1.Gantou Fumu Decoction Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Regulating Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway
Wangsheng HE ; Yanping ZHU ; Shizhen LONG ; Mengmeng LI ; Wenming YANG ; Han WANG ; Meixia WANG ; Ting DONG ; Shupei JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):105-115
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism through which Gantou Fumu decoction (GDFMT)-containing serum inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells. MethodsSerum pharmacology techniques were employed to prepare GDFMT-containing serum samples. Rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCT6) were randomly allocated into three groups: Control, penicillamine (90 mg·kg-1), and GDFMT (6.8 g·kg-1). Cell viability was assessed by the cell counting kti-8 (CCK-8) assay, intracellular ROS levels were determined by flow cytometry using the DCFH‑DA fluorescent probe and while extracellular collagen Ⅰ (ColⅠ) levels were quantified via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intracellular α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was visualized through immunofluorescence staining. Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were performed to evaluate alterations in the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutamate cysteine ligase, catalytic (GCLC), glutamate-cysteine ligase, modifier subunit (GCLM), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P)H:Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Genetic knockdown of Nrf2 was achieved through small interfering (siRNA) transfection to validate pathway specificity. ResultsCCK-8 data indicated that under the selected experimental conditions, culturing HSCT6 cells with 10% (volume fraction) GDFMT-containing serum for 48 h demonstrated equivalent effect in inhibiting HSCT6 cell proliferation compared with culturing HSCT6 cells with 10% (volume fraction) penicillamine-containing serum for 36 h, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. After treatment of HSCT6 cells with siRNA-mediated Nrf2 gene transfection technique, the inhibitory effect of GDFMT on the activation process of HSCT6 cells was significantly weakened. After HSCT6 cells were cultured with GDFMT-containing serum for 48 h, the flow cytometry with a fluorescence probe showed that the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells was significantly reduced. After the expression level of the Nrf2 gene in HSCT6 cells was knocked down by siRNA transfection, the content of ROS increased (P<0.01), indicating that GDFMT significantly reduced the ROS level in activated HSCT6 cells, and this effect strictly depended on the integrity of the Nrf2 pathway. Quantitative analysis by ELISA showed that the synthesis of ColⅠ in the HSCT6 cell culture system treated with GDFMT-containing serum for 48 h was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). After the Nrf2 gene level of HSCT6 cells was knocked down by siRNA transfection, the ColⅠ concentration in the culture supernatant increased (P<0.01). The results of α-SMA detection by IF method showed that compared with the normal group, GDFMT-containing serum reduced the expression of α-SMA (P<0.01) and the protein level of α-SMA in HSCT6 cells was increased (P<0.01) after siRNA-mediated Nrf2 silencing, suggesting that Nrf2 signaling pathway may be involved in regulating the phenotypic transformation process of the cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that GDFMT-containing serum reduced the protein level of α-SMA (P<0.01) and enhanced the gene and protein levels of Nrf2 in the nucleus and GCLC, HO-1, Keap1, GCLM, and NQO1 in the cytoplasm of HSCT6 cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). After the Nrf2 gene level of HSCT6 cells was knocked down by siRNA transfection, the protein level of α-SMA was increased (P<0.01), and the levels of GCLC, GCLM, Keap1, NQO1, and HO-1 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). These results indicated that GDFMT-containing serum successfully triggered the Nrf2 signaling pathway of HSCT6 cells. ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of 10%GDFMT was equivalent to that of penicillamine. In addition, GDFMT can inhibit HSC activation and reduce oxidative stress damage by activating the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway, as manifested by the up-regulated expression of Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant genes (GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, Keap1, and NQO1) and reduced secretion of ROS, α-SMA, and ColⅠ.
2.Analysis of Dynamic Change Patterns of Color and Composition During Fermentation of Myristicae Semen Koji
Zhenxing WANG ; Mengmeng FAN ; Le NIU ; Suqin CAO ; Hongwei LI ; Zhenling ZHANG ; Hanwei LI ; Jianguang ZHU ; Kai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):222-229
ObjectiveTo explore the changes in volatile components, total polysaccharides, enzyme activity, and chromaticity value of Myristicae Semen Koji(MSK) during the fermentation process, and conduct correlation analysis. MethodsBased on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), the changes of volatile components in MSK at different fermentation times were identified. The phenol sulfuric acid method, dinitrosalicylic acid method(DNS), and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt method(CMC-Na) were used to investigate the total polysaccharide content, amylase activity, and cellulase activity during the fermentation process. Visual analysis technology was used to explore the changes in chromaticity values, revealing the fermentation process of MSK and the dynamic changes of various measurement indicators, partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) was used to explore the differential compounds of MSK at different fermentation degrees, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile components of MSK and total polysaccharides, enzyme activity, and chromaticity values. ResultsA total of 60 volatile compounds were identified from MSK, the relative contents of components such as (+)-α-pinene, β-phellandrene, β-pinene, (+)-limonene, and p-cymene obviously increased, while the relative contents of components such as safrole, methyl isoeugenol, methyleugenol, myristicin, and elemicin significantly decreased. During the fermentation process, the total polysaccharide content showed an upward trend, while the activities of amylase and cellulase showed an initial increase followed by a decrease, and reached their maximum value at 40 h. the overall brightness(L*) and total color difference(ΔE*) gradually increased, while the changes in red-green value(a*) and yellow-blue value(b*) were not obvious. PLS-DA results showed that MSK could be clearly distinguished at different fermentation times, and 13 differential biomarkers were screened out. Pearson correlation analysis results showed that the contents of α-terpinene, β-phellandrene, methyleugenol, β-cubebene and myristic acid had an obvious correlation with chromaticity values. ConclusionAfter fermentation, the volatile components, total polysaccharides, amylase activity, and cellulase activity of MSK undergo significant changes, and there is a clear correlation between them and chromaticity values, which reveals the dynamic changes in the fermentation process and related indicators of MSK, laying a foundation for the quality control.
3.Correlation between serum Gal-3,FGF-21 and lung function and mMRC score in patients with COPD
Weiwei CHEN ; Mengmeng GAO ; Yue LIU ; Jing XU ; Fengyuan ZHU ; Fei LI ; Meiru FAN ; Yongqing HE
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(10):1212-1215
Objective To investigate the correlation between serum galectin-3(Gal-3),fibroblast growth factor-21(FGF-21)and the lung function and and the Modified British Medical Research Council dyspnea in-dex(mMRC)score in invalids with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods A total of 79 patients with COPD who received treatment in the hospital from April 2021 to April 2023 were selected as the observation group,and 60 healthy individuals in the hospital during the same period were selected as control group.The expressions of Gal-3 and FGF-21 in serum were detected and compared.The first second forced ex-piratory volume(FEV1),FEV1/forced vital capacity(FVC)and mMRC score in two groups were compared,and the correlation between the expression levels of Gal-3 and FGF-21 and FEV1,FEV1/FVC and mMRC score in COPD patients was analyzed.Results The expression levels of serum Gal-3 and FGF-21 in the obser-vation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The pulmonary function indexes in ser-um of observation group were higher than those in the control group,while the mMRC score was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The expression levels of Gal-3 and FGF-21 were positively correlated with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC(P<0.05),was negatively correlated with mMRC score(P<0.05).Conclusion The expression of serum Gal-3 and FGF-21 in COPD invalids is abnormal,and the expression levels of serum Gal-3 and FGF-21 in COPD patients were correlated with FEV1,FEV1/FVC and mMRC score,which could be used as important reference indicators for diagnosis and disease evaluation of COPD.
4.Relationship between CT renal imaging parameters and glomerular filtration rate measured by 99mTc-DTPA renal dynamic imaging
Mengmeng ZHENG ; Yichen ZHU ; Ye TIAN
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(3):181-188
Objective:To explore the relationship between CT renal imaging parameters measured by 3D-slicer software and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured by 99mTc-DTPA renal dynamic imaging. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 177 patients (65 renal transplant donors, 60 patients with obstructive nephropathy, and 52 patients with renal tumors) admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2015 to August 2021. GFR was measured for all patients. After three-dimensional imaging reconstruction of the urinary system enhanced CT using the 3D-slicer software platform, renal cortical volume, parenchymal volume, and average CT values were measured. A total of 189 kidneys (65 healthy kidneys, 72 hydronephrotic kidneys, and 52 tumor kidneys) were analyzed for the above parameters. The statistical analysis methods used independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Results:Compared with healthy kidneys, renal cortex volume and parenchyma volume in hydronephrotic and tumor kidneys were significantly reduced ( P<0.001), and GFR was significantly lower ( P<0.001). Among the 189 renal parameters, except for renal medulla volume ( r=0.146, P=0.531), renal cortex volume ( r=0.784, P<0.001) and renal parenchyma volume ( r=0.698, P<0.001) were significantly correlated with GFR. The results of one-way ANOVA showed significant differences between the groups in terms of renal cortex volume ( F=142.62, P<0.001), renal parenchyma volume ( F=92.92, P<0.001), average CT value of the renal cortex ( F=12.68, P<0.001), average CT value of the renal parenchyma ( F=19.68, P<0.001), and renal medulla volume ( F=3.26, P=0.041). Significant differences were observed between the subgroups for both renal cortex and parenchyma volumes ( P<0.001). Compared with other parameters, renal cortex volume showed higher diagnostic performance in distinguishing different levels of renal function. When the renal cortex volume was set to 77.91 mL and 45.46 mL, respectively, the diagnostic performance for distinguishing normal renal function from mild renal impairment ( AUC=0.830, 95% CI: 0.761-0.889, P<0.001) and mild renal impairment from severe renal impairment ( AUC=0.894, 95% CI: 0.787-0.952, P<0.001) showed high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions:The measurement of renal imaging parameters using 3D-slicer software has clinical value in evaluating renal function in patients. Renal cortex volume demonstrates good diagnostic performance in distinguishing different levels of renal function, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
5.Value of gemstone spectral CT multiparameter for risk assessment of acute pulmonary embolism
Lin ZHU ; Mengmeng ZOU ; Yuanyuan GAO ; Na LÜ ; Fei GUO
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(6):947-951
Objective To investigate the value of gemstone spectral CT multiparameter for risk assessment in acute pulmonary embolism(APE).Methods A total of 83 patients diagnosed with APE were categorized into three groups based on the European Society of Cardiology(ESC)guidelines:high-risk group(n=23),medium-high-risk group(n=29),and medium-low-risk group(n=31).The spectral CT multiparameters for each group were subsequently analyzed and compared.The predictive value of the region of interest perfusion defect iodine group value(ROI vPD),whole lung mean perfusion iodine group value(vMeanIP),and lung perfusion defect volume ratio(rPDvol)in high-risk APE patients were assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Pearson correlation was employed to analyze the correlation of gemstone spectral CT multiparameter with pulmonary artery obstruction index(PAOI)and right ventricle/left ventricle diameter ratio(rRVD/LVD).Results Whole lung minimum perfusion iodine group value(vMinIP),whole lung maximum perfusion iodine group value(vMaxIP),vMeanIP,rPDvol and right ventricle/left ventricle volume ratio(rRVV/LVV)exhibited significant differences across all groups.The area under the curve(AUC)for ROI vPD,vMeanIP,and rPDvol in high-risk APE patients were 0.792,0.831,and 0.884,respectively.The sensitivity and specificity for ROI vPD(≤0.3),vMeanIP(≤1.1),and rPDvol(≥23.7%)were recorded at 95.7%and 60.0%,78.3%and 75.0%,as well as 91.3%and 75.0%,respectively.Simultaneously,the gemstone spectral CT multiparameter exhibited correlations with PAOI and rRVD/LVD.Conclusion The gemstone spectral CT multiparameter can be utilized to evaluate the severity and progression of patients with APE.
6.Advances in artificial intelligence-assisted medical imaging analysis for transplant kidney function assessment
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(9):665-669
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI), particularly image recognition technology and neural network models based on deep learning, has demonstrated immense potential in the field of medical imaging analysis. Through its automated and standardized high-efficiency data analysis capabilities, AI has effectively enhanced the accuracy of disease diagnosis and treatment decision-making. In the field of kidney transplantation, AI exhibits significant advantages in preoperative donor kidney function evaluation, postoperative dynamic monitoring of graft function, and identification of rejection episodes. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the application of AI in assessing renal graft function, focusing on its use in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pathological image analysis, and discusses future directions for its development.
7.Determination of Three Impurity Ions in Oral Rehydration Salt Powder(Ⅲ)by Gradient Elution Ion Chromatography
Hao NIE ; Jingxin XIE ; Mengmeng SHEN ; Li ZHU ; Xu WANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(10):1667-1670
Objective To establish an efficient,sensitive,and accurate ion chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of three impurity ions—bromide(Br-),nitrite(NO2-),and oxalate(C2 O42-)—in oral rehydration salts powder(Ⅲ).These impurity ions may pose potential toxic side effects on children's health;therefore,ensuring their content within safe limits is crucial for safeguarding pediatric medication safety.Methods A Metrosep A Supp 5 column(250 mm×4.0 mm,5 μm),packed with quaternary ammonium-bonded polyvinyl alcohol was used.The eluent consisted of carbonate buffer:Mobile phase A was a mixture of 3.2 mmol·L-1 sodium carbonate and 1.0 mmol·L-1 sodium bicarbonate(50∶50,V∶V),and mobile phase B was a mixture of 32 mmol·L-1 sodium carbonate and 10 mmol·L-1 sodium bicarbonate(50∶50,V∶V),with gradient elution.The column temperature was set at 35℃,and the flow rate was 0.7 mL·min-1.Limits for the three impurity ions were set according to the International Council for Harmonisation guidelines(ICH M7(R1)and ICH Q3B),and the method was validated by testing six actual samples.Results Within the concentration range of 0.02-0.50 μg·mL-1,the linear correlation coefficients(R2)for the three impurity ions were all greater than 0.999.The detection limits ranged from 1.2 to 3.4 ng·mL-1,and the spiked recovery rates were between 92.0%and 102.0%.Results from the six actual samples demonstrated that the method effectively controlled the content of impurity ions.Conclusion This study successfully established a gradient elution ion chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of three impurity ions in Oral rehydration salts powder(Ⅲ).The method is highly sensitive,specific,and accurate.
8.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of cemental tear.
Ye LIANG ; Hongrui LIU ; Chengjia XIE ; Yang YU ; Jinlong SHAO ; Chunxu LV ; Wenyan KANG ; Fuhua YAN ; Yaping PAN ; Faming CHEN ; Yan XU ; Zuomin WANG ; Yao SUN ; Ang LI ; Lili CHEN ; Qingxian LUAN ; Chuanjiang ZHAO ; Zhengguo CAO ; Yi LIU ; Jiang SUN ; Zhongchen SONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Li LIN ; Peihui DING ; Weilian SUN ; Jun WANG ; Jiang LIN ; Guangxun ZHU ; Qi ZHANG ; Lijun LUO ; Jiayin DENG ; Yihuai PAN ; Jin ZHAO ; Aimei SONG ; Hongmei GUO ; Jin ZHANG ; Pingping CUI ; Song GE ; Rui ZHANG ; Xiuyun REN ; Shengbin HUANG ; Xi WEI ; Lihong QIU ; Jing DENG ; Keqing PAN ; Dandan MA ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Dong CHEN ; Liangjun ZHONG ; Gang DING ; Wu CHEN ; Quanchen XU ; Xiaoyu SUN ; Lingqian DU ; Ling LI ; Yijia WANG ; Xiaoyuan LI ; Qiang CHEN ; Hui WANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Mengmeng LIU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Shaohua GE
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):61-61
Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans
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Dental Cementum/injuries*
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Consensus
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
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Tooth Fractures/therapy*
9.Efficacy of selective expansive opendoor laminoplasty in the treatment of multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Zehua JIANG ; Boyu ZHANG ; Hongjie ZHANG ; Haojun CUI ; Zhishuai REN ; Hao YU ; Mengmeng ZHOU ; Rusen ZHU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(7):719-724
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of selective expansive open-door laminoplasty(SEOLP)with preservation of C7 spinous process in the treatment of multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy and its impact on changes in sagittal parameters of cervical spine.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and radiological information of 73 patients who underwent expansive open-door laminoplasty(EOLP)for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in our department between March 2018 and June 2022.Patients were divided into the SEOLP group(n=35)and the EOLP group(n=38)based on the surgical method.Follow-up was conducted for one year.The operation time,blood loss,axial symptom scores,JOA scores,VAS scores and neck disability index(NDI)were recorded in two groups of patients.Radiological data were also recorded for both groups during the perioperative period,and the C2-7 Cobb angle,C2-7 SVA and T1 slope were measured.The cervical curvature index(CCI)and cervical range of motion(ROM)were calculated.The perioperative clinical outcomes and changes in cervical sagittal parameters were observed,and their correlations were analyzed.Results There were no significant differences in blood loss,operation time,JOA scores at various follow-up time points between the two groups(P>0.05).During postoperative follow-up,axial symptoms were observed in 5 patients in SEOLP group and 14 patients in EOLP group.There were statistically significant differences in axial symptom scores,incidence and severity of axial symptoms between the two groups(P<0.05).The NDI indices at one year after operation were 21.1±2.3 for SEOLP group and 24.8±3.5 for EOLP group respectively(P<0.01).There were no statistically significant differences in T1 slope and C2-7 Cobb angle at various follow-up time points after surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).One year after operation,CCI indices for two groups were(13.4±2.7)and(12.1±2.4),respectively,with a statistically significant difference(t=2.178,P<0.05).The C2-C7 SVA values for two groups at one year after operation were(22.4+3.8)mm and(26.7±5.9)mm,respectively(t=3.667,P<0.01).The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was a significant negative correlation between clinical functional improvement(NDI)and changes of the radiological parameter C2-C7 SVA in both groups of patients.Conclusion After SEOLP,the recovery of C2-C7 SVA is faster and has less impact on cervical spine function,and the occurrence degree and incidence of axial symptoms are lower.
10.Construction and validation of a predictive model for montelukast sodium-related adverse reactions in children with community-acquired pneumonia
Mengmeng SUN ; Lin ZHU ; Zongyan WANG ; Bi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(2):136-143
Objective To analyze the risk factors for adverse drug reactions(ADRs)caused by montelukast sodium in the treatment of children with community-acquired pneumonia(CAP),and to construct and verify prediction model for ADRs.Methods The clinical data of CAP children who received montelukast sodium treatment in Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from April 2023 to June 2024 were retrospectively collected.The patients were randomly divided into modeling group and verification group according to the 3∶2 ratio,and the modeling group were divided into the ADR subgroup and non-ADR subgroup based on the presence or absence of ADR.The modeling group data was used for model construction,and multivariate Logistic analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of ADR and establish a predictive model.The verification group data was used for model validation.The model's predictive ability,calibration,and clinical net benefits were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis,calibration curves,and decision curves.Results A total of 241 pediatric patients were included,including 144 in the modeling group and 97 in the validation group.A total of 50 children in the modeling group developed ADR,with an incidence rate of 34.72%.Multivariate Logistic regression results indicated that nebulized inhalation[OR=2.370,95%CI(1.099,5.111),P=0.028],use of methylprednisolone[OR=2.481,95%CI(1.057,5.824),P=0.037],and extrapulmonary complications[OR=7.411,95%CI(1.382,39.738),P=0.019]were independent risk factors for montelukast sodium related ADRs in children with CAP.The areas under the curve of the modeling group and validation group were 0.964 and 0.869,respectively.The calibration curve and decision curve showed good consistency between the predicted and actual values of the model,indicating good clinical net benefits.Conclusions Aerosol inhalation,methylprednisolone use,and extrapulmonary complications were independent risk factors for the occurrence of montelukast sodium-related adverse reactions in children with CAP.This model could help screen and identify ADR high-risk children.

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