1.Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, Weakness in Limbs, Edema, and Dyspnea: A Rare Inflammatory Myopathy with Positive Aniti-mitochondrial Antibodies and Cardiac Involvement
Chunsu LIANG ; Xuchang ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jiaqi YU ; Yingxian LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Yanli YANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Ruijie ZHAO ; Na NIU ; Xuelian YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):248-255
This article presents a case study of a patient who visited the Geriatric Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to "palpitations, shortness of breath for more than 2 years, limb weakness for 6 months, edema, and nocturnal dyspnea for 2 months". The patient exhibited decreased muscle strength in the limbs and involvement of swallowing and respiratory muscles, alongside complications of heart failure and various arrhythmias which were predominantly atrial. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of multiple autoantibodies and notably anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with anti-mitochondrial antibody-associated inflammatory myopathy. Treatment involved a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, along with resistance exercises for muscle strength and rehabilitation training for lung function, resulting in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. The case underscores the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing and treating rare diseases in elderly patients, where careful consideration of clinical manifestations and subtle abnormal clinical data can lead to effective interventions.
2.Textual Research on Lianggesan from Ancient Literature and Its Modern Clinical Application
Weilu NIU ; Chengqi LYU ; Mengjie YANG ; Shunxi WANG ; Jingkang QIAO ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Jianwei LI ; Gang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):223-234
Lianggesan was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang, which was composed of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Natrii Sulfas, Gardeniae Fructus, Forsythiae Fructus, Scutellariae Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(GRR), Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, Lophatheri Herba and Mel. It was clinically applied to treat fire-heat syndrome in the upper and middle Jiao, and the curative effect was positive. In this study, the bibliometric method was used to conduct a detailed textual research on the formula name, medicinal composition, dosage evolution, origin and processing, functional indications and other aspects of Lianggesan. Research revealed that Lianggesan has six other names, such as Lianqiao Yinzi, Lianqiao Jiedusan, Jufang Lianggesan, Jiegu Lianggesan, Hejian Lianggesan and Qingji Lianggesan. Based on the edition of Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang, an analysis of the evolution of its formula composition revealed that the missing Chinese medicines were predominantly bamboo leaves and honey, while the added Chinese medicines were primarily supplements introduced to address changes in disease manifestations. After textual research, the dosage for one dose of Lianggesan from Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang was as follows:826 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 826 g of Natrii Sulfas, 826 g of GRR, 413 g of Gardeniae Fructus, 413 g of Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, 413 g of Scutellariae Radix, and 1652 g of Forsythiae Fructus. Decocting method was as following:Grinding the Chinese medicines into coarse powder(2-4 mm), taking 8.16 g per dose, adding 300 mL of water, along with 2 g of Lophatheri Herba and 5 g of Mel, and decocting to 140 mL. The residue was removed and taken warmly 30 min after meals. It was recommended to take it three times daily until improvement was achieved. The origins of the 9 Chinese medicines were consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Except for GRR, which required single frying(stir-frying), the remaining medicines were all raw products. The description of the function of this formula in ancient books was summarized as purging fire and promoting bowel movements, clearing heat from the upper body and purging the lower body, and the main syndromes included facial redness, tongue swelling, red eyes, etc. In modern applications, the formula is primarily used for respiratory and digestive system diseases, including acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, herpetic angina and aphthous stomatitis, covering 142 types of diseases. In summary, this paper can provide a basis for further research and development of Lianggesan through the literature review and key information combing.
3.Erratum: Author correction to "PRMT6 promotes tumorigenicity and cisplatin response of lung cancer through triggering 6PGD/ENO1 mediated cell metabolism" Acta Pharm Sin B 13 (2023) 157-173.
Mingming SUN ; Leilei LI ; Yujia NIU ; Yingzhi WANG ; Qi YAN ; Fei XIE ; Yaya QIAO ; Jiaqi SONG ; Huanran SUN ; Zhen LI ; Sizhen LAI ; Hongkai CHANG ; Han ZHANG ; Jiyan WANG ; Chenxin YANG ; Huifang ZHAO ; Junzhen TAN ; Yanping LI ; Shuangping LIU ; Bin LU ; Min LIU ; Guangyao KONG ; Yujun ZHAO ; Chunze ZHANG ; Shu-Hai LIN ; Cheng LUO ; Shuai ZHANG ; Changliang SHAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2297-2299
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.05.019.].
4.Ecliptasaponin A ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice by suppressing M1 macrophage polarization via inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
Minzhu NIU ; Lixia YIN ; Tong QIAO ; Lin YIN ; Keni ZHANG ; Jianguo HU ; Chuanwang SONG ; Zhijun GENG ; Jing LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(6):1297-1306
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of ecliptasaponin A (ESA) for alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice and the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice (8-10 weeks old) were equally randomized into control group, DSS-induced IBD model group, and DSS+ESA (50 mg/kg) treatment group. Disease activity index (DAI), colon length and spleen index of the mice were measured, and intestinal pathology was examined with HE staining. The expressions of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS) in the colon mucosa were detected using ELISA and RT-qPCR, and intestinal barrier integrity was assessed using AB-PAS staining and by detecting ZO-1 and claudin-1 expressions using immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. In cultured RAW264.7 macrophages, the effects of treatment with 50 μmol/L ESA, alone or in combination with 20 μmol/L RO8191 (a JAK2/STAT3 pathway activator), on M1 polarization of the cells induced by LPS and IFN-γ stimulation and expressions of JAK2/STAT3 pathway proteins were analyzed using flow cytometry and Western blotting.
RESULTS:
In the mouse models of DSS-induced IBD, ESA treatment significantly alleviated body weight loss and colon shortening, reduced DAI, spleen index and histological scores, and ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon tissue. ESA treatment also suppressed TNF‑α, IL-6 and iNOS expressions, protected the goblet cells and the integrity of the mucus and mechanical barriers, and upregulated the expressions of ZO-1 and claudin-1. ESA treatment obviously decreased CD86+ M1 polarization in the mesenteric lymph nodes of IBD mice and in LPS and IFN-γ-induced RAW264.7 cells, and significantly reduced p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 expressions in both the mouse models and RAW264.7 cells. Treatment with RO8191 caused reactivation of JAK2/STAT3 and strongly attenuated the inhibitory effect of ESA on CD86+ polarization in RAW264.7 cells.
CONCLUSIONS
ESA alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by suppressing JAK2/STAT3-mediated M1 macrophage polarization and mitigating inflammation-driven intestinal barrier damage.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Janus Kinase 2/metabolism*
;
STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Male
;
Dextran Sulfate
;
Macrophages/cytology*
;
Colitis/metabolism*
;
Saponins/pharmacology*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Triterpenes/pharmacology*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
5.Era Implications,Development Trends,and Implementation Strategies of Ideological and Political Education in the Curriculum of Higher Institutions of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xuebin QIAO ; Zhipeng CHEN ; Hao NIU ; Wankun DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2406-2410
Ideological and political education within the curriculum of higher institutions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) not only bears the important responsibility of promoting China's outstanding traditional culture but also serves as a vital domain for upholding integrity and innovation in medical education. These institutions must profoundly comprehend the contemporary significance of curriculum-based ideological and political education, clarify its core role in talent cultivation, leverage the distinctive advantages of TCM culture, and promote the organic integration of ideological education and professional training. By reviewing the current situation and development trends of ideological and political education in the curriculum of higher TCM institutions, this paper has analyzed the challenges in teaching design, teachers' ideological and political literacy and competence, and the integration of ideological content with specialized courses, and has proposed implementation strategies such as using TCM culture as a guiding force, strengthening teachers' teaching capacity in ideological and political education, developing distinctive educational resources, and improving evaluation and incentive mechanisms. These strategies aim to effectively enhance the impact of ideological and political education in the new era, fostering well-rounded TCM talents with both moral integrity and professional competence.
6.Effect of Lnc001209 in regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway on Aβ clearance in aluminum-induced cognitive impairment
Jieran DU ; Chanting HE ; Qiao NIU
China Occupational Medicine 2024;51(3):249-256
Objective To investigate the mechanism of Lnc001209 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in aluminum-induced cognitive impairment. Methods Specific pathogen free adult male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, empty vector group, adeno-associated virus (AAV) group, aluminum maltolate (Al-maltolate) group, and AAV+Al-maltolate group, with 10 rats in each group. AAV and AAV+Al-maltolate group rats were injected with 5 μL of AAV overexpressing Lnc001209 with a titer of 1×1012 vg/mL into the lateral ventricle using stereotaxic coordinates. Empty vector group rats were injected with 5 μL of empty vector AAV with a titer of 1×1012 vg/mL into the lateral ventricle using stereotaxic coordinates. Control and Al-maltolate group rats underwent the same surgical procedure without any injections. The rats were intraperitoneally injected at the volume of 1 mL/kg body weight after 14 days of single cage feeding. Rats in the Al-maltolate group and AAV+Al-maltolate group were treated with 20 μmol/kg body weight Al-maltolate, while rats in the control group, empty vector group and AAV group were treated with an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution every other day for three months. The Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory abilities of rats after treatment. The hippocampal tissues of the rats were collected to detect the expression of Aβ using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and to detect the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) using immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to detect the expression of phosphat idylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rap amycin (mTOR), and their corresponding phosphorylated proteins, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of Lnc001209. Resultsi) Compared with the rats in control group, the escape latencies of rats in the Al-maltolate group were longer from the second day of Morris water maze experiment (all P<0.05), the relative expression of Aβ40, Aβ42, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) proteins increased in the hippocampal tissues (all P<0.05), the average fluorescence intensity of LC3B and the relative expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR proteins decreased (all P<0.05), the relative expression of Lnc001209 decreased (P<0.05). ii) Compared with the rats in Al-maltolate group, the escape latencies of rats in AAV+Al-maltolate group were shortened from the second day of Morris water maze experiment (all P<0.05), and the relative expression of Aβ40, Aβ42, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR proteins in hippocampus decreased (all P<0.05) , the average fluorescence intensity of LC3B and the relative expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR proteins increased (all P<0.05), the relative expression of Lnc001209 increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Aluminum can affect the PI3K/AKT/mTOR protein signaling pathway through Lnc001209, leading to an increase in Aβ and a decrease in neuronal autophagy, ultimately resulting in cognitive impairment.
7.Finite element analysis of osteoporosis in proximal femur after cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fracture
Xiaofeng XUE ; Yongkang WEI ; Xiaohong QIAO ; Yuyong DU ; Jianjun NIU ; Lixin REN ; Huifeng YANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuan GUO ; Weiyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):862-867
BACKGROUND:After the internal fixation of cannulated screws in femoral neck fractures,because the affected limb is often unable to bear weight in the short term and the implants with high stiffness have a stress shielding effect on the fracture end,it is easy to cause osteoporosis of the affected limb and changes in the biomechanical distribution of the proximal femur,the incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is high after surgery.At present,few studies have been conducted on the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis at the proximal end of the femur occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws. OBJECTIVE:Using finite element analysis,to investigate the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws and explore the role of biomechanical factors in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:Based on the obtained CT scan data of the femur in a patient with a femoral neck fracture,a proximal femoral model for internal fixation for femoral neck fracture was established by Mimics 19.0,3-Matic,UG 11.0,Hypermesh 14.0,and Abaqus software.One finite element model of the proximal femur without osteoporosis and three finite element models of the proximal femur with osteoporosis were analyzed using Abaqus software.The stress,contact pressure,displacement peak and cloud map under different components of the four models were measured and analyzed,and the internal stress changes and distribution of the femoral head were compared and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The stresses and contact pressures of the femoral head and lower anterior cannulated screws varied more with the degree of osteoporosis.The peak displacement of the four models increased slowly with the degree of osteoporosis.By one-way analysis of variance,there was no significant effect of the degree of osteoporosis on the peak stress,contact pressure,and displacement of the different components.The internal stress distribution of the femoral head changed with the degree of osteoporosis.Changes in the biomechanical environment of the proximal femur have an important impact on osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
8.Ferulic acid inhibits the progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Jing-Ru LI ; Zhong-Xia LI ; Ning-Ning NIU ; Yuan QIAO ; Yun HAN ; Xue-Rong LIN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(1):8-13
Objective To explore whether ferulic acid can inhibit the progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in vivo and in vitro by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Methods The T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells were divided into the control group,the ferulic acid treatment group and the LY294002 treatment group for in vitro experiment.The cells in the control group were given normal culture;cells in the ferulic acid treatment group were given different concentrations(1.25,2.5,5,10,20,40,80,160 μmol/L)of ferulic acid,respectively,and the cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method,to screen the experimental concentration;cells in the LY294002 treatment group were given 50 μmol/L PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002.The cells proliferation,apoptosis and invasion were detected by clone formation assay,flow cytometry and Transwell assay.The relative expression levels of nuclear protein Ki67,proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),cleaved caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin,PTEN,p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT proteins were detected by Western blot.The nude mice models of transplanted tumors were constructed by 30 male BALB/c nude mice,and they were averagely divided into the normal group and the ferulic acid treatment group for in vivo experiment.The normal group was given normal saline by gavage,while the ferulic acid treatment group was given 75 mg/kg ferulic acid by gavage after inoculating Jurkat cells.The weight and volume changes of transplanted tumors were compared,and the levels of Ki67,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,PTEN,p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT in tumor tissues were detected.Results In vitro experiment,compared with the control group,the clone formation rate of cells,number of invasion cells,Ki67,PCNA,N-cadherin,Vimentin,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in the 5,10,20 μmol/L ferulic acid treatment group and the LY294002 treatment group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the apoptosis rate,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9,E-cadherin and PTEN were significantly increased(P<0.05).In vivo experiment,compared with the normal group,the weight and volume of tumors were reduced in the ferulic acid treatment group,Ki67,N-cadherin,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in tumor tissues were significantly decreased,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,E-cadherin and PTEN were significantly increased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Ferulic acid can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells in vivo and in vitro,and induce apoptosis,its mechanism may be related to the regulation of PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
9.Research status of virtual surgical planning in orthognathic surgery
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(1):124-128
Orthognathic surgery is a classic procedure to correct dentomaxillofacial deformities. Due to the complexity of the dentomaxillofacial anatomy, detailed and accurate surgical planning is usually required before the operation. With the rapid development of medical imaging technologies and surgical planning softwares in recent years, virtual surgical planning(VSP) has been increasingly applied in orthognathic surgery to provide more accurate, efficient and predictable planning and simulation. The design and development of VSP in orthognathic surgery involves image acquisition and composite head model construction, three-dimensional reference frame definition, virtual occlusion setup, virtual osteotomy and surgical simulation, soft tissue prediction and transfer tools. This paper summarizes the research of related steps for clinical reference.
10.Sagittal splitting osteotomy of the mandibular outer cortex and autologous bone grafting for the treatment of hemifacial microsomia
Lai GUI ; Feng NIU ; Bing YU ; Jianfeng LIU ; Ying CHEN ; Xi FU ; Shixing XU ; Jia QIAO ; Qi JIN ; Yu HE ; Xuebing LIANG ; Lei CUI ; Fuhuan CHEN ; Qi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(3):249-257
Objective:To investigate a new method for the reconstruction of hemifacial microsomia by sagittal osteotomy of the affected mandibular outer cortex combined with bone graft of mandibular outer cortex from healthy side.Methods:From March 2006 to March 2023, the clinical data of patients with hemifacial microsomia admitted to the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative diagnosis and surgical design were performed based on clinical manifestations and imaging findings. All cases were operated under general anesthesia. The affected mandibular outer cortex was previously split by an intraoral approach, and then the mandibular outer cortex of appropriate shape and size on the healthy side was harvested and grafted into the split bone space according to the preoperative design, following by internal rigid fixation. Complications, facial appearance improvement, and patient satisfaction were followed up. Photographs were taken preoperative, immediately postoperative and at the long-term(last) postoperative follow-up, and the severity of the deformity was analyzed. CT data from preoperative, immediate postoperative, and long-term follow-up visits were imported into Surgicase Proplan medical three-dimensional image workstation in Dicom format. The mandible was reconstructed using Segmentation, and the thickness of the mandible was measured during pre-operative, immediate post-operative and long-term follow-up visits. Anova with repeated measurement design was used to compare measurements and LSD test was used for multiple comparisons. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test were used to statistically analyze malformation severity. P< 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 39 patients were included in this study, including 13 females and 26 males, with an average age of (22.21±4.57) years (15-27 years). All patients were followed up for an average of (45.56±39.41) months (6-153 months) after surgery. The grafted mandibular outer cortex grows well with the adjacent bone tissue, and the mandibular angle and mandibular body are significantly wider. Of the 39 cases, 1 developed an infection 1 year after surgery, the titanium plate was exposed, and the patient healed after debridement and removal of the immobilizing splint. The facial appearance of the other patients improved significantly. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and long term follow up of mandibular thickness measurements were compared in pairs, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The patient’s appearance satisfaction score: the preoperative score was [2.0(1.5, 2.0)] points, the immediate postoperative score was [4.0(4.0, 4.0)] points, the score of the last postoperative follow up was [4.0(4.0, 4.0)] points. There was statistical difference in satisfaction among the three groups ( P<0.01). The preoperative scores were compared with the scores of the immediate postoperative and the last postoperative follow-up respectively, and the differences were statistically significant( P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in satisfaction between the immediate postoperative score and the score of the last postoperative follow up ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The sagittal splitting osteotomy of the mandibular outer cortex is consistent with the features of mandibular anatomy, and provides a good condition for the grafting and healing of autogenous bone. Removing the outer cortex of the mandible on the healthy side not only increases the thickness of the affected side, but also decreases the width of the angle of the mandible on the healthy side, so as to effectively correct the asymmetric deformity of the mandible. The method is simple, with few complications and good results, and is one of the ideal treatments to correct hemofacial microsomia.

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