1.Bupleuri Radix Associated Prescriptions Against Depression: A Review
Congwei LI ; Mingliang QIAO ; Peiyuan ZHAO ; Bing LI ; Yi MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):295-304
In today's society, depression is a kind of highly prevalent chronic mental illness. It leads to a high disability rate and a heavy economic burden. Depression is defined by fundamental symptoms of low mood and diminished pleasure. Its causes and mechanisms remain unclear, and it presents a broad spectrum of symptoms and a persistent nature that significantly impacts both physical and mental well-being. Treatment in Western medicine primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms, yet it entails numerous adverse effects and contraindications. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment is based on resolving depression, which is often accompanied by soothing liver, and the key medicine is Bupleuri Radix. Bupleuri Radix associated prescriptions refer to a class of prescriptions using Bupleuri Radix as the sovereign medicinal or having a high dose of Bupleuri Radix, which are widely used in the field of anti-depression. Previous studies from animal experiments, clinical research, and modern pharmacological research have confirmed that Bupleuri Radix associated prescriptions have precise anti-depression efficacy in multiple ways and at multiple levels, but lack a comprehensive and systematic summarization. This paper summarized and analyzed the literature related to the clinical application and mechanism of action of Bupleuri Radix associated prescriptions in anti-depression treatment. The results showed that the anti-depression mechanism of the Bupleuri Radix associated prescriptions (such as Xiaochaihu Tang, Xiaoyao San, Sini San, Chaihu Shugan San, and Chaihu jia Longgu Muli San) was associated with the effects of regulating monoamine neurotransmitters, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), intestinal flora, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and modulating related signaling pathways. Applying them in clinical practice can effectively alleviate patient symptoms, lower the TCM syndrome score and the severity of depression, and also reduce adverse reactions. This underscores advantages of TCM in depression treatment, which offers patients a secure, effective, and more individualized alternative treatment regimen. On this basis, the shortcomings of current studies and the future trend were analyzed. This study aimed to provide an evidence-based medicine basis for the research and development of novel antidepressant medications.
2.Regulation of osteogenic effects by bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway:revealing molecular mechanisms of bone formation and remodeling
Haowen LIU ; Weiping QIAO ; Zhicheng MENG ; Kaijie LI ; Xuan HAN ; Pengbo SHI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):563-571
BACKGROUND:Osteoblasts are the main cell types responsible for bone formation and remodeling,and the normal performance of their function is precisely regulated by various signaling pathways.Among them,the bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt signaling pathways play a key role in osteogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To review the role of bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway in the regulation of osteoblast function and analyze its changes in different physiological and pathological conditions in order to further reveal the molecular mechanism of bone formation and remodeling. METHODS:The Chinese and English search terms"BMP signaling pathway,Wnt signaling pathway,and osteogenesis"were searched in CNKI,Wanfang,and PubMed databases for original researches published from the inception to June 2023.Totally 61 articles were finally selected for analysis and summary.Using the method of the literature review,the studies of the bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway in regulating osteogenesis were sorted out and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt signaling pathways play important roles in the differentiation,proliferation,and maturation of osteoblasts.Bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway mainly regulates the expression of osteogenesis-related genes through the activation of Smad protein.Smad protein enters the nucleus and regulates the expression of genes related to osteogenesis.Different Wnt signaling pathway from bone morphogenetic protein mainly depends on the activation of β-catenin to exert its biological effects.(2)The regulatory effect of bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway will be affected by many factors in different physiological and pathological states.Growth factors,hormones,and mechanical stress can affect the activity of bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway to some extent.(3)Bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway interacts with other signaling pathways in the regulation of osteogenesis,and they together constitute a complex regulatory network.(4)Chinese medicine and natural compounds can promote bone health by regulating signaling pathways,providing new possibilities for treating bone diseases.(5)Future studies can further explore the interaction of bone morphogenetic protein/Wnt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways and its changes in different physiological and pathological conditions,resolve the key nodes and regulation mechanism in the complex network,to provide more precise targets for the treatment of bone-related diseases,and also provide new ideas to reveal the molecular mechanism of bone formation and remodeling.
3.Establishment and Implementation of Post-marketing Benefit-risk Assessment Strategy for Traditional Chinese Medicine
Meng QIAO ; Wenxi PENG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Chao LEI ; Yanming XIE ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):253-260
The field of post-marketing benefit-risk assessment for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is still in its nascent stage, lacking a universally accepted and cohesive evaluation framework and standards. This study presented a strategy developed for the benefit-risk assessment of post-marketing of TCM, and explored the critical techniques and specific implementation steps involved in the assessment process. Initially, appropriate qualitative assessment frameworks and quantitative analysis models were selected for the integrated qualitative and quantitative benefit-risk assessment. Subsequently, key technologies were outlined, including the establishment of a benefit-risk indicator system, the assignment of indicator weights, and the definition of criteria attributes. Furthermore, the implementation steps were elaborated, which involved defining decision-making issues, data collection, evaluation methodologies, variability factors, and sensitivity analysis. Finally, a case study of the benefit-risk assessment of a TCM injection for hepatitis B treatment was conducted to validate the feasibility of the proposed strategy. The objective of this research was to provide theoretical support and practical references for the development of a comprehensive post-marketing benefit-risk assessment system for TCM.
4.Serological and Molecular Biological Characteristics of cisAB Blood Group and Transfusion Strategies.
Si-Meng WU ; Qiao-Ni YANG ; Wa GAO ; Xiao-Shuai LI ; Qiu-Shi WANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(1):206-210
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the serological and molecular biological characteristics of 5 patients with cis AB blood group, and to explore the safe transfusion strategy.
METHODS:
Serological identification of the samples' blood group was performed using anti-A, anti-B, anti-D, anti-A1, anti-H typing reagents and ABO reagent erythrocytes. Molecular biological identification of the samples' blood group was performed using PCR-SSP or gene sequencing.
RESULTS:
The serological identification results of blood group in 5 patients all showed inconsistent forward and reverse typing, presenting as A2B3 or A2Bw. ABO gene sequencing of samples 1, 2 and 3 showed 261delG in exon 6 and 467C>T, 803G>C in exon 7. The genotypes of samples 1, 2 and 3 were determined to be cisAB/O . PCR-SSP genotyping was performed on sample 4 and 5,and the results were both cisAB/O .
CONCLUSION
Patients with cisAB alleles have inconsistent serological manifestations, and genetic testing is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusion.
Humans
;
ABO Blood-Group System/genetics*
;
Blood Transfusion
;
Blood Grouping and Crossmatching
;
Genotype
;
Blood Group Antigens/genetics*
;
Alleles
;
Male
;
Female
5.Adrenal cortical carcinoma in children: a clinicopathological analysis of 25 cases
Ruifen WANG ; Wenbin GUAN ; Lingxuan LI ; Meng QIAO ; Ruiqi JIANG ; Lifeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(1):40-45
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) in children.Methods:Twenty-five children with ACC diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China from March 2014 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The related literature was reviewed.Results:A total of 25 children with ACC were collected, including 11 males and 14 females, with a male to female ratio of 1.0∶1.3. The patient ages ranged from 8 months to 14 years (median, 4 years). Eighteen cases with clinical data had functional tumors (18/22, 81.8%) presenting with virilization or precocious puberty (15/18), symptoms related to hypercortisolism (8/18) or endocrine symptoms mixed with both (5/18), while 3 cases (3/22, 13.6%) had unknown clinical data. The clinical manifestations of four patients with nonfunctional tumors were an abdominal mass and/or abdominal pain, walking instability and others. Grossly, the average maximum diameter of the tumor was 9.4 cm. Most of the tumors were nodular and partially encapsuled. The cut surfaces were gray or gray brown, soft with hemorrhage. Histologically, the tumor cells were diffusely distributed, separated by a vascular-rich network. The tumor cells were large, with distinct nucleoli, abundant eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm, and round or oval nuclei. The mitotic index was high, and atypical mitoses were common. Necrosis, calcification, capsule invasion or/and venous invasion were present. In some cases, the tumor invaded the surrounding soft tissues or kidneys. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for syn and SF1 and focally positive for α-inhibin, Melan A and Calretinin, but negative for CgA. Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 2%-90%. TP53 gene status was examined in 7 cases, in which mutations were detected in 4 cases. Follow-up data was obtained in 21 patients, among whom 18 received chemotherapy and 3 received radiotherapy. Distant metastasis occurred in 13 patients. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.2 months and median overall survival (OS) was 54.7 months. Patients aged less than 5 years had a better prognosis for OS ( P<0.05) than the older ones (≥5 years), but a similar PFS ( P>0.05). Male patients and Ki-67 proliferation index <15% had a better prognosis tendency for OS, but there was no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusions:ACC in children is a rare, often functional tumor associated with Li-Fraumeni genetic syndrome and has a poor prognosis. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis require a combination of morphological, phenotypic and clinical analysis.
6.A cohort study of maternal smoking during pregnancy, offspring genetic risk, and overall cancer mortality
Guanlian PANG ; Zhimin MA ; Mingxuan ZHU ; Wenjing GE ; Yuanlin MOU ; Guoqing WANG ; Zhaopeng ZHU ; Qiao LI ; Meng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(8):1045-1051
Objective:To investigate the independent and combined effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring genetic susceptibility on overall cancer mortality.Methods:Based on the United Kingdom Biobank ( n=419 228) data, the Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on offspring overall cancer (including 16 cancers in men and 18 in women) mortality and its combined effect and interaction with offspring genetic factors. Results:Maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with a 13% increased risk of overall cancer mortality in men [hazard ratio( HR)=1.13, 95% CI: 1.06-1.20] and 19% increased risk in women ( HR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.11-1.27). Participants with high genetic risk had the highest overall cancer mortality than those with low genetic risk (men: HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.30-1.55; women: HR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.25-1.52). Compared with participants without maternal smoking during pregnancy and low genetic risk, those with maternal smoking during pregnancy and high genetic risk were associated with a 56% increased risk of overall cancer mortality in men ( HR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.37-1.77) and 59% in women ( HR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.39-1.83). Conclusion:Maternal smoking during pregnancy may increase offspring overall cancer mortality and more severe harm in individuals with high genetic risk.
7.The effect of air pollution on lung function changes: a population-based association study from United Kingdom Biobank
Mingxuan ZHU ; Chen JI ; Xia ZHU ; Guanlian PANG ; Zhaopeng ZHU ; Qiao LI ; Guoqing WANG ; Wenjing GE ; Meng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(8):1059-1065
Objective:To investigate the impact of air pollution on dynamic changes in lung function and further explore the association between genetic factors and lung function and its changes.Methods:Research data were from 14 506 participants in the United Kingdom Biobank with two complete baseline and follow-up lung function tests. Particulate matter [including particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm (PM 2.5 and PM 10)], nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), and nitrogen oxides (NO x) concentrations were estimated using land-use regression models. Annual changes in lung function were calculated based on baseline and follow-up lung function tests. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) of lung function [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the ratio of FEV 1 to FVC (FEV 1/FVC)] were constructed by genetic variations. The association between air pollution concentrations and lung function changes was analyzed by multiple linear regression models, and the impact of genetic factors on lung function and its changes was also assessed. Results:PM 2.5, PM 10, NO 2, and NO x showed a negative correlation with FVC changes [PM 2.5: -6.66 (95% CI: -9.92- -3.40) ml/year; PM 10: -0.40 (95% CI: -0.77- -0.03) ml/year; NO 2: -1.84 (95% CI: -2.60- -1.07) ml/year; NO x: -1.37 (95% CI: -2.27- -0.46) ml/year]. Additionally, PM 2.5, PM 10and NO 2 were also negatively correlated with changes in FEV 1 [PM 2.5: -3.19 (95% CI: -5.79- -0.59) ml/year; PM 10: -3.00 (95% CI: -5.92- -0.08) ml/year; NO 2: -0.95 (95% CI: -1.56- -0.34) ml/year]. PRS of lung function were positively correlated with baseline lung function (FVC, FEV 1, and FEV 1/FVC) and lung function changes (all β>0, all P<0.001). In different PRS stratification analyses, the effect of air pollution on lung function changes remained significant, and there was no apparent heterogeneity. Conclusions:PRS of lung function are significantly associated with baseline and lung function changes. Long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates the decline of lung function indicators such as FVC and FEV 1. The effects of air pollution are consistent in individuals with different genetic risk scores.
8.Surgical techniques for pollybeak deformity correction
Hongli ZHAO ; Xiancheng WANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiang XIONG ; Xianxi MENG ; Wenbo LI ; Zhihua QIAO ; Kai YANG ; Weiliang ZENG ; Yi TIAN
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(2):156-162
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical methods for correcting pollybeak deformity in Chinese rhinoplasty.Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who underwent pollybeak correction between January 2021 and December 2022 at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Individualized correction was tailored based on the etiology and severity of the nasal deformity of each patient, involving techniques such as resection of the anterior part of the nasal septum, reconstruction of nasal tip support, reconstruction of the middle part of the nasal vault, and excision of skin in the upper region of the nasal tip. A modified classification system for pollybeak deformity, the supratip fullness rating scale (SFRS), was developed to evaluate supratip fullness (0-3 points, with higher scores indicating more apparent deformity). The patients aesthetic outcomes were assessed by surgeons using the visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10 points, with higher scores indicating more apparent deformity), and patient self-assessed using the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) questionnaire (0-100 points, with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction). The measurement data of normal distribution was expressed as Mean±SD and analyzed by paired t-test; the measurement data of non-normal distribution was expressed as M( Q1, Q3) and analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results:In a cohort study of 53 rhinoplasty patients (7 male, 46 female; age range 19-45 years, mean 29 years), comprising 15 primary and 38 secondary surgeries, nasal tip deformities were evaluated. Deformities were classified as mild (5 cases), moderate (25 cases), and severe (23 cases). Over a follow-up period of 6-17 months (mean 9.5 months), significant aesthetic improvements in the nasal tip region were observed. The SFRS scores decreased from 2(2, 3) preoperatively to 0(0, 0) postoperatively ( Z = -6.58, P < 0.001), and VAS scores decreased from 7.47±1.73 to 1.79±1.67 ( t = -25.61, P < 0.001). High patient satisfaction was indicated by a mean ROE score of 82.45±11.55. No significant complications, such as nasal tip ptosis, skin necrosis, or scar hyperplasia, were reported. Conclusion:Selecting an appropriate surgical method based on the severity and cause of pollybeak deformity can achieve satisfactory outcomes. Post-operative patients exhibit significant aesthetic improvement in the upper nasal tip area, resulting in high patient satisfaction.
9.Modified superomedial pedicle technique for reduction mammaplasty with inverted T-shaped incision
Kai YANG ; Xiancheng WANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiang XIONG ; Xianxi MENG ; Wenbo LI ; Zhongjie YI ; Hongli ZHAO ; Zhihua QIAO
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(5):491-498
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of modified superomedial pedicle technique using an inverted T-shaped incision for reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of patients who underwent modified superomedial pedicle technique for breast reduction surgery with inverted T-shaped incision between March 2021 and March 2023 at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Preoperatively, a handheld Doppler ultrasound blood flow detector was used to detect and mark the exit points of the 2nd to 4th perforating vessels of the internal thoracic artery, and a superomedial pedicle containing at least two perforators was designed based on the perforator locations, with a pedicle width generally about 6 cm. Intraoperatively, the pedicle was rotated superolaterally, moving the nipple-areola complex (NAC) upwards to construct a fuller upper pole of the breast and removing excess skin in the lower fold to form a inverted T-shaped incision. Postoperatively, the blood supply of the NAC, breast morphology, and incidence of complications were observed and followed up. Canfield Mirror 7.1.1 software was utilized to measure pre- and post-operative breast morphology data from lateral photographs at 6 months, including total breast area, maximum breast protrusion, upper pole protrusion, lower pole height, and nipple elevation height. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was used to survey patient satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and physical health before surgery and 6-12 months after surgery, with each dimension scoring 0-100 points, where higher scores indicate greater satisfaction and health. SPSS 28.0 software was used for data analysis, with normally distributed measurement data expressed as Mean±SD, and paired t-test was applied for comparisons of pre- and post-operative breast morphology data (the first 4 indicators) and BREAST-Q scores, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 56 female patients were included, with an age of (32.0±6.7) years and a body mass index of (29.1±5.7) kg/m 2. Preoperative Doppler ultrasound blood flow detection showed that none of the patients had missing or significantly variant perforators of the superomedial pedicle. The volume of breast tissue removed ranged from 890 to 1 800 ml, averaging 1 250 ml, with an average pedicle width of 5.4 cm (4.0-7.0 cm). The follow-up period was (13.3±2.5) months, during which all patients exhibited good blood supply to the NAC and favorable breast morphology, with universal high satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Postoperatively, one case developed incisional seroma, which resolved naturally within 3 months; two cases experienced minor incision dehiscence, which healed well after dressing changes; all other patients recovered well without any complications such as flap necrosis or hematoma. Comparison of breast morphology data showed significant reductions in postoperative left and right total breast area ( P<0.05 for both), and increases in maximum breast protrusion and lower pole height postoperatively ( P<0.05 for both), while the difference in upper pole protrusion was not statistically significant ( P>0.05 for both); postoperative left and right nipple elevation heights were (6.30±1.84) cm and (6.52±1.66) cm, respectively. Among the 44 patients who completed the BREAST-Q survey both before and after surgery, scores showed significant improvements in postoperative breast satisfaction [(50.30±10.30) points vs. (83.20±6.02) points] ( t=5.17, P=0.008) and psychosocial well-being [(56.20±17.20) points vs. (89.70±2.70) points] ( t=5.09, P=0.010), while sexual well-being and physical health scores did not differ significantly from preoperative scores ( P>0.05 for both). Conclusion:Preoperative identification of perforator locations using a handheld Doppler blood vessel detector, followed by the design of a modified superomedial pedicle technique for reduction mammaplasty with inverted T-shaped incision, can not only ensure NAC blood supply, avoiding ischemic necrosis due to vascular anomalies, but also maximally reduce pedicle width and increase pedicle rotation flexibility, achieving desirable breast shaping effects.
10.Severe subcutaneous hematoma after injection of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle: a case report and literature review
Kemin YI ; Xiancheng WANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiang XIONG ; Xianxi MENG ; Wenbo LI ; Zhongjie YI ; Zhihua QIAO ; Xiaoting LI ; Naixin XIONG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(6):668-673
The patient was a 29-year-old male with a history of hemophilia for more than 10 years. After 6 hours of botulinum toxin injection into the masseter muscle, the redness and swelling of the right face gradually worsened, accompanied by local pain, and restricted mouth opening, etc. The hematoma was absorbed and the swelling subsided significantly after the infusion of coagulation factor Ⅸ. Such cases of large-scale hematomas after botulinum toxin injection in hemophiliacs is rarely reported. This article summarized the diagnosis and treatment process of this case and combines with literature review to provide clinical experience for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of similar complications.

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