1.Mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in Blocking Renal Fibrosis Injury in Diabetic Kidney Disease Mediated by Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Through Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Axis
Liangjing LIU ; Haolan LIU ; Xiaoling MAO ; Min YU ; Weitong YAN ; Chao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):32-45
ObjectiveThis paper aims to study the potential active compound components and action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) through network pharmacology and in vivo experimental verification. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) technology was used to clarify the main active chemical components of Shenqi Dihuangtang, and it was combined with network pharmacology methods such as gene ontology (GO) functional annotations and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome (KEGG) to predict the potential action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in treating DKD. Subsequently, the DKD model of db/db male mice was established, and the mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (6.10 g·kg-1), medium-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (12.19 g·kg-1), high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (24.38 g·kg-1), and daplizin group (1.25 mg·kg-1). During the same period, C57BL/6J male mice were selected into normal group and received drug intervention for 8 weeks, respectively. During this period, the body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) of the mice were dynamically monitored, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed at the end of dosing. The levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer, and 24-hour urine protein was measured by a urine protein quantitative kit. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic-acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson staining were employed to observe the renal histopathology. The expression of nephrotic protein Nephrin was observed by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins such as TGF-β1, Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), neural-cadherin (N-Cadherin), and snail protein. ResultsUPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS identified 384 active compounds in the aqueous extract of Shenqi Dihuangtang. According to oral bioavailability≥30% and the five drug-like principles, 44 key active ingredients were screened out, and 169 intersection targets highly correlated with DKD were matched. Among them, there was a significant interaction relationship between tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin(IL)-6, protein kinase B(Akt)1, Caspase-3, Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), matrix metallopeptidase-9(MMP-9), IL-1β, and TGF-β1. GO functional annotations were significantly enriched in cellular components such as membrane rafts, membrane microdomains, and collagen-containing extracellular matrix, molecular functions such as DNA-binding transcription factor binding, R-Smad binding, and Smad protein binding, as well as biological processes such as reactions to lipopolysaccharides(LPS), reactions to bacteria-derived molecules, and wound healing. The KEGG pathway was significantly enriched in lipids and atherosclerosis, TGF-β signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, etc. In vivo experimental results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce FBG levels in db/db mice (P<0.01), improve OGTT (P<0.01) and ITT (P<0.01) levels, reduce SCr (P<0.01), BUN (P<0.01), UA (P<0.01) and 24-hour BUN (P<0.01), and increase ALB (P<0.01) and TP (P<0.01) levels. Pathological staining confirmed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce the glomerular mesangial matrix area and collagen deposition (P<0.01) and upregulate the positive expression rate of Nephrin (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group significantly downregulated the expression of TGF-β1 (P<0.01) and Smad2/3 (P<0.01) signal molecules and inhibited the protein levels of α-SMA (P<0.01), N-Cadherin (P<0.01), and Snail (P<0.01). ConclusionShenqi Dihuangtang can inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling axis and block the renal EMT process, thereby improving DKD renal fibrosis damage. Further analysis of its key active components and clinical transformation pathways is needed in the future.
2.Regulation of Relevant Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Intervention of Pancreatic Cancer: A Review
Quanyou ZHAO ; Conghui ZHAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiping FU ; Yuting LIU ; Xiaoran WANG ; Zhanzhan LI ; Mingsan MIAO ; Li BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):280-289
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant solid tumor of the digestive system with extremely poor treatment prognosis. Although its incidence rate is low, its mortality rate is extremely high. In recent years, the number of diagnosed cases worldwide has continued to rise, making pancreatic cancer the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Currently, clinical treatment primarily relies on operation and chemotherapy to suppress tumors. However, these approaches face challenges such as suboptimal efficacy, high postoperative recurrence rates, and severe adverse reactions. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment modalities remains a pressing challenge for the medical community. In recent years, research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions for pancreatic cancer has increased significantly. Multiple studies have shown that single-herb TCM, TCM formulas, and their derived single compounds can regulate the levels of tumor cell signaling pathways through multiple action targets. They inhibit the development and progression of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reducing cancer cell invasion and migration capabilities, regulating the cell cycle, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, TCM has the advantages of significantly enhancing the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and causing fewer adverse reactions. However, the specific action mechanisms by which TCM intervenes in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Further extensive research is still needed to validate the role of regulating classical signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), notch, and hedgehog in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this paper reviewed Chinese and international studies on TCM intervention in pancreatic cancer through relevant signaling pathways in recent years, summarized the potential action mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and provided references for related research in the future.
3.Effect of functional pelvic floor muscle training on stress urinary incontinence in women
Ya'nan LI ; Miao YE ; Juan WU ; Cong CHEN ; Lingfang WAN ; Lili YU ; Linlin GAO ; Yi QIN ; Huafang JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(6):690-698
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of functional pelvic floor muscle training on pelvic floor muscle function, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MethodsFrom February, 2024 to July, 2025, 40 female patients with SUI were recruited from Beijing Bo'ai Hospital and advertisements. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 20) and experimental group (n = 20). The control group received conventional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, and the experimental group received functional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, for eight weeks. The data of pelvic floor muscle strength, pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography (sEMG), 1-hour urine pad test and Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (I-QOL) were collected before and after training. The compliance rate was counted after training. ResultsOne case dropped down in the control group and three cases dropped down in the experimental group. After treatment, the pelvic floor muscle strength increased in both groups (|Z| > 3.317, P < 0.01), the pre-resting average value, sustained contraction average value and durable contraction average value of sEMG improved in the control group (|t| > 2.731, P < 0.05), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t > 9.215, P < 0.001) and the I-QOL score significantly increased (|t| > 13.229, P < 0.001) in both groups; compared with the control group, the pelvic floor muscle strength significantly increased (Z = -2.281, P = 0.023), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t = 4.215, P < 0.001), the I-QOL score significantly increased (t = -4.501, P < 0.001), and the compliance rate significantly increased (Z = -2.798, P < 0.01) in the experimental group . ConclusionFunctional pelvic floor muscle training can significantly improve pelvic floor muscle strength, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with SUI.
4.Dystrophinopathy in the paravertebral muscle of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective case-control study in China
Junyu LI ; Danfeng ZHENG ; Zekun LI ; Jiaxi LI ; Zexi YANG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Yingshuang ZHANG ; Miao YU
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):64-73
Methods:
This study enrolled 40 patients with AIS, 20 patients with congenital scoliosis (CS), and 20 patients with spinal degenerative disease (SDD). All patients underwent open posterior surgery in our hospital, and a paravertebral muscle (multifidus muscle) biopsy was performed intraoperatively. This study included many indexes that describe muscle, especially dystrophin staining. The above pathological results were compared among the AIS, CS, and SDD groups. The correlation between the Cobb angle and Nash–Moe classification and the above pathological results was analyzed in patients with AIS.
Results:
Significant reductions in the dystrophin staining of dystrophin-1 (p<0.001), dystrophin-2 (p<0.001), and dystrophin-3 (p<0.001) were observed in the AIS group than in the CS and SDD groups. The higher the Nash–Moe classification in the AIS group, the more significant the loss of dystrophin-2 (p=0.042) in the convex paraspinal muscles. Additionally, a significantly positive correlation was observed between the reductions of dystrophin-2 on the concave side of the AIS group and Cobb angle (p=0.011).
Conclusions
Dystrophin protein deficiency in the paraspinal muscles plays a crucial role in AIS formation and progression. The severity of scoliosis in patients with AIS is correlated with the extent of dystrophin loss in the paravertebral muscles. Therefore, dystrophin dysfunction may be relevant to AIS occurrence and development.
5.Mechanism of levetiracetam on juvenile rats with febrile seizures
Miao YU ; Jiugong CHEN ; Xiaoxia LI ; Qingqing LIU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(16):73-78,83
Objective To investigate mechanism of levetiracetam(LEV)on rats with febrile seizures(FS)based on the dipeptidyl peptidase-4(DPP4)/glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)/gluca-gon-like peptide-1 receptor(GLP-1 R)signaling axis.Methods SD juvenile rats were randomly di-vided into blank control group,model group,low-dose LEV group,medium-dose LEV group and high-dose LEV group,with 10 rats in each group.The behavioral indicators of seizures in rats were observed.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to detect histopathological damage in the hippo-campus.Nissl staining was employed to observe the number of Nissl bodies in hippocampal neurons.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was utilized to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),glutamate(Glu)and γ-aminobu-tyric acid(GABA)in the hippocampus.Western blot was applied to detect the protein expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),CD86,arginase 1(Arg1),CD206,brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),DPP4,GLP-1 and GLP-1 R in the hippocampus.Results Compared with the blank control group,the model group showed histopatho-logical changes in the hippocampus,with a decreased number of Nissl bodies.The relative protein expressions of GFAP,BDNF,iNOS,CD86 and DPP4,as well as the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and Glu in the hippocampus were increased,while the relative protein expressions of Arg1,CD206,GLP-1 and GLP-1R,and the level of GABA were decreased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the seizure latency in the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose LEV groups was prolonged in a dose-dependent manner,and the incidence of grade 3 to 5 seizures was reduced in a dose-dependent manner.The histopathological damage in the hippo-campus was alleviated,the number of Nissl bodies increased in a dose-dependent manner,the rela-tive protein expressions of GFAP,BDNF,iNOS,CD86 and DPP4,and the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and Glu were decreased in a dose-dependent manner,while the relative protein expres-sions of Arg1,CD206,GLP-1 and GLP-1 R,and the level of GABA were increased in a dose-de-pendent manner,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion LEV can effec-tively alleviate seizure attacks and histopathological damage in the hippocampus of FS rats,and re-duce hippocampal inflammatory responses and neurotransmitter imbalance.Its mechanism may be re-lated to the inhibition of DPP4 signaling and the activation of the GLP-1/GLP-1R signaling pathway.
6.Willingness of General Practitioners to Enhance Working Competence in Community Healthcare Centers in Shanghai.
Miao-Miao ZHAO ; Yu-Feng CHI ; Chuan-Qiang ZHOU ; Xin-Yue WANG ; Li NING
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(1):55-62
Objective To understand the willingness of general practitioner(GP) to enhance working competence in community healthcare centers in Shanghai and provide a basis for the competence training of GPs in community healthcare centers. Methods In August 2023,GPs were selected from some community healthcare centers in Shanghai and their willingness to enhance working competence were studied by a questionnaire survey.The survey included 39 secondary indicators in three dimensions:general practice theory,skills,and humanity. Results A total of 1 192 GPs completed the questionnaire,with an effective rate of 100%.The total score of GPs' willingness to enhance their working competence was 258.45±80.93,and the mean score of the three dimensions was 6.63±2.08.The score for the general practice theory was the highest (6.92±1.95),while that for general practice humanity was the lowest (6.44±2.34) among the three dimensions.The score of willingness to enhance working efficiency differed across different age ranges (P<0.001),professional titles (P<0.001),years of work (P<0.001),and educational backgrounds of GPs (P=0.039).Those with the age younger than 30 years old,junior professional titles,less than 5 years of work experience,and a college degree or below had the highest willingness score to enhance their working competence.Among the top three secondary indicators of willingness score in each dimension,the top three methods of working competence enhancement were community general practice and specialized healthcare services combined with outpatient learning,flexible further training,and continuing education courses.Conclusions There is an urgent need for young GPs in community healthcare centers in Shanghai to enhance their working competence.Targeted enhancement plans can be provided to different groups of GPs with different characteristics through community general practice and specialized healthcare services combined with outpatient learning,flexible further training,and continuing education courses,which can further enhance the ability and quality of the GP team.
Humans
;
China
;
General Practitioners/psychology*
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Community Health Centers
;
Clinical Competence
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Male
;
Attitude of Health Personnel
;
Middle Aged
7.Altered Cerebral Blood Flow in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Without Cognitive Impairment.
Jia-Ying YANG ; Xue-Wei ZHANG ; Xue-Qing LIU ; Jia-Min ZHOU ; Miao HE ; Jing LI ; Xia-Li SHAO ; Wen-Hui LI ; Yu-Zhou GUAN ; Wei-Hong ZHANG ; Feng FENG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(2):219-225
Objective To investigate the alterations of cerebral blood flow(CBF)in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM) patients without cognitive impairment by using arterial spin labeling(ASL)technique.Methods A total of 23 T2DM patients without cognitive impairment and 23 healthy controls(HC)matched by age,sex,and education attainment were recruited.Their clinical data were collected,and neuropsychological tests and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging were performed.Then,the outcomes of clinical features,neuropsychological tests,and global and regional CBF were compared between the two groups.The significant regional zCBF(z-transformed relative CBF)values were extracted and correlated with clinical data and neuropsychological scores in T2DM patients,controlling age,sex,and education.Results No significant difference was found in whole brain CBF between the two groups(P=0.155),while significantly higher CBF was identified in the left superior temporal gyrus and left insula in the T2DM group(Gaussian random field correction,initial threshold P < 0.001,cluster level P < 0.05).No correlation was observed between the significant regional zCBF values and the clinical data or the neuropsychological scores in T2DM patients(all P>0.05).Conclusion Alterations in cerebral hemodynamics may precede cognitive function changes in T2DM,suggesting that the ASL technique is promising for early monitoring of cerebral hemodynamic changes associated with cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM.
Humans
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology*
;
Cerebrovascular Circulation
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Female
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Cognitive Dysfunction
;
Neuropsychological Tests
;
Aged
8.Primary Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Female Genital System: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature.
Tian-Yu ZHANG ; Li QIN ; Dong-Yan CAO ; Jia-Xin YANG ; Yi LIU ; Tao WANG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(2):314-318
Primary female genital system lymphoma(PFGSL)is a rare subtype of extranodal lymphoma and patients commonly present in the department of gynecology.At present,there is a lack of uniform standards for the treatment of PFGSL.Although the classification of lymphoid neoplasmas was updated by the World Health Organization classification of haematolymphoid tumors in 2016,PFGSL was still not elaborated in sufficient detail.Most cases of PFGSL are non-Hodgkin lymphoma,involving the ovary and cervix.In some cases,involvement of uterine corpus,vagina,and vulva is reported.In this article,we report two cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the female genital system,one from the uterus and the other from the ovary.By presenting the diagnosis and treatment of the two cases and reviewing the literature,we aim to provide a reference for clinicians in recognizing and treating rare cases.
Female
;
Humans
;
Genital Neoplasms, Female/diagnosis*
;
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/diagnosis*
;
Ovarian Neoplasms
9.Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis versus laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Yang LUO ; Taotao HOU ; Yifei MU ; Chundi MIAO ; Tingyue GONG ; Jun QIN ; Dongyang WANG ; Dawei SONG ; Hao LI ; Shaolan QIN ; Rong CUI ; Tingfeng WANG ; Ming ZHONG ; Minhao YU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(12):1426-1433
Objective:To compare postoperative anal function recovery between laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis and laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation.Methods:This multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolled patients meeting the following criteria: (1) severe constipation symptoms (<2 bowel movements/week), absent or insignificant defecation urge, abdominal distension, requiring laxatives to maintain bowel movements or laxatives being ineffective; (2) constipation symptoms for over 5 years, ineffective after >2 years of medical treatment, with strong desire for surgery; (3) significantly prolonged colon transit time (>72 hours) without significant gastric or small intestinal transit dysfunction; (4) no organic colonic lesions confirmed by colonoscopy and abdominal CT. Exclusion criteria: (1) patients undergoing open surgery; (2) exclusion of outlet obstruction constipation (e.g., rectocele, rectal prolapse, puborectalis spasm) by functional defecation MRI; (3) comorbid psychiatric disorders; (4) missing clinical data or loss to follow-up (postoperative follow-up <24 months). Based on these criteria, clinical and follow-up data were collected from 220 patients who underwent either laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis (LSC group, n = 115) or laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (LTC group, n = 105) for slow transit constipation between January 2013 and December 2022. Subjective anal function (Constipation Severity Score and Wexner Fecal Incontinence Score) and objective anal function (positive rate of rectoanal inhibitory reflex [RAIR] and anorectal manometry) were observed preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results:No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P >0.05). All surgeries were completed successfully without major significant complications. Subjective anal function assessment: At 24 months postoperatively, Constipation Severity Scores decreased significantly compared to preoperative scores in both groups [LSC group: (25.2±2.8) vs. (2.9±1.8), P <0.001; LTC group: (25.8±2.9) vs. (2.8±1.9), P<0.001]. No significant differences were found between the groups at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively (all P>0.05). Wexner Fecal Incontinence Scores at 24 months were significantly lower than those at 6 months in both groups [LSC group: (12.9±1.8) vs. (3.9±2.5), P<0.001; LTC group: (12.6±1.8) vs. (5.4±2.4), P<0.001]. Although no significant difference was found at 6 months ( P = 0.190), the LSC group had significantly lower Wexner scores than the LTC group at 12 and 24 months postoperatively (both P < 0.001). Objective anal function assessment: (1) Positive RAIR rate: Preoperative positive RAIR rates were 33.0% (38/115) in the LSC group and 25.7% (27/105) in the LTC group ( P > 0.05). At 24 months, positive rates increased significantly in both groups [LSC: 66.1% (76/115); LTC: 63.8% (67/105)] compared to preoperative rates (both P<0.001), but no significant differences were found between groups at 6, 12, and 24 months (all P>0.05). (2) Resting pressure (RP) and squeeze pressure (SP): No significant differences were found in preoperative RP and SP between groups (all P>0.05). The LSC group had significantly higher RP and SP than the LTC group at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (all P<0.05), but no significant differences were found at 24 months ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Both laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis and laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis are safe for patients with slow transit constipation. However, laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis offers superior postoperative anal function recovery.
10.Effect of ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block in endotracheal intubation during geriatric general anesthesia surgery
Cui-wen LI ; Yu-qi MIAO ; Hui-wen WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(3):219-223
Objective To evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block(SLNB)in endotracheal intubation during geriatric general anesthesia surgery.Methods A total of 40 elderly patients scheduled for elective general anesthesia surgery were selected,and randomly divided into the observation group(with ultrasound-guided SLNB)and the control group(without any local anesthesia).The mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),blood glucose,and concentrations of epinephrine,norepinephrine,and cortisol before intubation(T0),and 1 minute(T1),5 minutes(T2),and 15 minutes(T3)after intubation were compared between the two groups.The incidences of sore throat and hoarseness 30 minutes and 24 hours after extubation were compared between the two groups.Results The MAP and HR at T1,T2,and T3 of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The blood glucose and cortisol at T1 of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The serum concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine at T1,T2 and T3 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The incidences of sore throat 30 minutes and 24 hours after extubation in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of hoarseness 30 minutes after extubation in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);the incidence of hoarseness 24 hours after extubation in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided SLNB has good clinical effect,which can effectively improve the stress response caused by endotracheal intubation and reduce intubation-related complications.

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