2.Mechanism of Huanglian Wendantang on Damp-heat Type Diabetes Enteropathy Rats Based on TGR5/GLP-1 Signaling Pathway and Intestinal Flora
Yujin WANG ; Yulong QIE ; Hua JIANG ; Chen YUAN ; Xirui DENG ; Xuelian MENG ; Wenli WANG ; Yanjin SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):10-18
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huanglian Wendantang on damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy rats based on the G protein coupled bile acid receptor 5/glucagon like peptide-1 (TGR5/GLP-1) signaling pathway and intestinal flora. MethodsA total of 72 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were adaptively fed for one week. Twelve SD rats were randomly selected as a blank group and fed with an ordinary diet. The rest of the SD rats were fasted for 12 hours without water. A rat model with damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy was made by left intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg·kg-1) and high sugar and high fat diet (20% sucrose solution + high fat diet) in a humid and hot environment (artificial climate box: temperature 30-34 ℃, relative humidity: 85%-95%). After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, a metformin group (200 mg·kg-1), low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose Huanglian Wendantang groups (7.10, 14.20, 28.39 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. The normal group and the model group were orally administered with physiological saline once a day for 6 consecutive weeks. During the observation period, the weight and blood glucose levels of rats were measured and recorded weekly. After the administration, fresh feces were collected from rats, and 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to study the differences and changes in intestinal flora among different groups. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological morphological changes of colon tissue were examined. The expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 in colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 proteins in colon tissue was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight, an increase in blood glucose, and significant damp-heat symptoms. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 was decreased (P<0.01), and the pathogenic bacteria were increased. Compared with the model group, the treatment groups exhibited improvements in body weight, blood glucose levels, and damp-heat syndrome in rats. Among them, the high-dose group of Huanglian Wendantang displayed the most significant improvement effect, with significantly reduced inflammation levels (P<0.01) and elevated expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 (P<0.01). Colonic pathological sections showed that Huanglian Wendantang could effectively ameliorate colonic pathological changes. The 16S rRNA sequencing result indicated a significant increase in beneficial bacteria in the treatment groups. ConclusionHuanglian Wendantang can effectively ameliorate the damp-heat symptoms and blood glucose levels in rats with damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy, and it may exert an effect by regulating the TGR5/GLP-1 signaling pathway and intestinal flora disorder.
3.Influencing factors, clinical manifestations and preventive strategies of hypercoagulable state after kidney transplantation
Rentian CHEN ; Zehua YUAN ; Hongtao JIANG ; Tao LI ; Meng YANG ; Liang XU ; Yi WANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):640-647
Hypercoagulable state (HCS) after kidney transplantation is one of the common and serious complications in kidney transplant recipients, which has attracted increasing attention in recent years. HCS refers to the abnormal and excessive activation of blood coagulation function, leading to the increased risk of thrombosis. After kidney transplantation, the combined effects of hemodynamic changes, surgical trauma and severe rejection increase the incidence of HCS, not only raising the risk of thrombosis but also potentially causing graft failure and affecting the postoperative survival rate of patients. This article reviews the influencing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and preventive strategies of HCS after kidney transplantation, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for optimizing perioperative management and improving the prognosis of patients.
4.Danggui Shaoyaosan Regulates Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Xinqiao CHU ; Yaning BIAO ; Ying GU ; Meng LI ; Tiantong JIANG ; Yuan DING ; Xiaping TAO ; Shaoli WANG ; Ziheng WEI ; Zhen LIU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):35-42
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on ferroptosis in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and explore the underlying mechanism based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe sixty SD rats were randomly grouped as follows: control, model, Yishanfu (0.144 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.44, 4.88, and 9.76 g·kg-1, respectively) Danggui Shaoyaosan. A high-fat diet was used to establish the rat model of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of modeling, rats were treated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks. Then, the body weight and liver weight were measured, and the liver index was calculated. At the same time, serum and liver samples were collected. The levels or activities of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Fe2+ in the serum and TC, TG, free fatty acids (FFA), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and Fe2+ in the liver were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the liver. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in the liver were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increases in the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), and decreases in the activities of SOD, GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the liver tissue in the model group presented steatosis, iron deposition, mitochondrial shrinkage, and blurred or swollen mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group, all doses of Danggui Shaoyaosan reduced the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), while increasing the activities of SOD and GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.01). Furthermore, Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviated steatosis, iron deposition, and mitochondrial damage in the liver. ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway to treat NAFLD.
5.Investigation on the dynamic trajectory of platelet count in healthy adults
Yuewei LING ; Qiang MENG ; Yiming ZHANG ; Tiancong ZHANG ; Kuofu LIU ; Si CHEN ; Xinwen YUAN ; Shuang WANG ; Zheng YANG ; Hong JIANG ; Yang FU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1222-1226
Objective:To investigate the longitudinal patterns and influencing factors of platelet counts among healthy adults in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2021, and to inform the establishment of region-specific reference intervals for platelet counts.Methods:This study is a retrospective study. A total of 7 808 healthy adults who underwent annual physical examinations at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between January 2010 and December 2021 were included. All participants were permanent Chengdu residents and completed consecutive complete blood count tests. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct trajectories of platelet count over the ten-year period. One-way analyses were then conducted to compare baseline demographic characteristics (sex and age) among the different trajectory groups.Results:Among 7 808 participants, 4 589 (58.8%) were male and 3 219 (41.2%) were female. Four platelet count trajectories were identified by GBTM: steadily increasing group [27.4% (2 139/7 808)], early increase-plateau group [44.1% (3 445/7 808)], early decrease-subsequent increase group [5.4% (422/7 808)], and steadily decreasing group [23.1% (1 802/7 808)], with an average growth rate of 3.3%, 1.6%, 0.7%, and -0.6%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in both sex and age distributions among the four trajectory groups. Sex-distribution differed significantly across the four trajectory groups ( χ2=73.3, P<0.001). The male proportions in the four trajectory groups were 59.6% (1 275/2 139), 62.8% (2 165/3 445), 48.1% (203/422), and 52.5% (946/1 802), respectively. The baseline ages were 45 (36, 55), 43 (35, 53), 50 (40, 60), and 47 (39, 58) years, respectively (H=121.0, P<0.001). Conclusions:Healthy adults in Sichuan Province exhibit four longitudinal trajectories of platelet counts: steadily increasing, early increase-plateau, early decrease-subsequent increase, and steadily decreasing. The two trajectories characterized by rising platelet counts (steadily increasing group and early increase-plateau group) exhibited higher male predominance and lower median ages, whereas the early decrease-subsequent increase group and the steadily decreasing group exhibited lower male proportions and higher median ages. Therefore, while establishing reference intervals and developing health management strategies for platelet counts, it is essential to account for the sex, age characteristics and the population′s dynamic changes.
6.Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of the nasal cavity and skull base inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor
Wei ZHONG ; Xuan YUAN ; Lai MENG ; Jiaxin JIA ; Shaobing XIE ; Junyi ZHANG ; Hua ZHANG ; Weihong JIANG ; Zhihai XIE
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(8):961-966
Objective:To retrospectively analyze the cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) involving the sinonasal skull base, and to investigate their clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes, in order to improve understanding of this rare entity.Methods:Clinical data from five patients with pathologically confirmed sinonasal skull base IMT who underwent surgical treatment at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between April 2010 and June 2023 were reviewed. Information on clinical presentation, laboratory findings, imaging features, histopathological and immunohistochemical results, treatment strategies, and follow-up outcomes was collected. A comprehensive analysis was performed in combination with a literature review to summarize the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches for sinonasal skull base IMT.Results:The five patients (aged 18 to 68 years) were all diagnosed based on histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. The lesions primarily involved the nasopharynx, clivus, sphenoid sinus, and maxillary sinus. Major clinical symptoms included nasal obstruction, headache, blood-tinged nasal discharge, and facial numbness or pain. All patients underwent surgical resection; two of them also received adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy. During follow-up ranging from 1 to 143 months, two patients experienced tumor recurrence, three patients had no recurrence with significant symptomatic improvement.Conclusions:Histopathology combined with immunohistochemistry is critical for the diagnosis of sinonasal skull base IMT. Complete surgical excision when feasible remains the primary treatment strategy.
8.Mechanism of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation disorder in male infertility.
Kai MENG ; Qian LIU ; Yiding QIN ; Wenjie QIN ; Ziming ZHU ; Longlong SUN ; Mingchao JIANG ; Joseph ADU-AMANKWAAH ; Fei GAO ; Rubin TAN ; Jinxiang YUAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):379-388
Male infertility has become a global concern, accounting for 20-70% of infertility. Dysfunctional spermatogenesis is the most common cause of male infertility; thus, treating abnormal spermatogenesis may improve male infertility and has attracted the attention of the medical community. Mitochondria are essential organelles that maintain cell homeostasis and normal physiological functions in various ways, such as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mitochondrial OXPHOS transmits electrons through the respiratory chain, synthesizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). These mechanisms are vital for spermatogenesis, especially to maintain the normal function of testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells. The disruption of mitochondrial OXPHOS caused by external factors can result in inadequate cellular energy supply, oxidative stress, apoptosis, or ferroptosis, all inhibiting spermatogenesis and damaging the male reproductive system, leading to male infertility. This article summarizes the latest pathological mechanism of mitochondrial OXPHOS disorder in testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells, which disrupts spermatogenesis and results in male infertility. In addition, we also briefly outline the current treatment of spermatogenic malfunction caused by mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders. However, relevant treatments have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders in Sertoli cells and germ cells is a research direction worthy of attention. We believe this review will provide new and more accurate ideas for treating male infertility.
Male
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Humans
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Infertility, Male/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Phosphorylation
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Mitochondria/metabolism*
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Spermatogenesis/physiology*
;
Sertoli Cells/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Stress/physiology*
;
Animals
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Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
9.Preoperative short-course radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitor administration for locally advanced rectal cancer: the initial results of a randomized controlled clinical trial (STELLAR II)
Haoyue LI ; Haitao ZHOU ; Lichun WEI ; Yinggang CHEN ; Wenjue ZHANG ; Feiyan DENG ; Ning LI ; Zheng JIANG ; Zheng LIU ; Jianwei LIANG ; Zhaoxu ZHENG ; Xianyu MENG ; Yufei LU ; Zifa LEI ; Xiaoge SUN ; Gong LI ; Yingjie WANG ; Yongwen SONG ; Shunan QI ; Hao JING ; Yirui ZHAI ; Shulian WANG ; Yexiong LI ; Yuan TANG ; Jing JIN
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):913-921
Objectives:To explore whether short-course radiotherapy (SCRT)-based total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) combined with PD-1 inhibitors could further promote tumor regression and improve the prognosis.Methods:This is a prospective, multicenter, two-arm randomized controlled, seamless phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ trial for proficient mismatch repair or microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the iTNT (TNT+PD-1) group or the TNT group. Patients in the TNT group received SCRT (5 Gy×5) followed by 4 cycles of CAPOX or 6 cycles of mFOLFOX chemotherapy, with the iTNT group receiving SCRT followed by the same regime in combination with 4 cycles of Sintilimab. Total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery or watch and wait (W&W) was performed after neoadjuvant therapy and then 2 cycles of same regimen as before were recommended. The primary endpoints are the complete response (CR) rate for phase Ⅱ trial and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) for phase Ⅲ trial. A total of 588 patients will be enrolled for the phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ trial. Short-term efficacy and safety data from the initial 100 treated patients were analyzed as planned.Results:From 2022-8-31 to 2023-5-24 the initial 100 patients were enrolled from 10 hospitals in China, 76.0%(76/100) patients were male, and the median age was 61 years (21-74 years). More patients had tumors located in the lower rectum (78.0%, 78/100), staged T3-4 (97.0%, 97/100) and N1-2 (93.0%, 93/100), and about half of the tumors invaded the mesorectal fascia (52.0%, 52/100) and with extramural vascular invasion (51.0%, 51/100). Analyses were performed according to the per-protocal (PP) set. All patients in the iTNT group ( n=52) and the TNT group ( n=48) completed SCRT; The 4-cycle chemotherapy±Sintilimab completion rates were 86.5% and 100.0% in the iTNT and TNT groups, respectively. In the iTNT group, 82.7% (43/52), 11.5% (6/52), and 5.8% (3/52) of the patients received 4, 3, and 2 cycles of PD-1 inhibitor. After TNT, 68 patients underwent radical surgery and 15 patients achieved cCR and adopted W&W. The pathological complete response (pCR) rates were 48.5% (16/33) and 17.1% (6/35) in the iTNT and TNT groups, with CR rates of 50.0% (25/50) and 26.1% (12/46), respectively. The incidence of treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events was 26.9% (14/52, iTNT group) and 18.8% (9/48, TNT group), with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia being the most common. Among patients receiving immunotherapy, grade 3 immunotherapy-related adverse events occurred in 2 (3.8%, 2/52) patients: one case was pancreatitis, another case was hepatitis combined with myositis and myocarditis. Conclusion:The preliminary results show that SCRT-based TNT combined with PD-1 inhibitors could further improve the CR rate for LARC without unexpected serious adverse events.

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