1.Serpina3c Mitigates Adipose Tissue Inflammation by Inhibiting the HIF1α-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Overoxidation in Adipocytes
Yu JIANG ; Jia-Qi GUO ; Ya WU ; Peng ZHENG ; Shao-Fan WANG ; Meng-Chen YANG ; Gen-Shan MA ; Yu-Yu YAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):62-76
Background:
Visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) inflammation is a critical pathology of obesity-caused heart damage and is closely associated with adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction. Serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3C (Serpina3c) has been identified as an adipokine with anti-vWAT inflammatory effects. However, it remains unclear whether Serpina3c deficiency promotion of vWAT inflammation involves adipocyte ER dysfunction and whether it further contributes to heart damage in obesity.
Methods:
Wild type and Serpina3c knockout (Serpina3c–/–) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) was injected locally into epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) of Serpina3c–/– mice to induce eWAT-adipocyte- specific overexpression of Serpina3c (AAV-Serpina3c) or knockdown of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (AAV-shHIF1α). In vitro experiments were performed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Results:
Serpina3c–/– mice exhibited more severe eWAT, serum and heart inflammation after HFD feeding. Consistently, these adverse phenotypes were mitigated in AAV-Serpina3c and AAV-shHIF1α mice. Mechanistically, ER oxidoreductase 1α (Ero1α) and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family members PDIA3 and PDIA4 were found to be target genes of HIF1α. In the obese mice, Serpina3c deficiency caused adipocyte more hypertrophy, and activated HIF1α-Ero1α/PDI mediated ER overoxidation and ER stress in eWAT. Subsequently, this led to increased adipocyte apoptosis and chemokine production and decreased adiponectin expression, which promoted macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization in eWAT, thus exacerbating eWAT inflammation and ultimately facilitating serum and distal heart inflammation.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that Serpina3c is a significant regulator of adipocyte ER redox homeostasis, thus highlighting Serpina3c as a potential therapeutic target for obesity-related eWAT inflammation and heart damage.
2.Effect of Electroacupuncture on Metabolism-Inflammation Network in Patients with Simple Obesity:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Qi SHU ; Qiumei PENG ; Zhihao XU ; Shanshan FANG ; Wenjing SHAO ; Hongliang CHENG ; Rilong HUANG ; Qing YU ; Ronglin CAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1415-1421
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treatment of simple obesity patients and its effects on the metabolism-inflammation network. MethodsSeventy-two patients with simple obesity were randomly divided into a electroacupuncture group and a sham electroacupuncture group, with 36 patients in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, conventional acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), bilateral Daheng (SP15), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40). The sham electroacupuncture group used placebo needle at same acupoints as the electroacupuncture group. Both groups were given sparse-dense waves with a frequency of 2/10 Hz, 30 minutes per session, 3 times a week, for a total of 8 weeks of treatment. The changes of human body parameters including body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage (BFP), metabolic factors including serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), leptin, and ghrelin, and inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were compared before and after treatment. Correlations between changes in leptin, ghrelin and inflammatory factors were further analyzed. ResultsWaist circumference was significantly reduced after treatment in both groups compared with baseline (P<0.05), and the post-treatment waist circumference was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the sham electroacupuncture group (P<0.05); body weight, BMI and BFP decreased significantly after treatment compared to pretreatment levels in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). Serum leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α declined significantly after treatment in both groups versus baseline (P<0.05); the electroacupuncture group had lower post-treatment levels of leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as larger pre-post changes than the sham group (P<0.05); ghrelin increased markedly after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), with higher post-treatment ghrelin and greater pre-post variation observed in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). In the electroacupuncture group, changes in ghrelin were negatively correlated with IL-6 and positively correlated with TNF-α (P<0.01); in the sham electroacupuncture group, ghrelin changes were negatively correlated with both IL-6 and TNF-α, whereas leptin changes were positively correlated with the two inflammatory markers (P<0.01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture can effectively improve clinical manifestations, as well as regulate serum metabolic and pro-inflammatory factors in patients with simple obesity, and discrepant correlation patterns of metabolism-inflammation are observed between the two groups.
3.The epidemiological characteristics and spatial aggregation of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023
Lu-qian ZHANG ; Shao-qi NING ; Yun-peng NIAN ; Shu WANG ; Xin-xin LI
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):19-24
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023 to provide a scientific basis for its prevention and control. Methods Excel 2007, SPSS 25.0, Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Geoda 1.6 were used for data collection and statistical analysis. Super Map was used for data visualization to describe the changing characteristics of the disease. Results A total of 394 typhus cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023. The average annual incidence of typhus was 0.054/100 000, showing a dynamic fluctuation trend(AAPC=-3.3, t=-0.3, P>0.05). The cases were mainly concentrated in Baoji, Hanzhong and Xi′an, accounting for 78.68%. The incidence peak was from May to October, accounting for 64.21% of annual incidence. The epidemic season was from May to October and December. The incidence of the disease was concentrated in the 40-69 age group, accounting for 58.88%, and the sex was 1.07:1. The main occupation was farmers, accounting for 72.08%. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 7 days. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were significant spatial autocorrelations in 11 years from 2005 to 2023(P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis detected a total of 43“high-high”clustering areas, mainly concentrated in Baoji City. Conclusions The overall incidence of typhus in Shaanxi Province showed a dynamic fluctuation trend, with notable seasonal and regional aggregation. The incidence of typhus was higher in middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas. Surveillance should be strengthened in typhus endemic areas in summer and autumn, and health education should be conducted for key population to form good health habits and reduce the incidence of typhus.
4.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
5.Establishment and evaluation of an integrated central pharmacy management model
Xing CHANG ; Qi ZENG ; Yinwei FAN ; Jingjing MA ; Jian’an BAO ; Danyan SHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(18):2437-2441
OBJECTIVE To establish an integrated central pharmacy management model combining the inpatient pharmacy and the pharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS), and to evaluate its effectiveness and economic value in terms of operational cost composition, dispensing output, and dispensing efficiency.METHODS Through spatial integration, flexible staff scheduling, the application of intelligent equipment, and a dual prescription review system, the inpatient pharmacy and PIVAS were integrated, and an integrated management model was implemented. Operational data from the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (hereinafter referred to as “our hospital”) in 2023 were selected for analysis, with national median data and data from another hospital in the same region that still implemented a separate management model for the inpatient pharmacy and PIVAS serving as controls. The activity-based costing method was used to calculate operating costs. Dispensing output, dispensing efficiency, and unit activity cost were compared among the three. Cost-benefit analysis was further conducted by calculating the net benefit (NB) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for economic evaluation.RESULTS Under the integrated central management model, the total operational cost of our hospital’s central pharmacy was 3.968 3 million yuan, representing an 11.80% reduction compared with the external hospital’s pharmacy (4.499 0 million yuan), with consumable costs and labor costs decreasing by 38.73% and 10.99%, respectively. The total prescription dispensing volume (3.613 4 million orders) was 43.58% higher than that of the external hospital’s pharmacy (2.516 7 million orders). The daily dispensing volume per capita reached 471.41 medication orders, 3.5 times that of the external hospital’s pharmacy (135.20 medication orders). The unit activity cost was 1.10 yuan, showing a 38.55% decrease relative to the external hospital’s pharmacy (1.79 yuan). The NB was 755 200 yuan, and the ICER was -2.36. In terms of PIVAS operations, the daily dispensing volume per capita for general infusions (including antibacterial drugs) in our hospital was 50.83 sets, higher than the national PIVAS median (49.11 sets) and the external hospital pharmacy (36.14 sets); the daily dispensing volume per capita for hazardous drugs was 0.86 sets, higher than the national median (0.70 sets) and the external hospital pharmacy (0.16 sets).CONCLUSIONS The integrated central pharmacy management model established by our hospital achieved reduced operational costs and enhanced staff efficiency despite growing service volumes. Integrating the functions of both the inpatient pharmacy and the PIVAS, this model outperformed national medians and peer hospitals in dispensing output, dispensing efficiency, unit activity cost control, and economic evaluation, and surpassed the national median specifically in PIVAS dispensing efficiency.
6.Bawei Chenxiang Wan Protects Against Acute Myocardial Ischemia by Activating Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase to Inhibit Cuproptosis in Rats
Xiaoying ZHANG ; Yuquan XIE ; Yuchan ZHANG ; Qi SI ; Yuanhu XIAO ; Yuqi GUO ; Xiayu SHAO
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):820-832
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of the Bawei Chenxiang Wan (BCW) against myocardial ischemic injury. MethodsMyocardial ischemia in vivo was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO), and ex vivo ischemia was established by coronary artery ligation in isolated rat hearts. The effects of BCW, alcohol extracts and its polar extracts were evaluated on ST segment on electrocardiogram (ECG), myocardial damage, hemodynamic parameters, and infarct size. The phosphorylation level of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins, and the content of Cu²⁺ in myocardial tissue were detected. The regulatory relationship of the signaling pathway was verified using an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) myocardial cell injury model, combined with PI3K agonists and inhibitors. ResultsBCW ameliorated ST-segment elevation on electrocardiograms(P<0.01), reduced serum levels of myocardial injury markers, improved hemodynamic parameters, upregulated PI3K phosphorylation(P<0.01), and decreased Cu²⁺ accumulation in rats with myocardial ischemia(P<0.01). Moreover, BCW reduced the myocardial infarct size. In the isolated rat heart model of ischemia, both the ethanol extract and various solvent fractions of BCW exerted protective effects and reduced Cu²⁺ content, among which the n-butanol fraction exhibited the most potent activity(P<0.01). Specifically, the n-butanol fraction upregulated PI3K phosphorylation(P<0.01) and downregulated the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins, including ferredoxin reductase 1(FDX1)(P<0.05), lipoic acid synthetase(LIAS), and dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase(DLAT) oligomerization(P<0.05). In the OGD-induced cardiomyocyte injury model, treatment with a PI3K agonist inhibited DLAT oligomerization(P<0.05), whereas co-administration of a PI3K inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effect of the n-butanol fraction on DLAT oligomer formation(P<0.05). ConclusionThe n-butanol fraction of BCW exerts a significant protective effect against myocardial ischemic injury, and its mechanism may involve activation of the PI3K and inhibition of cuproptosis.
7.Bawei Chenxiang Wan Protects Against Acute Myocardial Ischemia by Activating Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase to Inhibit Cuproptosis in Rats
Xiaoying ZHANG ; Yuquan XIE ; Yuchan ZHANG ; Qi SI ; Yuanhu XIAO ; Yuqi GUO ; Xiayu SHAO
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):820-832
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of the Bawei Chenxiang Wan (BCW) against myocardial ischemic injury. MethodsMyocardial ischemia in vivo was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO), and ex vivo ischemia was established by coronary artery ligation in isolated rat hearts. The effects of BCW, alcohol extracts and its polar extracts were evaluated on ST segment on electrocardiogram (ECG), myocardial damage, hemodynamic parameters, and infarct size. The phosphorylation level of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins, and the content of Cu²⁺ in myocardial tissue were detected. The regulatory relationship of the signaling pathway was verified using an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) myocardial cell injury model, combined with PI3K agonists and inhibitors. ResultsBCW ameliorated ST-segment elevation on electrocardiograms(P<0.01), reduced serum levels of myocardial injury markers, improved hemodynamic parameters, upregulated PI3K phosphorylation(P<0.01), and decreased Cu²⁺ accumulation in rats with myocardial ischemia(P<0.01). Moreover, BCW reduced the myocardial infarct size. In the isolated rat heart model of ischemia, both the ethanol extract and various solvent fractions of BCW exerted protective effects and reduced Cu²⁺ content, among which the n-butanol fraction exhibited the most potent activity(P<0.01). Specifically, the n-butanol fraction upregulated PI3K phosphorylation(P<0.01) and downregulated the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins, including ferredoxin reductase 1(FDX1)(P<0.05), lipoic acid synthetase(LIAS), and dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase(DLAT) oligomerization(P<0.05). In the OGD-induced cardiomyocyte injury model, treatment with a PI3K agonist inhibited DLAT oligomerization(P<0.05), whereas co-administration of a PI3K inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effect of the n-butanol fraction on DLAT oligomer formation(P<0.05). ConclusionThe n-butanol fraction of BCW exerts a significant protective effect against myocardial ischemic injury, and its mechanism may involve activation of the PI3K and inhibition of cuproptosis.
8.Brief analysis on " Lijie and yellowish sweating" in Synopsis of Golden Chamber
Xin LAN ; Zilin REN ; Qi SHAO ; Yuxiao ZHENG ; Changxiang LI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Xueqian WANG ; Qingguo WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):161-165
" Lijie and yellowish sweating" originates from the chapter on stroke and arthralgia diseases in Synopsis of Golden Chamber. Later generations typically interpret it as yellow fluid oozing from painful joints, a characteristic manifestation of arthralgia. In Western medicine, Lijie corresponds to diseases such as gouty arthritis, with its primary clinical manifestations being redness, swelling, heat, and painful joints, most often without yellow fluid discharge. Therefore, the interpretation of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" contradicts the clinical manifestations often observed in this disease. Thus, this article reinterprets the meaning of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" from the pathogenesis of " sweat exposure to water, as if water harms the heart" , combined with the viewpoints of other medical practitioners. Determining the meaning of " yellowish sweating" is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of arthralgia and clarifying the relationship between arthralgia and yellowish sweating. ZHANG Zhongjing mentioned arthralgia and " yellowish sweating" together, not to differentiate between the two diseases but to emphasize the common pathogenesis of the two, namely, the cold and dampness injuring the heart, blood, and vessels. This paper proposes a new explanation of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" , which suggests that " yellowish sweating" is not confined to the joints but can be found all over the body. The pathogenesis of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" lies in the insufficiency of the liver and kidney and exogenous water dampness, leading to disharmony between nutrient qi and defensive qi and between yin and yang. Primary treatment should harmonize yingfen and weifen, as well as tonify and replenish the liver and kidney. The clinical selection of medicines can be considered Guizhi Decotion, a type of formula. The pathogenesis of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" is complex, and clinical treatment should be comprehensively considered to achieve the best therapeutic effect.
9.Effect of Xuanfei Tongfu formula on the prognosis of patients with severe pneumonia
Xuebo SHAO ; Weidong TANG ; Yanyan HE ; Lijun ZHU ; Enkui LU ; Qi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(2):155-159
Objective To observe the effects of Xuanfei Tongfu formula on the prognosis of patients with severe pneumonia.Methods Sixty patients with severe pneumonia admitted to the First People's Hospital of Fuyang District,Hangzhou City from June 1,2022 to April 1,2024 were selected as the research subjects.Patients were divided into control group(31 cases)and observation group(29 cases)by randomly number table method.Upon hospital admission,the control group received conventional Western medicine treatment,while the observation group received Xuanfei Tongfu formula in addition to conventional Western medicine treatment[Rhubarb 8 g(decocted later),Aurantii Fructus Immaturus 12 g,Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex 12 g,Agastache Rugosa 10 g,Tatarian Aster Root 15 g,Natrii Sulfas Exsiccatus 10 g(dissolved in water),decocted to 150 mL each time and taken],once a day for 5 days.Observe the changes of inflammatory indicators such as serum levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),interleukin-6(IL-6)in both groups before and after treatment.To evaluate the severity indicators of diseases such as acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ)and sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA),as well as the clinical efficacy after treatment.Record the duration of mechanical ventilation,intensive care unit(ICU)length of stay and total hospitalization length of the two groups,calculate the oxygenation index level,and statistically analyze the 28-day survival rate.Results Compared with before treatment,the levels of inflammatory indicators CRP,PCT,and IL-6,as well as the scores of APACHEⅡand SOFA in both groups were significantly lower than those after treatment,the oxygenation index was significantly higher than that before treatment,and the changes in the observation group were more obvious than those in the control group[CRP(mg/L):28±17 vs.50±34,PCT(μg/L):2.0±1.5 vs.4.1±2.7,IL-6(ng/L):52±28 vs.97±61,APACHEⅡscore:12.8±5.1 vs.16.1±6.1,SOFA score:3.9±1.8 vs.6.2±2.7,oxygenation index(mmHg,1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa):302±57 vs.252±85,all P<0.05].Compared with the control group,the observation group exhibited a markedly reduced duration of mechanical ventilation(days:8.3±3.8 vs.11.4±6.4,P<0.05),and a significantly higher total effective rate of clinical efficacy[82.76%(24/29)vs.54.84%(17/31),P<0.05].Conclusion The application of Xuanfei Tongfu formula can effectively enhance the clinical treatment outcomes for severe pneumonia,reduce systemic inflammatory responses,promote organ function recovery,and improve the prognosis of patients.
10.Application of Transumbilical Extracorporeal Laparoscopic-assisted Appendectomy in the Treatment of Uncomplicated Appendicitis in Children
Anxiao MING ; Yifeng SHAO ; Mei DIAO ; Qi LI ; Long LI
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(3):171-174
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of transumbilical extracorporeal laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy(TUELAA)for pediatric uncomplicated appendicitis.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 cases treated with TUELAA between January2019 and October2024.The median age was7.5 years old(range,2.4-16.3 years old).The duration of abdominal pain before admission was(20.6±10.6)h.Preoperative ultrasound revealed an average appendiceal diameter of(0.92±0.15)cm,with appendicoliths identified in15 cases.A vertical umbilical incision approximately1.5 cm in length was made,through which a 5 mm trocar(15 cm in length)with a 30° laparoscope and a 5 mm short trocar(9 cm in length)with grasping forceps were inserted.The abdominal cavity was explored,adhesions were dissected,and the appendiceal tip was grasped.The tissue between the two trocars was incised,and the appendix was extracted through the umbilical incision for extracorporeal ligation and excision.Results Among the 38 cases,31 had no significant adhesions around the appendix,and the appendectomy was successfully performed with smooth extraction of the appendix.In the remaining 7 cases with adhesions around the appendix,blunt laparoscopic dissection was used to release the adhesions.After the appendix tip was freed,it was extracted through the umbilical incision for complete excision.The surgical time was(27.1±8.6)min,and the postoperative hospitalization was1-3 d.Pathological diagnoses revealed32 cases of acute suppurative appendicitis and 6 cases of gangrenous appendicitis.No intravenous analgesics were used postoperatively.No discomfort such as abdominal pain was noted during telephone follow-ups for 2-68 months(median,58 months).Conclusion TUELAA demonstrates definite efficacy and favorable cosmetic outcomes for the treatment of pediatric uncomplicated appendicitis.


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