1.Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang in Intervening in Ferroptosis in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on ACSL4 Signalling Pathway
Yi LIU ; Yang YANG ; Chang SU ; Peng TIAN ; Mingyun WANG ; Ruqian ZHONG ; Xuejiao XIE ; Qing YAN ; Qinghua PENG ; Qiuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):27-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis mediated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) signalling pathway in rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome and the intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyutang. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham-operation group, model group, trimetazidine group (5.4 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose group (3.51, 7.02,14.04 g·kg-1) of Xuefu Zhuyutang. The coronary artery left anterior descending ligation method was used to prepare a model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome, and continuous treatment for 7 d was conducted, while the sham-operation group was only threaded and not ligated. The general macroscopic symptoms of the rats were observed, and indicators such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and blood rheology were detected. The pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the changes in mitochondria in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The level of iron deposition in myocardial tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE were detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A biochemical colourimetric assay was used to detect the levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and T-GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in myocardial tissue. DCFH-DA fluorescence quantitative assay was employed to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ACSL4, and ly-sophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase3 (LPCAT3) in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the rats in the model group were poor in general macroscopic symptoms. The electrocardiogram showed widened QRS wave amplitude and increased voltage, bow-back elevation of the ST segments, elevated T waves, J-point elevation, and accelerated heart rate. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01). Blood rheology showed that the viscosity of the whole blood (low, medium, and high rate of shear) was significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed an abnormal structure of myocardial tissue. There was a large area of myocardial necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and a large number of connective tissue between myocardial fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were severely atrophy or swelling. The cristae were reduced or even broken, and the matrix was flocculent or even vacuolated. Prussian blue staining showed that there were a large number of iron-containing particles, and the iron deposition was obvious. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in the serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS in myocardial tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of GSH was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and T-GSH/GSSG was decreased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in myocardial tissue were both significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general macroscopic symptoms and electrocardiogram results of rats in low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang were alleviated, and the differences in LVEF/LVFS ratios were all significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The differences in whole-blood viscosity (low, medium, and high rate of shear) were all significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the morphology, structure, and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were improved. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in serum was reduced to different degrees in low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSH and T-GSH/GSSG was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 were significantly increased to varying degrees in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were decreased to different degrees in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXuefu Zhuyutang can regulate iron metabolism and anti-lipid oxidation reaction to mediate ferroptosis through the ACSL4 signalling pathway, thus exerting a protective effect on rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome.
2.Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer Complicated with Sepsis from Perspective of "Yang Wei Yin Xian" Theory
Qinghua LIU ; Rui ZHU ; Jun YAN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(5):423-428
"Yang Wei Yin Xian" originates from "Jin Kui Yao Lue". It denotes the slight pulse at the cun pulse and the yin pulse in the yang position, which indicates a deficiency of yang qi in the upper focus. The ulnar vein is a cord, and the yin position corresponds to the yin vein, which is excessive yin pathogen in the lower jiao. Lung cancer complicated with sepsis is common in clinical practice; it is characterized by a high mortality rate and poor conventional treatment outcomes. This article discusses "Yang Wei Yin Xian" and its relationship with lung cancer complicated by sepsis, evaluates the selection of TCM prescriptions and efficacy mechanisms of "Yang Wei Yin Xian" theory, and provides a reference for the use of this theory to guide clinical treatment.
3.Advances and prospects of the integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine research
Guicheng Liu ; Xi Long ; Qinghua PENG ; Sainan Tian ; Shujuan Hu
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):300-312
Objective:
To map the research hotspots, developmental trends, and existing challenges in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with multi-omics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through comprehensive bibliometric analysis.
Methods:
China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chaoxing Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to collect literature on the theme of AI in TCM multi-omics research from the inception of each database to December 31, 2024. Eligible records were required to simultaneously address AI, TCM, and multi-omics. Quantitative and visual analyses of publication growth, core authorship networks, institutional collaboration patterns, and keyword co-occurrence were performed using Microsoft Excel 2021, NoteExpress v4.0.0, and Cite Space 6.3.R1. AI application modes in TCM multi-omics research were also categorized and summarized.
Results:
A total of 1 106 articles were enrolled (932 Chinese and 174 English). Publication output has increased continuously since 2010 and accelerated after 2016. Region-specific collaboration clusters were identified, dominated by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that current AI applications predominantly centered on metabolomics and algorithms such as cluster analysis and data mining. Research foci mainly ranked as follows: single herbs, herbal formulae, and disease-syndrome differentiation.
Conclusion
Machine learning methods are the predominant integrative modality of AI in the realm of TCM multi-omics research at present, utilized for processing omics data and uncovering latent patterns therein. The domain of TCM, in addition to investigating omics information procured through high-throughput technologies, also integrates data on traditional Chinese medicinal substances and clinical phenotypes, progressing towards joint analysis of multi-omics, high-dimensionality of data, and multi-modality of information. Deep learning approaches represent an emerging trend in the field.
4.Newly reported HIV positivity rate and its influencing factors among men who had sex with men in Shanghai from 2021 to 2024
Zhenyu WANG ; Jiaqing BU ; Ning YIN ; Qinghua XIA ; Qing YUE ; Zhen NING ; Chunxin LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):637-642
ObjectiveTo investigate the trend and influencing factors of newly reported human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity rate among men who had sex with men (MSM) in Shanghai from 2021 to 2024, and to provide evidence for formulating scientific prevention and control measures of AIDS. MethodsMultiple rounds of cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were conducted among MSM by Shanghai Qing’ai Health Promotion Center. Pearson and Cochran-Armitage trend χ2 tests were used to analyze the differences and changes in population characteristics and newly reported HIV positivity rates. A logistic regression model was applied for multivariate analyses of factors associated with newly reported HIV positivity. ResultsA total of 1 653 MSM who had not been previously diagnosed with HIV infection were surveyed. The newly reported HIV positivity rates in 2021, 2023, and 2024 were 7.87%, 3.91%, and 3.06%, respectively, showing a decreasing trend (χ2trend=13.460, Ptrend<0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that MSM aged 18‒<25 years, residing locally for <1 year, identifying as bisexual, lacking HIV knowledge, and having ≥10 same-sex partners in the past 6 months exhibited higher newly reported HIV positivity rates. Conversely, MSM knowledgeable about HIV prevention, residing locally for 1‒5 years, and engaging in oral sex with male partners in the past 6 months demonstrated lower HIV positivity rates. Annual analyses revealed that MSM with HIV knowledge had lower newly reported HIV positivity rates in 2023 and 2024 (aOR=0.300, 95%CI: 0.811‒0.111; aOR=0.202, 95%CI: 0.085‒0.483). ConclusionThe newly reported HIV positivity rate among MSM in Shanghai from 2021 to 2024 showed a decline. Future interventions should focus on young and mobile MSM, strengthen HIV knowledge education through platforms such as the internet, promote safe sexual behaviors and regular testing, and further expand the coverage of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to control HIV transmission within this population.
5.Reproductive toxicity of clothianidin on two generations of Wistar rats
Yinghua LIU ; Qinghua ZHOU ; Shufei LI ; Miao ZHAO ; Dianming ZHOU ; Zhiyong QIAN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(5):18-22
Objective To investigate the reproductive and developmental effects of Clothianidin in rats. Methods Clothianidin was administrated by diet to both parental and first filial (F 1) generations of rats at the dosages of 0, 30.51, 110.84 and 304.26 mg/(kg·d) in females, and 0, 26.45, 92.69 and 279.42 mg/(kg·d) in males. Clothianidin was administered through diet to male and female rats for 8 weeks before mating. Clothianidin was administered to female rats in the parental and F1 generations during mating, gestation and lactation periods. During the test, toxicity performance was observed, reproduction index was calculated, and pathological examination was carried out. Results The body weights of rats in the parent and F1 generations in the high-dose group were lower than those in the control group during pre-mating exposure and at various time points during pregnancy and lactation (P<0.05). The pregnancy rates of parental and F1 generations in the high-dose group were lower than those of the control group (48.57% vs 71.43%, 45.71% vs 80.00%, P<0. 05). Sperm concentration and sperm motility of the parental generation were lower than those of the control group [(42.55±12.87) vs (53.84±7.65) ×106/ml, (58.94±10.59) vs (65.59±6.03), (P<0.05)]. Sperm concentration and sperm motility of the F1 generation were lower than those of the control group [(41.64±12.42) vs (53.09±9.48), (55.13±9.19) vs (64.53±6.31), (P<0.05). Conclusion Exposure to clothianidin has reproductive toxicity to Wistar rats, and the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) in the two-generation reproductive toxicity test is 92.69 mg/kg·BW for males and 110.84 mg/kg·BW for females in Wistar rats.
6.Analysis of Dry Eye Animal Models Based on Clinical Disease and Syndrome Characteristics in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Guicheng LIU ; Yao CHEN ; Binan WANG ; Pei LIU ; Jun PENG ; Sainan TIAN ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):200-208
ObjectiveAccording to the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical characteristics of dry eye (DE), this paper aims to analyze existing DE animal models to provide recommendations for building more clinically relevant DE models that integrate traditional Chinese and Western medicine. MethodsBy the retrieval and analysis of relevant literature on DE animal experiments, combined with expert consensus, an evaluation scale was created to assess relevance from the perspectives of pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation. On the basis of data provided by the literature, the clinical relevance was evaluated for the animal models constructed in the literature. ResultsAmong the existing methods for establishing a DE animal model, benzalkonium chloride eye-drop induction showed the highest clinical relevance, demonstrating 98% alignment with Western medicine. However, current models generally showed higher relevance to Western medicine than to TCM, and there was a lack of models integrating disease with syndrome. ConclusionAs DE involves diverse causes and pathogenesis, single-factor models cannot fully simulate the complex pathology of DE. Future research should focus on building multi-mechanism DE models, exploring new etiological directions, standardizing model evaluation systems, and promoting integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. This will help precisely simulate the pathophysiological process of human DE and provide more valuable guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.
7.Finite element model establishment and stress analysis of lumbar-sacral intervertebral disc in ankylosing spondylitis
Zhijie KANG ; Zhenhua CAO ; Yangyang XU ; Yunfeng ZHANG ; Feng JIN ; Baoke SU ; Lidong WANG ; Ling TONG ; Qinghua LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Lirong SHA ; Liang LIANG ; Mengmeng LI ; Yifei DU ; Lin LIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Xiaohe LI ; Zhijun LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):840-846
BACKGROUND:Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with chronic rheumatic immunity.Soft tissue ossification and fusion and spinal stiffness can cause biomechanical changes. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct the lumbar-sacral intervertebral disc in ankylosing spondylitis patients with lumbar kyphosis by finite element analysis,and to study the range of motion of each segment of T11-S1 and the biomechanical characteristics of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. METHODS:The imaging data were obtained from an ankylosing spondylitis patient with lumbar kyphosis.The original CT image data of continuously scanned spine were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format,and T11-S1 was reconstructed respectively.The established model was imported into 3-Matic software in the format of"Stl"to reconstruct the intervertebral disc,and the fibrous intervertebral disc model was obtained.The improved model was further imported into Hypermesh software,and the vertebra,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus and ligament were mesh-divided.After the material properties were given,the model was imported into ABAQUS software to observe the range of motion of each vertebral body in seven different working conditions of T11-S1,and analyze the biomechanical characteristics of each segment of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The range of motion of L1 vertebrae was higher than that of other vertebrae under six different working conditions:extension,forward flexion,rotation(left and right),and lateral flexion(left and right).The maximum range of motion was 2.18° during L1 vertebral flexion,and the minimum range of motion was 0.12° during L5 vertebral extension.(2)The annular fiber flexion at L2-L3 segments was greater than the extension(P<0.05),and the annular fiber flexion at L3-L4 and L4-L5 segments was less than the extension(P<0.05).The left rotation of L1-L2 annular fibers was greater than the right rotation(P<0.05).The left flexion of the annulus was greater than the right flexion in L1-L2,L2-L3,L3-L4,L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments(P<0.05).(3)The nucleus pulposus stresses of T11-L12,L1-L2,L2-L3,L3-L4 and L4-L5 segments in forward flexion were greater than in extension(P<0.05).The left rotation of T12-L1 and L3-L4 segments was smaller than the right rotation(P<0.05),and that of T11-T12,L1-L2,and L2-L3 segments was larger than the right rotation(P<0.05).The left flexion was larger than the right flexion in the T11-S1 segment.(4)It is concluded that in ankylosing spondylitis patients with lumbar kyphosis,the minimum range of motion of the vertebral body is located at the L5 vertebral body in extension.To prevent fractures,it is recommended to avoid exercise in the extension position.During the onset of lumbar kyphosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis,the maximum stress of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus is located in the L1-L2 segment,which is fixed and will not alter with the change of body position.The late surgical treatment and correction of deformity should focus on releasing the pressure of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus in this segment to avoid the rupture of the annulus fibrosus and the injury of the nucleus pulposus.
8.Anemoside B4 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro and in vivo.
Mingyue XIAO ; Ronghua LUO ; Qinghua LIANG ; Honglv JIANG ; Yanli LIU ; Guoqiang XU ; Hongwei GAO ; Yongtang ZHENG ; Qiongming XU ; Shilin YANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2024;16(1):106-112
OBJECTIVE:
Anemoside B4 (AB4), the most abundant triterpenoidal saponin isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis, inhibited influenza virus FM1 or Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pneumonia. However, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect of AB4 has not been unraveled. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antiviral activity and potential mechanism of AB4 in inhibiting human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in vivo and in vitro.
METHODS:
The cytotoxicity of AB4 was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. SARS-CoV-2 infected HEK293T, HPAEpiC, and Vero E6 cells were used for in vitro assays. The antiviral effect of AB4 in vivo was evaluated by SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE2-IRES-luc transgenic mouse model. Furthermore, label-free quantitative proteomics and bioinformatic analysis were performed to explore the potential antiviral mechanism of action of AB4. Type I IFN signaling-associated proteins were assessed using Western blotting or immumohistochemical staining.
RESULTS:
The data showed that AB4 reduced the propagation of SARS-CoV-2 along with the decreased Nucleocapsid protein (N), Spike protein (S), and 3C-like protease (3CLpro) in HEK293T cells. In vivo antiviral activity data revealed that AB4 inhibited viral replication and relieved pneumonia in a SARS-CoV-2 infected mouse model. We further disclosed that the antiviral activity of AB4 was associated with the enhanced interferon (IFN)-β response via the activation of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-1) like receptor (RLP) pathways. Additionally, label-free quantitative proteomic analyses discovered that 17 proteins were significantly altered by AB4 in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections cells. These proteins mainly clustered in RNA metabolism.
CONCLUSION
Our results indicated that AB4 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication through the RLR pathways and moderated the RNA metabolism, suggesting that it would be a potential lead compound for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
9.Effects of Runmu Xiaoyao Powder (润目逍遥散) for Dry Eyes Mice with Liver-Meridian Constraint-Heat Syndrome on miR-146a-5p and IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB Signalling Pathway in Cornea and Lacrimal Gland Tissue
Tingting LIU ; Yankun CHEN ; Pei LIU ; Pengfei JIANG ; Kang TAN ; Chunwei YAN ; Qinghua PENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(18):1915-1924
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of the treatment of dry eye with liver-meridian constraint-heat syndrome by Runmu Xiaoyao Powder (润目逍遥散) by miR-146a-5p and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1/tumour necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6/nuclear factor-κB (IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB) signalling pathway. MethodsEighty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, agonist group, inhibitor group, sodium hyaluronate group, and Runmu Xiaoyao Powder high-, medium-, and low-dose groups, with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, the mice of dry eye with liver-meridian constraint-heat syndrome were modeled by using benzalkonium chloride solution eye drops combined with chronic pain stimulation. Beginning on the 30th day of modelling, mice in Runmu Xiaoyao Powder high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were given 29, 14.5, and 7.25 g/kg of Runmu Xiaoyao Powder respectively twice daily by gavage; mice in sodium hyaluronate group were given 5 μl of sodium hyaluronate drops twice daily; mice in the agonist group were given 2 nmol of agomir-146a-5p drops in each eye at a time, and those in the inhibitor group were given 5 nmol of antagomir-146a-5p drops in each eye, with every other day, 3 times per week; mice in the normal and model groups were gavaged with deionised water at 1 ml/(100 g·d). The intervention was continued for 14 days in each group, and mice in each group were examined for tear secretion, tear film rupture time, corneal fluorescein staining, and irritability scores on the day following the last intervention; HE staining was used to observe the pathological conditions of the cornea and lacrimal glands in each group; corneal and lacrimal gland inflammatory factors, such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), miR-146a-5p expression, were examined; matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression in cornea, IRAK1, TRAF6, nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) protein and mRNA expression in cornea and lacrimal gland, and phosphorylated nuclear factor κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) protein expression were detected. ResultsCompared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed reduced tear secretion, shorter tear film rupture time, higher irritability score (P<0.05), and pathological examination showed staining in the centre of the cornea, obvious corneal damage, increased volume of lacrimal gland follicular cells, disordered arrangement, a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased neovascularisation; corneal and lacrimal gland tissues showed elevated expression of IL-1β and TNF-α, decreased expression of miR -146a-5p, elevated expression of IRAK1, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65 protein and IRAK1, TRAF6, NF-κB p65 mRNA, and elevated expression of MMP-3, MMP-9 protein in the cornea (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all of the above indexes were significantly improved in high-dose group of Runmu Xiaoyao Powder, while some indexes were improved in the sodium hyaluronate group and the middle- and low-dose Runmu Xiaoyao Powder groups (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, corneal and lacrimal IRAK1 and TRAF6 mRNA and IRAK1, TRAF6 and p-NF-κB p65 protein expression decreased in the agonist group; compared with the inhibitor group, IRAK1, TRAF6, NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expression in the cornea and lacrimal gland in the Runmu Xiaoyao Powder groups decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionRunmu Xiaoyao Powder can negatively regulate the IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB signalling pathway in the cornea and lacrimal gland of mice with dry eye of liver-meridian constraint-heat syndrome by up-regulation of miR-146a-5p, so as to inhibit inflammatory response and reduce the damage of the ocular surface tissues, and the high doses group showed the best effect.
10.Research progress on 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser for retinal diseases
He LONG ; Maoxiong LIU ; Qinghua HU ; Xin LI
International Eye Science 2024;24(5):753-757
Laser photocoagulation is one of the important methods for treating retinal diseases, and retinal laser technology continues to advance. For decades, researchers have been striving to find a laser treatment that can minimize tissue damage while achieving optimal results. With low toxicity, low scattering light, strong penetrating power, small compared with the traditional laser damage, light reaction and no pain, the 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser(SML)turns this goal into reality and ushers in a new era of laser treatment for fundus diseases. This article reviews the concept, mechanism, related parameters and clinical application progress of 577 nm SML in a variety of retinal diseases, aiming to provide references for clinical treatments.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail