and relaxation training.The expert authority coefficient is 0.89;the Kendall coordination coefficient of the first round of expert consultations is 0.42;the coefficient of variation is 0.08~0.27.The Kendall coordination coefficient of the second round of expert consultations is 0.67,and the coefficient of variation is 0~0.19.The pilot study results showed that the completion degree of 5 patients was 62.50%~100%,and there are no adverse events occurred during intervention.A total of 31 patients in the experimental group and 30 patients in the control group completed the 12-week intervention.The results of repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that the increase of grip strength in affected upper limb and FEV1 value in the experiment group were significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);thie reduction of ECW/ICW value in the experiment group was significantly greater than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The resistance training program of breast cancer-related lymphedema is scientific and feasible.It can improve the"muscle contraction"and"chest negative pressure"of lymphatic reflux power source,and relieve lymphedema.

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