1.Myocardial Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Shenfu Injection in Ameliorating Energy Metabolism Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure
Xinyue NING ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Mengna ZHANG ; Yang GUO ; Zhijia XIANG ; Kun LIAN ; Zhixi HU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):178-186
ObjectiveTo examine the influences of Shenfu injection on the endogenous metabolic byproducts in the myocardium of the rat model exhibiting chronic heart failure, thus deciphering the therapeutic mechanism of the Qi-reinforcing and Yang-warming method. MethodsSD rats were randomly allocated into a control group and a modeling group. Chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome in rats was modeled by multi-point subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol, and the rats were fed for 14 days after modeling. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model, Shenfu injection (6.0 mL·kg-1), and trimetazidine (10 mg·kg-1) groups and treated with corresponding agents for 15 days. The control group and the model group were injected with equal doses of normal saline, and the samples were collected after the intervention was completed. Cardiac color ultrasound was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological morphology, and the serum level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mitochondrial morphological and structural changes of cardiomyocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the metabolic profiling was carried out by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quantitative exactive-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Differential metabolites were screened and identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and other methods, and then the MetaboAnalyst database was used for further screening. The relevant biological pathways were obtained through pathway enrichment analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to evaluate the diagnostic value of each potential biomarker for myocardial injury and the evaluation value for drug efficacy. ResultsThe results of color ultrasound showed that Shenfu Injection improved the cardiac function indexes of model rats (P<0.05). The results of HE staining showed that Shenfu injection effectively alleviated the pathological phenomena such as myocardial tissue structure disorder and inflammatory cell infiltration in model rats. The results of ELISA showed that Shenfu injection effectively regulated the serum NT-proBNP level in the model rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Shenfu injection effectively restored the mitochondrial morphological structure. The results of metabolomics showed that the metabolic phenotypes of myocardial samples presented markedly differences between groups. Nine differential metabolites could be significantly reversed in the Shenfu injection group, involving three metabolic pathways: pyruvate metabolism, histidine metabolism, and citric acid cycle (TCA cycle). The results of ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of all metabolites were between 0.75 and 1.0, indicating that the differential metabolites had high diagnostic accuracy for myocardial injury, and the changes in their expression levels could be used as potential markers for efficacy evaluation. ConclusionShenfu injection significantly alleviated the damage of cardiac function, myocardium, and mitochondrial structure in the rat model of chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome by ameliorating energy metabolism remodeling. Reinforcing Qi and warming Yang is a key method for treating chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome.
2.Value of serum Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Yunling DU ; Changjiang SHI ; Fangyuan GAO ; Mengna ZHANG ; Lingling WANG ; Zhuqing ZHANG ; Ying MING ; Shoujun XIE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):684-689
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of serum Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in northern China, and to provide a new and valuable biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of HCC. MethodsThis study was conducted among 102 patients with HCC, 119 patients with benign liver disease, and 132 patients with other malignant tumors who attended The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University and 148 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination from May 2020 to May 2024. ELISA and chemiluminescence were used to measure the serum levels of AKR1B10 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between three groups and further comparison between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to assess diagnostic efficiency. ResultsThe expression level of AKR1B10 was 3 053.79 (1 475.67 — 4 605.86) pg/mL in the HCC group, 1 324.42 (659.68 — 2 023.88) pg/mL in the benign liver disease group, 660.68 (377.56 — 2 087.77) pg/mL in the other malignant tumor group, and 318.30 (82.73 — 478.82) pg/mL in the healthy group, with a significant difference between the four groups (H=240.86, P<0.001), and further comparison between two groups showed that the HCC group had a significantly higher level than the other three groups (all P<0.001). The ROC curve analysis of the HCC group and the other three groups showed that serum AKR1B10 had an optimal cut-off value of 1 584.97 pg/mL in the diagnosis of HCC, with an AUC of 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82 — 0.90), a sensitivity of 74.3%, and a specificity of 85.2%. Compared with each indicator alone, a combination of AKR1B10 and AFP could improve the sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (91.4%) of HCC diagnosis. AKR1B10 had an AUC of 0.84 (95%CI: 0.78 — 0.90) in the diagnosis of patients with early- or middle-stage HCC, with a sensitivity of 76.2% and a specificity of 81.2%. AKR1B10 had an AUC of 0.85 (95%CI: 0.77 — 0.92) in the diagnosis of patients with AFP-negative HCC, with a sensitivity of 81.6% and a specificity of 79.9%. ConclusionAKR1B10 is a promising serological marker for the diagnosis of HCC, and a combination of AKR1B10 and AFP can improve the detection rate of HCC patients in northern China, especially those with early- or middle-stage HCC and AFP-negative HCC.
3.Current status of cognitive frailty among the elderly in community
ZHAI Yujia ; ZHANG Tao ; GU Xue ; XU Le ; WU Mengna ; LIN Junfen ; WU Chen
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):762-766,772
Objective:
To investigate the current status and influencing factors for cognitive frailty among the elderly in community, so as to provide the evidence for early identification and prevention of cognitive frailty among the elderly.
Methods:
Residents aged 60 years and above with local household registration from 11 counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province from 2021 to 2023 were selected as study participants using a multistage random sampling method. Demographic information, lifestyle, and health status were collected through questionnaire surveys. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Cognitive frailty was evaluated using the FRAIL Scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Factors affecting cognitive frailty among the elderly in community were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 16 613 individuals were surveyed, including 7 465 males (44.93%) and 9 148 females (55.07%). The average age was (70.97±7.29) years. A total of 784 individuals were detected with depressive symptoms, with a detection rate of 4.72%. A total of 724 individuals were detected with cognitive frailty, with a detection rate of 4.36%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that females (OR=1.419, 95%CI: 1.179-1.708), aged ≥70 years (70-<80 years old, OR=1.869, 95%CI: 1.490-2.345; ≥80 years old, OR=5.017, 95%CI: 3.935-6.398), without a spouse (OR=1.495, 95%CI: 1.234-1.810), sedentary (OR=2.420, 95%CI: 1.829-3.202), chronic diseases (1 type, OR=1.456, 95%CI: 1.175-1.804; ≥2 types, OR=1.639, 95%CI: 1.314-2.045), and depressive symptoms (OR=4.191, 95%CI: 3.361-5.225) were associated with a higher risk of cognitive frailty among the elderly in community. Conversely, a lower risk of cognitive frailty was seen among the elderly in community who had primary school or above (primary school, OR=0.512, 95%CI: 0.389-0.676; junior high school or above, OR=0.464, 95%CI: 0.354-0.608), engaged in physical exercise (OR=0.396, 95%CI: 0.291-0.539), and were reported average or good self-rated health status (average, OR=0.641, 95%CI: 0.475-0.866; good, OR=0.150, 95%CI: 0.109-0.208).
Conclusions
The detection rate of cognitive frailty among the elderly in community is relatively low and is influenced by demographic factors such as gender, age, education level, as well as lifestyle like sedentary and physical exercise, and health status. It is recommended to reduce the risk of cognitive frailty among the elderly through multidimensional interventions, including health education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and enhanced mental health support.
4.DiPTAC: A degradation platform via directly targeting proteasome.
Yutong TU ; Qian YU ; Mengna LI ; Lixin GAO ; Jialuo MAO ; Jingkun MA ; Xiaowu DONG ; Jinxin CHE ; Chong ZHANG ; Linghui ZENG ; Huajian ZHU ; Jiaan SHAO ; Jingli HOU ; Liming HU ; Bingbing WAN ; Jia LI ; Yubo ZHOU ; Jiankang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):661-664
5.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of omalizumab in the treatment of severe allergic asthma
Chaogang XIONG ; Yurong ZHU ; Mengna AN ; Ying LI ; Xin ZHANG ; Shengjie ZHANG ; Kezhen FENG ; Weiyi FENG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(10):1232-1237
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of omalizumab in the treatment of severe allergic asthma from the perspective of healthcare providers in China. METHODS Based on the data from an international multicenter study of omalizumab in the treatment of severe allergic asthma, the Markov model was constructed according to the progression of severe allergic asthma, with a cycle of 4 weeks. Long-term health outcomes and costs of omalizumab combined with standard of care(SoC) regimen versus SoC regimen in the treatment of severe allergic asthma were simulated by using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER) as output indexes. One-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were performed to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS Compared with the SoC regimen, ICER for the omalizumab combined with SoC regimen was 107 723.05 yuan/QALY, which was less than the willingness-to-pay(WTP) threshold (268 074 yuan/QALY) calculated by three times per capita gross domestic product(GDP) in China in 2023. The one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the baseline serum level of immunoglobulin E had the greatest impact on the robustness of the model. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the omalizumab+SoC regimen had a 93.00% probability of being cost- effective. The scenario analysis showed that in the real world, the billing method of omalizumab based on specifications rather than actual usage may increase ICER. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the SoC regimen, the combination of omalizumab and SoC regimen for treating severe allergic asthma is cost-effective, with a WTP threshold of three times China’s per capita GDP
6.Organization design and implementation process management based upon an investigator-initiated multi-center prospective clinical trial of kidney transplantation
Sijun WANG ; Huijun CHEN ; Peidan KUANG ; Qinghang WU ; Mengna HU ; Gang CHEN ; Lei ZHANG ; Lan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2024;45(7):476-480
Based upon the experiences of planning and implementation of "Dynamic changes of Torque Teno virus load in Chinese renal transplant recipients with immunosuppressive therapy: A multi-center prospective observational double-blind cohort study", this article explored the current status and major difficulties of investigator-initiated multi-center prospective clinical trials of kidney transplantation in China. Various issues of organization design and implementation process management were discussed for enhancing the quality of implementing the relevant trials.
7.Application effect of preoperative muscle strength training combined with postoperative BIODEX balance training in treatment of patients with total hip arthroplasty
Zhanlei ZHANG ; Guo CHEN ; Fujuan YONG ; Shangshang ZHANG ; Mengna BI ; Yichen WANG ; Zou MA
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(2):84-87
Objective To observe the effect of preoperative muscle strength training combined with postoperative BIODEX balance function training in improving the motor function of patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods A total of 110 patients with THA from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected as research objects, and were divided into observation group and control group by the simple randomization method, with 55 cases in each group. The control group received conventional postoperative rehabilitation training, while the observation group was treated with muscle strength training and BIODEX balance function training. Imaging indicators (acetabular abduction angle, anterior inclination angle, proportion of acetabular cup in safe zone, and centering rate of femoral prosthesis) at 5 days after surgery were compared between two groups; the joint motor function (Harris score for hip joint), balance ability [Berg Balance Scale (BBS)] and daily activity ability [Activities of Daily Life Scale (ADL)] before treatment and one month after treatment were compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in acetabular abduction angle, anterior inclination angle, proportion of acetabular cup in safe zone and centering rate of femoral prosthesis between the two groups at 5 days after surgery (
8.Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans aggravated during pregnancy: a case report and literature review
Mengna JIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Shuhan ZHAO ; Xiaohan SUN ; Peijun SONG ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2023;39(11):1251-1254
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans ( DFSP ) is very rare in clinic, and its diagnosis is not specific. According to the literature domestic and abroad, only 18 cases of patients during gestation period suffered from DFSP have been reported. This paper reported a case from the Department of Plastic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College in April 2022 diagnosed with DFSP during pregnancy.The DFSP showed rapid growth and pain during pregnancy, and stopped rapid growth after delivery. Extensive local resection was performed and the incision margin exceeded 3 cm diameter of the tumor. One-stage skin graft was used to repair the defect. HE staining showed a single spindle cell, arranged in a vortex, with large and dark nuclei. Some nuclei were heteromorphic, and few mitotic figures were observed. Postoperative pathology showed negative margins and basement. Immunohistochemistry showed CD34 (+ + ), Ki-67 (+, 10% ), bcl-2 (-), s-100 (-), SMA (-), CD163 (-), CD68 (-), which were consistent with the diagnosis of DFSP. The pathogenesis of DFSP is not yet clear. As a special population, patients during gestation period need special treatment and diagnosis. Through literature review, this paper summarizes the reports domestic and abroad, and discusses the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with DFSP during pregnancy.
9.Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans aggravated during pregnancy: a case report and literature review
Mengna JIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Shuhan ZHAO ; Xiaohan SUN ; Peijun SONG ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2023;39(11):1251-1254
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans ( DFSP ) is very rare in clinic, and its diagnosis is not specific. According to the literature domestic and abroad, only 18 cases of patients during gestation period suffered from DFSP have been reported. This paper reported a case from the Department of Plastic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College in April 2022 diagnosed with DFSP during pregnancy.The DFSP showed rapid growth and pain during pregnancy, and stopped rapid growth after delivery. Extensive local resection was performed and the incision margin exceeded 3 cm diameter of the tumor. One-stage skin graft was used to repair the defect. HE staining showed a single spindle cell, arranged in a vortex, with large and dark nuclei. Some nuclei were heteromorphic, and few mitotic figures were observed. Postoperative pathology showed negative margins and basement. Immunohistochemistry showed CD34 (+ + ), Ki-67 (+, 10% ), bcl-2 (-), s-100 (-), SMA (-), CD163 (-), CD68 (-), which were consistent with the diagnosis of DFSP. The pathogenesis of DFSP is not yet clear. As a special population, patients during gestation period need special treatment and diagnosis. Through literature review, this paper summarizes the reports domestic and abroad, and discusses the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with DFSP during pregnancy.
10.Artificial intelligence-based drug development: current progress and future challenges
Zehao YU ; Leiming ZHANG ; Mengna ZHANG ; Zhiqi DAI ; Chengbin PENG ; Siming ZHENG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2023;54(3):282-293
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely applied in the field of drug discovery and development.In particular, natural language processing technology has been significantly improved after the emergence of the pre-training model.On this basis, the introduction of graph neural network has also made drug development more accurate and efficient.In order to help drug developers more systematically and comprehensively understand the application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, this article introduces cutting-edge algorithms in AI, and elaborates on the various applications of AI in drug development, including drug small molecule design, virtual screening, drug repurposing, and drug property prediction, finally discusses the opportunities and challenges of AI in future drug development.


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