1.Exploring Mechanism of Luoshi Neiyi Prescription in Treating Endometriosis Based on Ferroptosis and Serum Metabolomics
Haixia PAN ; Yingqiao ZHONG ; Ting MAO ; Ziyi DENG ; Meilin WU ; Lei HUANG ; Siyang CHEN ; Yong GUO ; Ying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):201-212
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which Luoshi Neiyi prescription treats endometriosis (EMs) through regulating ferroptosis, and to screen key metabolites and analyze their association with ferroptosis. MethodsClinical samples of normal endometrium from patients without EMs and eutopic and ectopic endometrium from EMs patients (10 cases each) were collected and divided into control group, eutopic group, and EMs group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe ectopic lesions of EMs. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ferrous ion (Fe2+), GPX4 and glutathione (GSH) in endometrial tissues, as well as serum levels of Fe2+, GPX4 and GSH. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor (TFR) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). In the in vitro experiment, primary stromal cells were isolated from ectopic lesions of EMs patients. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to determine the optimal concentration of drug-containing serum for intervention. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured, and Real-time PCR was applied to detect ferroptosis-related indicators. In the animal experiments, an EM rat model was established, and the rats were randomly assigned to the sham operation group, EMs group, low-dose Luoshi Neiyi Formula group (7.87 g·kg-1), high-dose Luoshi Neiyi prescription group (15.74 g·kg-1), and danazol group (42 mg·kg-1). Untargeted metabolomics detection and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted on serum samples from patients and rats. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between differential metabolites and ferroptosis indicators. The correlations between differential metabolites in patient endometrium and serum and key ferroptosis indicators (GPX4, Fe2+, MDA, GSH) as well as ferroptosis-related mRNAs (GPX4, SLC7A11, FTH1) were analyzed, and correlation heatmaps were generated accordingly. ResultsCompared with normal eutopic endometrium, ectopic lesions in EMs patients showed glandular disorganization and stromal fibrosis. In ectopic endometrium, the contents of MDA, ROS, and Fe2+ decreased, while GPX4 level increased, and the mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). In serum, the levels of GPX4 and Fe2+ were elevated, whereas the GSH level declined, suggesting abnormalities in ferroptosis-related pathways in ectopic lesions (P<0.05, P<0.01). After intervention with Luoshi Neiyi prescription-containing serum, the intracellular ROS level in ectopic endometrial stromal cells was elevated, the mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was downregulated, and TFR mRNA expression was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics analysis revealed 1104 and 198 differential metabolites in EMs patients and EMs rats, respectively, compared with their corresponding control groups, and both low-dose and high-dose Luoshi Neiyi prescription were found to regulate this metabolic disturbance, with the core regulatory pathways mainly involving arginine and proline metabolism. Correlation analysis showed that the glycerophospholipids including PI(16∶0/17∶0) and PI[18∶2(9Z,12Z)] were negatively correlated with GPX4 and positively correlated with MDA, while 17α-hydroxyprogesterone was positively correlated with GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 q<0.05). ConclusionLuoshi Neiyi prescription may systematically ameliorate disease-associated metabolic dysregulation via modulation of the serum arginine and proline metabolism pathway, and may regulate ferroptosis in ectopic lesions through a mechanism potentially linked to the serum glycerophospholipid and steroid metabolism pathways. Collectively, these findings provide experimental evidence for the clinical application of Luoshi Neiyi prescription.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Luoshi Neiyi Prescription in Treating Endometriosis Based on Ferroptosis and Serum Metabolomics
Haixia PAN ; Yingqiao ZHONG ; Ting MAO ; Ziyi DENG ; Meilin WU ; Lei HUANG ; Siyang CHEN ; Yong GUO ; Ying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):201-212
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which Luoshi Neiyi prescription treats endometriosis (EMs) through regulating ferroptosis, and to screen key metabolites and analyze their association with ferroptosis. MethodsClinical samples of normal endometrium from patients without EMs and eutopic and ectopic endometrium from EMs patients (10 cases each) were collected and divided into control group, eutopic group, and EMs group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe ectopic lesions of EMs. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ferrous ion (Fe2+), GPX4 and glutathione (GSH) in endometrial tissues, as well as serum levels of Fe2+, GPX4 and GSH. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor (TFR) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). In the in vitro experiment, primary stromal cells were isolated from ectopic lesions of EMs patients. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to determine the optimal concentration of drug-containing serum for intervention. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured, and Real-time PCR was applied to detect ferroptosis-related indicators. In the animal experiments, an EM rat model was established, and the rats were randomly assigned to the sham operation group, EMs group, low-dose Luoshi Neiyi Formula group (7.87 g·kg-1), high-dose Luoshi Neiyi prescription group (15.74 g·kg-1), and danazol group (42 mg·kg-1). Untargeted metabolomics detection and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted on serum samples from patients and rats. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between differential metabolites and ferroptosis indicators. The correlations between differential metabolites in patient endometrium and serum and key ferroptosis indicators (GPX4, Fe2+, MDA, GSH) as well as ferroptosis-related mRNAs (GPX4, SLC7A11, FTH1) were analyzed, and correlation heatmaps were generated accordingly. ResultsCompared with normal eutopic endometrium, ectopic lesions in EMs patients showed glandular disorganization and stromal fibrosis. In ectopic endometrium, the contents of MDA, ROS, and Fe2+ decreased, while GPX4 level increased, and the mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). In serum, the levels of GPX4 and Fe2+ were elevated, whereas the GSH level declined, suggesting abnormalities in ferroptosis-related pathways in ectopic lesions (P<0.05, P<0.01). After intervention with Luoshi Neiyi prescription-containing serum, the intracellular ROS level in ectopic endometrial stromal cells was elevated, the mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was downregulated, and TFR mRNA expression was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics analysis revealed 1104 and 198 differential metabolites in EMs patients and EMs rats, respectively, compared with their corresponding control groups, and both low-dose and high-dose Luoshi Neiyi prescription were found to regulate this metabolic disturbance, with the core regulatory pathways mainly involving arginine and proline metabolism. Correlation analysis showed that the glycerophospholipids including PI(16∶0/17∶0) and PI[18∶2(9Z,12Z)] were negatively correlated with GPX4 and positively correlated with MDA, while 17α-hydroxyprogesterone was positively correlated with GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 q<0.05). ConclusionLuoshi Neiyi prescription may systematically ameliorate disease-associated metabolic dysregulation via modulation of the serum arginine and proline metabolism pathway, and may regulate ferroptosis in ectopic lesions through a mechanism potentially linked to the serum glycerophospholipid and steroid metabolism pathways. Collectively, these findings provide experimental evidence for the clinical application of Luoshi Neiyi prescription.
3."Seven ones"facilitating high-quality hospital development
Meilin GUI ; Li LEI ; Min WANG ; Tao JIANG ; Lu NI ; Fei CHEN
Modern Hospital 2025;25(10):1501-1504
The deep integration of Party building and professional work is crucial for promoting high-quality development in university-affiliated hospitals.To address the current insufficient integration of Party building and operational development in such hospitals,the Tuina Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine has adopted the"Seven Ones"Party building brand as a carrier.Using Party building as a driving force and traditional Chinese medicine culture as the core,the department has actively implemented a series of innovative Party building initiatives.By deeply integrating Party build-ing with medical services,it explores pathways for the fusion of"Party building+professional work,"leveraging high-quality Party building to facilitate the high-quality development of the hospital and contribute to the realization of the Healthy China strategy.
4.Immunological efficacy of OprI as a component in a multi-subunit vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Jinqiong YAN ; Zifan ZHU ; Yating WANG ; Meilin WU ; Bo HUANG ; Ziyu WU ; Hongrong CUI ; Yueyue ZHANG ; Weijun ZHANG ; Gang CHEN ; Jiang GU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):65-71,79
Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the role and mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine subunit OprI in the fusion protein vaccine rePO(PcrV-OprI).Methods The in vitro stability of rePO,PcrV and OprI at 4 ℃,25 ℃,and 37 ℃ was examined.After immunizing mice with rePO,OprI and PcrV,respectively,the specific antibody potency in serum and the proportion of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 in the spleen were examined;Additionally,detection of the levels of protein uptake by DC2.4 cells in vitro using laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry,and their ability to promote the maturation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(BMDC).Results The heat stability of fusion protein rePO was significantly better than that of PcrV.The induced anti-PcrV IgG and anti-OprI IgG potency of rePO was significantly higher than that of monomeric PcrV and OprI.Additionally,the number of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 induced by immunization with rePO was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.The uptake rate of fusion protein rePO by DC2.4 cells was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.Furthermore,rePO promoted the maturation of mouse BMDC more effectively than PcrV and OprI.Conclusion OprI in the fusion protein rePO can significantly improve its thermal stability and immunogenicity,which lays the foundation for the successful development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine.
5.Research Progress in the Application of Metal-based Nanoparticles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Xiting WANG ; Xiahuan CHEN ; Meilin LIU
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(4):411-416
Cardiovascular disease represent a significant global health threat,featured with continuously increased morbidity and mortality rates worldwide in recent years.Consequently,there is an urgent need for the development of safe and effective novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.The advancements in nanotechnology within the medical field,including drug delivery and molecular imaging,have opened innovative avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.Due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties,metal-based nanoparticles have demonstrated remarkable potential and broad prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.This review summarizes the latest research developments in the application of metal-based nanoparticles in cardiovascular disease and discusses the challenges associated with their clinical application,and presents new insights for the individualized and precise diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
6.Effects of crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae on intestinal health of broilers
Shijia ZHANG ; Qiongyi ZHANG ; Chanchan CUI ; Meilin CHEN ; Xiao WANG ; Haitao LIU ; Xin LIU ; Wanyu SHI ; Yongzhan BAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):549-558
One-day-old AA broilers were divided into five groups(15 chickens each,5 replicates per group):control(basic diet),three groups with low,medium,and high doses of crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae(100,150,200 mg/kg),and one group with Macleaya cordata extract(300 mg/kg).The 42-day trial measured intestinal enzyme activity,morphology,antioxidant and immune capacity,barrier function,and microbiota structure and diversity.Compared to the control and Macleaya cordata groups,the high-dose crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae group significantly increased trypsin activity in the duodenum,jejunum,and ileum(P<0.05).It also reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels,increased glu-tathione peroxidase activity,reduced tumor necrosis factor-α,increased interleukin-10,and elevated mRNA expression of tight junction protein-1 and mucin-2 in the jejunum(P<0.05).Microbial di-versity analysis showed higher Shannon index,increased Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes,decreased Proteobacteria,and more beneficial bacteria in the high-dose group(P<0.05).Supplementing 200 mg/kg of crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae enhances intestinal morpholo-gy and function,and promotes intestinal health,thereby increasing farming efficiency.
7.Research Progress on the Function of Calpain in Atherosclerosis
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Xiting WANG ; Xiahuan CHEN ; Meilin LIU
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(2):203-208
Atherosclerosis is a severe disease threatening human health,leading to tremendous consequences such as acute coronary syndrome,myocardial infarction,and stroke.The onset and progression of atherosclerosis are attributed to a chronic inflammatory process,closely associated with the biological activities of various cells.Calpain,a Ca2+-dependent cysteine protease within cells,plays a pivotal role in this context by regulating a plethora of substrates through restricted catalysis of protein hydrolysis,thereby participating in pathological and physiological processes including endothelial damage,inflammatory response,and lipid metabolism.This review summarizes the role of calpain in the development of atherosclerosis and the latest research progress in the application of calpain inhibitors for treatment of atherosclerosis,offering new insights for the clinical realization of personalized and precise treatment of atherosclerosis.
8."Seven ones"facilitating high-quality hospital development
Meilin GUI ; Li LEI ; Min WANG ; Tao JIANG ; Lu NI ; Fei CHEN
Modern Hospital 2025;25(10):1501-1504
The deep integration of Party building and professional work is crucial for promoting high-quality development in university-affiliated hospitals.To address the current insufficient integration of Party building and operational development in such hospitals,the Tuina Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine has adopted the"Seven Ones"Party building brand as a carrier.Using Party building as a driving force and traditional Chinese medicine culture as the core,the department has actively implemented a series of innovative Party building initiatives.By deeply integrating Party build-ing with medical services,it explores pathways for the fusion of"Party building+professional work,"leveraging high-quality Party building to facilitate the high-quality development of the hospital and contribute to the realization of the Healthy China strategy.
9.Summary of the best evidence for dietary management in adults with prediabetes
Meilin ZHOU ; Yuan ZHU ; Shuang ZHENG ; Lei CHEN ; Mei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(19):2586-2593
Objective:To retrieve, evaluate and summarize evidence on dietary management in adults with prediabetes, and to provide an evidence-based basis for clinical nursing practice and patient self-management.Methods:Guidelines, expert consensus, clinical decisions, evidence summaries, and systematic reviews on dietary management of patients with prediabetes were electronically searched on domestic and international guideline websites, association websites, and databases in both Chinese and English. The search period was from database establishment to October 31, 2024. Quality assessment of the literature and extraction and summarization of the evidence was carried out.Results:A total of 17 papers were included, including six guidelines, three expert consensus, and eight systematic reviews and Meta-analysis. A total of 39 pieces of evidence were summarized, including eight themes of total energy intake; nutrient recommendations, cooking principles; dietary pattern selection; dietary supplement recommendations; food recommendations; synergy of diet, exercise and medication; and dietary guidance.Conclusions:The best evidence summarized can provide reference for clinical medical and nursing staff, patients with prediabetes and their families. Future evidence-based translational practice for dietary management in prediabetic patients according to this evidence summary should be based on clinical context and consideration of the individual patient's situation for dietary program development.
10.PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ranran FENG ; Yilin GUO ; Meilin CHEN ; Ziying TIAN ; Yijun LIU ; Su JIANG ; Jieyu ZHOU ; Qingluan LIU ; Xiayu LI ; Wei XIONG ; Lei SHI ; Songqing FAN ; Guiyuan LI ; Wenling ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2025;59(1):68-83
Background:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods:
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results:
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

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