1.A Case Report of Hypothyrotropin Hypothyroidism Caused by Roxadustat
Xuelian YAN ; Bingying TANG ; Xuan QU ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):519-522
Roxadustat is the world's first small molecule hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor. Its adverse effect of causing hypothyroidism with low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is relatively rare and manifests subtly in elderly patients with multiple coexisting diseases. This article reports a case of an elderly patient with renal anemia who developed reversible low-TSH hypothyroidism after taking roxadustat for 12 days, with a significant decrease in thyroid hormone levels. After discontinuing roxadustat for 15 days, the thyroid hormone levels gradually returned to normal. Due to the worsening of renal anemia, the patient took roxadustat again, and 9 days later, the thyroid function-related indicators decreased upon re-examination, leading to the initiation of levothyroxine replacement therapy. In conjunction with relevant literature, this article analyzes the adverse reactions that occur during the oral administration of roxadustat in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease, aiming to provide reference for drug treatment of such patients.
2.Pathogenesis and treatment of "inflammation cancer transformation" of ulcerative colitis based on "Kenang" theory.
Jia-Kang XIE ; Xiao-Ning XU ; Feng-Ting AI ; Shao-Xi LI ; Yun AN ; Xuan GONG ; Yong CAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2298-2304
Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a recurrent, chronic, nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease. The longer the course of the disease, the higher the risk of cancerization. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer in China have been increasing year by year, seriously threatening the life and health of patients. Therefore, studying the mechanism of "inflammation cancer transformation" in UC and conducting early intervention is crucial. The "Kenang" theory is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory of phlegm and blood stasis. It is based on the coexistence of phlegm and blood stasis in the body and deeply explores the pathogenic syndromes and characteristics of phlegm and blood stasis. Kenang is a pathological product formed when long-term Qi stagnation leads to the internal formation of phlegm and blood stasis, which is hidden deep within the body. It is characterized by being hidden, progressive, and difficult to treat. The etiology and pathogenesis of "inflammation cancer transformation" in UC are consistent with the connotation of the "Kenang" theory. The internal condition for the development of UC "inflammation cancer transformation" is the deficiency of healthy Qi, with Qi stagnation being the key pathological mechanism. Phlegm and blood stasis are the main pathogenic factors. Phlegm and blood stasis accumulate in the body over time and can produce cancer toxins. Due to the depletion of healthy Qi and a weakened constitution, the body is unable to limit the proliferation and invasion of cancer toxins, eventually leading to cancer transformation in UC. In clinical treatment, the focus should be on removing phlegm and blood stasis, with syndrome differentiation and treatment based on three basic principles: supporting healthy Qi to strengthen the body's foundation, resolving phlegm and blood stasis to break up the Kenang, and regulating Qi and blood to smooth the flow of energy and resolve stagnation. This approach helps to dismantle the Kenang, delay, block, or even reverse the cancerization process of UC, reduce the risk of "inflammation cancer transformation", improve the patient's quality of life, and provide new perspectives and strategies for early intervention in the development of colon cancer.
Humans
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Colitis, Ulcerative/immunology*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
3.Qishen Granules Modulate Metabolism Flexibility Against Myocardial Infarction via HIF-1 α-Dependent Mechanisms in Rats.
Xiao-Qian SUN ; Xuan LI ; Yan-Qin LI ; Xiang-Yu LU ; Xiang-Ning LIU ; Ling-Wen CUI ; Gang WANG ; Man ZHANG ; Chun LI ; Wei WANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(3):215-227
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the cardioprotective effect and impact of Qishen Granules (QSG) on different ischemic areas of the myocardium in heart failure (HF) rats by evaluating its metabolic pattern, substrate utilization, and mechanistic modulation.
METHODS:
In vivo, echocardiography and histology were used to assess rat cardiac function; positron emission tomography was performed to assess the abundance of glucose metabolism in the ischemic border and remote areas of the heart; fatty acid metabolism and ATP production levels were assessed by hematologic and biochemical analyses. The above experiments evaluated the cardioprotective effect of QSG on left anterior descending ligation-induced HF in rats and the mode of energy metabolism modulation. In vitro, a hypoxia-induced H9C2 model was established, mitochondrial damage was evaluated by flow cytometry, and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1 α) was observed by immunofluorescence to assess the mechanism of energy metabolism regulation by QSG in hypoxic and normoxia conditions.
RESULTS:
QSG regulated the pattern of glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the border and remote areas of the heart via the HIF-1 α pathway, and improved cardiac function in HF rats. Specifically, QSG promoted HIF-1 α expression and entry into the nucleus at high levels of hypoxia (P<0.05), thereby promoting increased compensatory glucose metabolism; while reducing nuclear accumulation of HIF-1 α at relatively low levels of hypoxia (P<0.05), promoting the increased lipid metabolism.
CONCLUSIONS
QSG regulates the protein stability of HIF-1 α, thereby coordinating energy supply balance between the ischemic border and remote areas of the myocardium. This alleviates the energy metabolism disorder caused by ischemic injury.
Animals
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Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology*
;
Male
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Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Glucose/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Energy Metabolism/drug effects*
;
Rats
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Fatty Acids/metabolism*
;
Myocardium/pathology*
4.Rutaecarpine Attenuates Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Gouty Inflammation via Inhibition of TNFR-MAPK/NF-κB and NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathways.
Min LI ; Zhu-Jun YIN ; Li LI ; Yun-Yun QUAN ; Ting WANG ; Xin ZHU ; Rui-Rong TAN ; Jin ZENG ; Hua HUA ; Qin-Xuan WU ; Jun-Ning ZHAO
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):590-599
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of rutaecarpine (RUT) on monosodium urate crystal (MSU)-induced murine peritonitis in mice and further explored the underlying mechanism of RUT in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/MSU-induced gout model in vitro.
METHODS:
In MSU-induced mice, 36 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 mice each group, including the control group, model group, RUT low-, medium-, and high-doses groups, and prednisone acetate group. The mice in each group were orally administered the corresponding drugs or vehicle once a day for 7 consecutive days. The gout inflammation model was established by intraperitoneal injection of MSU to evaluate the anti-gout inflammatory effects of RUT. Then the proinflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the proportions of infiltrating neutrophils cytokines were detected by flow cytometry. In LPS/MSU-treated or untreated THP-1 macrophages, cell viability was observed by cell counting kit 8 and proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. The percentage of pyroptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry. Respectively, the mRNA and protein levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 was observed by laser confocal imaging. Additionally, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular docking were applied to validate the binding ability of RUT components to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) targets.
RESULTS:
RUT reduced the levels of infiltrating neutrophils and monocytes and decreased the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6, all P<0.01). In vitro, RUT reduced the production of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, RT-PCR revealed the inhibitory effects of RUT on the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 and TNF-α (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Mechanistically, RUT markedly reduced protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-MAPK), phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, phospho-NF-κB, phospho-kinase α/β, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRPS), cleaved-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 and cleaved-gasdermin D in macrophages (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Molecularly, SPR revealed that RUT bound to TNF-α with a calculated equilibrium dissociation constant of 31.7 µmol/L. Molecular docking further confirmed that RUT could interact directly with the TNF-α protein via hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interactions, and carbon-hydrogen bonding.
CONCLUSION
RUT alleviated MSU-induced peritonitis and inhibited the TNFR1-MAPK/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway to attenuate gouty inflammation induced by LPS/MSU in THP-1 macrophages, suggesting that RUT could be a potential therapeutic candidate for gout.
Animals
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NF-kappa B/metabolism*
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Male
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Indole Alkaloids/therapeutic use*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Inflammation/complications*
;
Uric Acid
;
Quinazolines/therapeutic use*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Humans
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Gout/chemically induced*
;
Inflammasomes/metabolism*
;
Cytokines/metabolism*
;
THP-1 Cells
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
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Mice
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Quinazolinones
5.Precise Magnetic Stimulation of the Paraventricular Nucleus Improves Sociability in a Mouse Model of ASD.
Sha LIU ; Quyang YANG ; Pengfei ZHU ; Xuan LIU ; Qingbo LU ; Jie YANG ; Jingyao GAO ; Hongbin HAN ; Zhijun ZHANG ; Ning GU ; Tao TAN ; Jianfei SUN
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(10):1711-1728
Magnetic stimulation has made significant strides in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, current magnetic stimulation techniques lack the precision to accurately modulate specific nuclei and cannot realize deep brain magnetic stimulation. To address this, we utilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as mediators to achieve precise targeting and penetration. We investigated the effects of magnetic fields with varying frequencies on neuronal activity and compared the activation effects on neurons using a 10-Hz precise magneto-stimulation system (pMSS) with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in mice. Oxytocin levels, dendritic morphology and density, and mouse behavior were measured before and after pMSS intervention. Our findings suggest that pMSS can activate oxytocinergic neurons, leading to upregulation of oxytocin secretion and neurite outgrowth. As a result, sociability was rapidly improved after a one-week pMSS treatment regimen. These results demonstrate a promising magneto-stimulation method for regulating neuronal activity in deep brain nuclei and provide a promising therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorder.
Animals
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Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology*
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Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus/physiology*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods*
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Male
;
Social Behavior
;
Mice
;
Oxytocin/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Neurons/physiology*
6.Codonopsis polysaccharide protected LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice
Ling XIAO ; Chunlei GAO ; Wei GUO ; Ning WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Ming LIU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(7):948-954
Objective To observe the protective effects of codonopsis pilosulae polysaccharide on lung tissues in mice with acute lung injury(ALI)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and its mechanism.Methods Fifty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,dexamethasone group,codonopsis polysaccharide high-dose group(300 mg/kg)and codonopsis polysaccharide low-dose group(150 mg/kg).The ALI model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS.All mice were given gavage administration according to the grouping except for the control group.0.3 s force expiratory volume(FEV 0.3)and force spirometry(FVC)and their ratios were measured using multiparametric lung function test system.The histopathology change of mouse lung was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,and the classification and count of inflammatory cells in alveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was detected by Richter-Giemsa staining.Levels of IL-1β,IL-6,MPO and TNF-α were measured by ELISA in BALF,and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of p-p38,p-IκB-α and p-p65.Results Compared with those in the control group,lung histopathological damage was more pronounced in the model mice,with significantly lower FEV 0.3,FVC,FEV0.3/FVC assay value,but signifi-cantly higher lung tissue wet mass/dry mass(W/D),neutrophils,lymphocytes,IL-1β,IL-6,MPO,TNF-α,p-p38 MAPK,p-IκB-α,and p-p65(P<0.05);while codonopsis pilosulae polysaccharide could significantly reverse these effects.Conclusion Codonopsis pilosulae polysaccharide plays a protective role against LPS-induced ALI via inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathway to reduce the pathological damage of lung tissue,and the level of inflammatory factors,thus to improve lung function in ALI model mice.
7.Activation of astrocytes in distal segments of the spinal cord mediating widespread pain induced by peripheral nerve injury
Si-Xuan JIN ; Ning YU ; Feng-Run SUN ; Chao MA
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(2):167-173
Objective To discuss the relationship between activated glia cells in distal segment of the spinal cord and widespread pain.Methods Fifty female rats were randomly divided into sham group,the chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve(CCI-ION)group,CCI-ION+minocycline(Mino)group,CCI-ION+L-2-aminoadipic acid(LAA)group,and CCI-ION+normal saline(NS)group,n=10 for each group.CCI-ION model was established and Mino,LAA,and normal saline were delivered intrathecally to CCI-ION rats.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect activated astrocytes and microglia in the medulla oblongata,cervical,thoracic,and lumbar spinal cord segments.On the 7th,14th,21st,28th day,von Frey filaments were used to evaluate the mechanical withdrawal threshold of vibrissa pad,and electronic von Frey tactile pain meter was used to measure the mechanical withdrawal threshold of front paw,chest and hind paw.The radiant thermal stimulator was used to measure the thermal withdrawal threshold of hind paw.Results After intrathecal injection of Mino to inhibit microglia,the activated microglia in each spinal cord segment decreased.Moreover,inhibiting astrocytes by using LAA significantly reduced activated astrocytes in spinal dorsal horn from distal segments.Behavioral assay showed that after intrathecal injection of Mino and LAA,the mechanical allodynia of vibrissa pad in CCI-ION rats was relieved.However,there was no significant difference(P>0.05)in the thermal and mechanical withdrawal thresholds in the hind paw of CCI-ION rats after intrathecal injection of Mino,while intrathecal injection of LAA significantly increased the thermal and mechanical withdrawal thresholds in the hind paw,indicating the relief of widespread pain induced by CCI-ION.Conclusion The activated astrocytes in distal segments of the spinal cord mediated CCI-ION-induced widespread pain.
8.GE Linyi's Experience in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Stages with the Method of Clearing
Xiao YUAN ; Ning JIANG ; Jyu SUN ; Zhongzhou LI ; Xuan HUANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):996-1000
This paper summarized the clinical experience of Professor GE Linyi in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by stages with the method of clearing. Professor GE believes that the core pathogenesis of UC is dampness and heat in the intestines, and by taking the method of clearing as the basis, he proposed four methods for treatment of UC including clearing and transforming, clearing and dispersing,clearing and moisterning, clearing and nourishing. The pathogenesis of UC in its active stage is dampness and heat in the intestines, congestion and stagnation of qi and blood, and accumulation of stasis toxins, for which the treatment method is to clear and transform, accompanied by clearing and dispersing method. In terms of the clearing and transforming method, Bai Tou Weng Decoction (白头翁汤) combined with Haungqin (Radix Scutellariae), Machixian (Herba Portulacae) and Pugongying (Herba Taraxaci) is taken as the basic prescription to clear and transform dampness and heat, cool blood, resolve toxins and stop dysentery. For the clearing and dispersing method, medicinals to rectify qi such as Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), Cuxiangfu (Vingar Rhizoma Cyperi), Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae), Zhiqiao (Fructus Aurantii), and Binlang (Semen Arecae), as well as those to regulate blood such as Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Cebaiye (Cacumen Platycladi) and Diyutan (Radix Sanguisorbae Carbonisatus) are recommended. The pathogenesis of the remission stage is healthy qi depletion and lingering pathogen of dampness and heat stasis toxin in the intestines, for which the method of clearing and nourishing, clearing and moistening can be used; the latter is mainly for people with yin fluids injury, and self-made Qingrun Yichang Decoction (清润益肠汤) is recommended, while the former is for those with spleen and stomach weakness, and self-made Qingyang Jianpi Decoction (清养健脾汤) can be used.
9.Impact of Sarcopenia on Long-term Outcomes in Elderly Inpatients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study
Ning ZHANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Lin KANG ; Wei CHEN ; Xuan QU ; Minglei ZHU ; Xiaohong SUN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(6):1348-1355
To investigate the collective influence of sarcopenia on the extended prognosis of hospitalized elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Patients with T2DM aged 65 years and older, who were admitted to the Geriatrics Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2017 and January 2021, were consecutively enrolled in the study. The presence of sarcopenia was evaluated based on the diagnostic criteria established by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia(AWGS) in 2014. Additionally, assessments were made on the patients' comorbidities, functional status, nutritional status, and geriatric syndromes. Follow-up was conducted through outpatient visits and telephone calls to monitor outcomes such as severe disability, rehospitalization, and all-cause mortality. Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate the impact of concurrent sarcopenia on the long-term prognosis of hospitalized elderly individuals with T2DM. A total of 244 elderly inpatients with T2DM who met specific criteria were included in the study, comprising 110 males(45.1%) and 134 females(54.9%), with ages ranging from 65 to 93 years and a median age of 74 years. Sarcopenia was observed in 25.4%(62/244) of patients. Over a follow-up period of three to seven years(median 5.6 years), elderly T2DM patients with sarcopenia exhibited significantly higher rates of severe disability, rehospitalization, and all-cause death compared to those without sarcopenia(all The prevalence of sarcopenia is notably high among hospitalized elderly patients with T2DM, greatly affecting their long-term prognosis. It is imperative for clinicians to prioritize screening and implement interventions for sarcopenia in elderly T2DM patients to improve their quality of life and overall prognosis.
10.A Bibliometric Analysis of the Development of Global Research on Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team From 2000 to 2023
Ning ZHANG ; Mu HE ; Xiangyu ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong SUN ; Xiaohong LIU ; Xuan QU ; Minglei ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(5):1107-1116
To examine the global research trends and emerging focal points in the field ofgeriatric interdisciplinary team (GIT) from 2000 to 2023, so as to offer insights and reference for related research in China. English literature related to GIT published from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2023 were searched in the Web of Science database. The literature information was extracted using VOSviewer 1.6.18 software to create a cooperation network diagram highlighting high-producing countries/regions and research institutions, as well as a high-frequency keyword table. CiteSpace 6.1.R6 software was used to analyze the co-occurrence and clustering of authors, research institutions, countries/regions, etc., and the "bibliometrix" package of R was used to analyze the characteristics of high-frequency keywords in the literature. A total of 965 GIT-related documents including 921 original articles and 44 reviews were gathered. There was a noticeable rise in annual publications over time. The United States led in publication quantity (357 articles, 37.0%) and total citations (8656). The University of Michigan was highlighted as the top research institution with 27 articles (2.8%). Author Johan Flamaing from the University of Leuven in Belgium had the highest output with 12 articles (1.2%) and the highest co-citation frequency(163 times). The In the last two decades, research on GIT has garnered significant attention within the discipline. Developed countries, particularly the United States, have taken a leading role in this field. Presently, GIT research is centered on conducting comprehensive geriatric assessments and implementing corresponding interventions for elderly patients with frailty and hip fractures. Additionally, research is focused on GIT interventions for addressing potentially inappropriate medication use and preventing falls in the elderly, as well as managing elderly patients with tumors, dementia, and delirium. The exploration of interventions remains a key area of interest in current research. In the future, there is potential for conducting more high-quality qualitative research related to GIT interventions for elderly patients receiving long-term care or home care, as well as for enhancing geriatric medicine teaching in GIT.

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