1.Effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction on Piezo1-YAP Signaling Axis and Macrophage Polarization in Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis
Chao LEI ; Yanbo LI ; Houyan ZHANG ; Meng QIAO ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):142-152
ObjectiveTo validate the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and to investigate its correlations with the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1)-Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanical signaling axis and macrophage polarization. MethodsFifty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized into a blank control group, a 4-week model group, a 6-week model group, a 8-week model group, a positive drug (silymarin, 55 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) YQSH groups. Except the 6-week model group (n=12), each of the other groups had 6 mice. Mice in other groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injections of 10% CCl4 twice weekly for the modeling of liver fibrosis. Drug interventions began one week after the initial modeling through gavage, and the blank control and model groups received 0.2 mL of normal saline via gavage. The histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), and collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 in the liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. Co-localization of Piezo1 with YAP1, and YAP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The proportions of M1-type (F4/80+CD80+) and M2-type (F4/80+CD206+) macrophages in the liver tissue were examined by flow cytometry. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed through transcriptomic sequencing. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited gradually worsened liver fibrosis at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. The 6- and 8-week model groups showcased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of both Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model groups, treatment with YQSH improved the liver function (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated liver fibrosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition (P<0.01). Furthermore, the treatment downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the ratio of CD80 (M1-type)/CD206 (M2-type) macrophage proteins (P<0.01). The IF assay showed co-localization of YAP1 with Piezo1 and iNOS. Compared with the model groups, YQSH treatment downregulated the expression of Piezo1, YAP1, and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to the Hippo signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThe anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of the Piezo1-YAP signaling axis and regulation of macrophage polarization.
2.Effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction on Piezo1-YAP Signaling Axis and Macrophage Polarization in Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis
Chao LEI ; Yanbo LI ; Houyan ZHANG ; Meng QIAO ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):142-152
ObjectiveTo validate the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and to investigate its correlations with the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1)-Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanical signaling axis and macrophage polarization. MethodsFifty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized into a blank control group, a 4-week model group, a 6-week model group, a 8-week model group, a positive drug (silymarin, 55 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) YQSH groups. Except the 6-week model group (n=12), each of the other groups had 6 mice. Mice in other groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injections of 10% CCl4 twice weekly for the modeling of liver fibrosis. Drug interventions began one week after the initial modeling through gavage, and the blank control and model groups received 0.2 mL of normal saline via gavage. The histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), and collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 in the liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. Co-localization of Piezo1 with YAP1, and YAP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The proportions of M1-type (F4/80+CD80+) and M2-type (F4/80+CD206+) macrophages in the liver tissue were examined by flow cytometry. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed through transcriptomic sequencing. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited gradually worsened liver fibrosis at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. The 6- and 8-week model groups showcased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of both Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model groups, treatment with YQSH improved the liver function (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated liver fibrosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition (P<0.01). Furthermore, the treatment downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the ratio of CD80 (M1-type)/CD206 (M2-type) macrophage proteins (P<0.01). The IF assay showed co-localization of YAP1 with Piezo1 and iNOS. Compared with the model groups, YQSH treatment downregulated the expression of Piezo1, YAP1, and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to the Hippo signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThe anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of the Piezo1-YAP signaling axis and regulation of macrophage polarization.
3.The value of ZOOMit intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging technology in assessing renal function in diabetic kidney disease and non-diabetic kidney disease
Xuesong LI ; Qingjuan ZHANG ; Qingqing ZHOU ; Yusheng YU ; Hong ZHANG ; Hui LI
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1689-1693
Objective To explore the value of ZOOMit intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging(IVIM-DWI)technology in assessing renal function in diabetic kidney disease(DKD)and non-diabetic kidney disease(non-DKD).Methods Based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),50 DKD patients and 50 non-DKD patients were enrolled,with each group contained 21 mild cases(mild group)and 29 moderate to severe cases(moderate to severe group).All subjects underwent ZOOMit IVIM-DWI examination and the parameter values of the renal cortex and medulla were measured.The differences of IVIM-DWI parameters in renal cortex and medulla between DKD and non-DKD patients,and the correlation with eGFR,and diagnostic efficacy were compared.Results In the DKD patients,the f value of the medulla,the D value of the cortex,and the D* value of the medulla showed statistically significant differences between mild group and moderate to severe group(t=7.836,3.337,2.515,P<0.05),and all were positively correlated with eGFR(r=0.750,0.375,0.404,P<0.05).In the non-DKD patients,the f value of the medulla and the D* value of the medulla showed statistically significant differences between mild group and moderate to severe group(t=2.619,2.453,P<0.05),and were positively correlated with eGFR(r=0.425,0.360,P<0.05).In both DKD and non-DKD patients,the f value of the medulla showed the best efficacy in distinguishing between mild and moderate to severe DKD,with the area under the curve(AUC)=0.961(DeLong test P<0.05).Conclusion ZOOMit IVIM-DWI technology can be used for renal function in DKD and non-DKD,with the f value of the medulla being more suitable for the assessment of renal function in DKD.
4.Impact of gamified behavior intervention based on mobile health on patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention
Jie WANG ; Qingjuan GONG ; Haige ZHANG ; Mingming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(19):1441-1448
Objective:To explore the effects of gamified behavior intervention based on mobile health on compliance, psychological status, and physical activity behavior of patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), providing a guidance for effectively improving the intervention effect of patients after PCI for coronary heart disease.Methods:The research plan was designed using a randomized, prospective, single blind, single center clinical research method. The patients with coronary heart disease who received treatment after PCI in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2021 to November 2023 were selected as the study subjects by convenience sampling method and divided into the control group and the intervention group by the random number table method. The control group received routine intervention, while the intervention group received gamified behavior intervention based on mobile health on the basis of the control group. Both groups were intervened for 3 months and followed up for 3 months. The compliance, psychological status, physical activity behavior, and quality of life before intervention and after 3 months of follow-up, as well as the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events during intervention and follow-up between two groups were compared.Results:A total of 88 patients with coronary heart disease after PCI were included, with 44 cases in both the control group and the intervention group. There were 23 males and 21 females in the control group with an age of (64.54 ± 4.32) years old. There were 24 males and 20 females in the intervention group with an age of (65.01 ± 4.36) years old. The scores of exercise, medication, diet, lifestyle compliance scores, physical activity behavior levels, the scores of social function, emotional function, physical function, role function, cognitive function after a 3-month follow-up in the intervention group were (95.32 ± 1.54) points, (95.07 ± 1.60) points, (93.43 ± 1.76) points, (95.03 ± 1.43) points, (1511.32 ± 113.54) metabolic equivalent/week, (94.03 ± 1.02) points, (93.42 ± 1.09) points, (92.21 ± 1.32) points, (93.42 ± 1.15) points, (88.54 ± 3.03) points, respectively, which were higher than the control group (77.43 ± 2.54) points, (78.31 ± 1.71) points, (74.32 ± 2.43) points, (75.14 ± 1.98) points, (1 432.65 ± 107.65) metabolic equivalent/week, (87.22 ± 1.21) points, (86.74 ± 1.30) points, (85.65 ± 3.43) points, (88.76 ± 1.09) points, (73.76 ± 3.43) points, the differences were statistical significant( t values were 3.34-54.02, all P<0.05). The scores of the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) after a 3-month follow-up in the intervention group were (32.54 ± 1.85), (31.54 ± 0.87) points, respectively, which were lower than the control group (43.65 ± 2.03), (41.54 ± 1.23) points in the control group, the differences were statistical significant ( t=26.83, 44.03, both P<0.05). The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events during the intervention and follow-up period was 4.55% (2/44), which was lower than the control group 18.18% (8/44), the differences was statistical significant ( χ2=4.06, P<0.05). Conclusions:The nursing effect of gamified behavior intervention based on mobile health on patients with coronary heart disease after PCI was good, which could effectively improve compliance, promote the improvement of patients′ psychological state and physical activity behavior, reduce the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events, further improve their quality of life.
5.Role of Complement in the Development of Hypertensive Nephropathy
Zhongli WANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Xing WANG ; Jianlong ZHAI ; Lili HE ; Qingjuan ZUO ; Sai MA ; Guorui ZHANG ; Yifang GUO
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(3):308-312
Immunoinflammation mediates the development of hypertensive nephropathy,and aberrant activation of the complement system,an important component of the innate immune system,plays an important role in the development of hypertensive nephropathy.Complement inhibition is expected to be a potential strategy for the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy.In this article,we summarized and reviewed relevant studies on the complement system in the development of hypertensive nephropathy,and complement-targeted drug therapy,aiming to provide new ideas for clinicians on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hypertensive nephropathy.
6.Role of Complement in the Development of Hypertensive Nephropathy
Zhongli WANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Xing WANG ; Jianlong ZHAI ; Lili HE ; Qingjuan ZUO ; Sai MA ; Guorui ZHANG ; Yifang GUO
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(3):308-312
Immunoinflammation mediates the development of hypertensive nephropathy,and aberrant activation of the complement system,an important component of the innate immune system,plays an important role in the development of hypertensive nephropathy.Complement inhibition is expected to be a potential strategy for the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy.In this article,we summarized and reviewed relevant studies on the complement system in the development of hypertensive nephropathy,and complement-targeted drug therapy,aiming to provide new ideas for clinicians on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hypertensive nephropathy.
7.The value of ZOOMit intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging technology in assessing renal function in diabetic kidney disease and non-diabetic kidney disease
Xuesong LI ; Qingjuan ZHANG ; Qingqing ZHOU ; Yusheng YU ; Hong ZHANG ; Hui LI
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1689-1693
Objective To explore the value of ZOOMit intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging(IVIM-DWI)technology in assessing renal function in diabetic kidney disease(DKD)and non-diabetic kidney disease(non-DKD).Methods Based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),50 DKD patients and 50 non-DKD patients were enrolled,with each group contained 21 mild cases(mild group)and 29 moderate to severe cases(moderate to severe group).All subjects underwent ZOOMit IVIM-DWI examination and the parameter values of the renal cortex and medulla were measured.The differences of IVIM-DWI parameters in renal cortex and medulla between DKD and non-DKD patients,and the correlation with eGFR,and diagnostic efficacy were compared.Results In the DKD patients,the f value of the medulla,the D value of the cortex,and the D* value of the medulla showed statistically significant differences between mild group and moderate to severe group(t=7.836,3.337,2.515,P<0.05),and all were positively correlated with eGFR(r=0.750,0.375,0.404,P<0.05).In the non-DKD patients,the f value of the medulla and the D* value of the medulla showed statistically significant differences between mild group and moderate to severe group(t=2.619,2.453,P<0.05),and were positively correlated with eGFR(r=0.425,0.360,P<0.05).In both DKD and non-DKD patients,the f value of the medulla showed the best efficacy in distinguishing between mild and moderate to severe DKD,with the area under the curve(AUC)=0.961(DeLong test P<0.05).Conclusion ZOOMit IVIM-DWI technology can be used for renal function in DKD and non-DKD,with the f value of the medulla being more suitable for the assessment of renal function in DKD.
8.Impact of gamified behavior intervention based on mobile health on patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention
Jie WANG ; Qingjuan GONG ; Haige ZHANG ; Mingming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(19):1441-1448
Objective:To explore the effects of gamified behavior intervention based on mobile health on compliance, psychological status, and physical activity behavior of patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), providing a guidance for effectively improving the intervention effect of patients after PCI for coronary heart disease.Methods:The research plan was designed using a randomized, prospective, single blind, single center clinical research method. The patients with coronary heart disease who received treatment after PCI in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2021 to November 2023 were selected as the study subjects by convenience sampling method and divided into the control group and the intervention group by the random number table method. The control group received routine intervention, while the intervention group received gamified behavior intervention based on mobile health on the basis of the control group. Both groups were intervened for 3 months and followed up for 3 months. The compliance, psychological status, physical activity behavior, and quality of life before intervention and after 3 months of follow-up, as well as the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events during intervention and follow-up between two groups were compared.Results:A total of 88 patients with coronary heart disease after PCI were included, with 44 cases in both the control group and the intervention group. There were 23 males and 21 females in the control group with an age of (64.54 ± 4.32) years old. There were 24 males and 20 females in the intervention group with an age of (65.01 ± 4.36) years old. The scores of exercise, medication, diet, lifestyle compliance scores, physical activity behavior levels, the scores of social function, emotional function, physical function, role function, cognitive function after a 3-month follow-up in the intervention group were (95.32 ± 1.54) points, (95.07 ± 1.60) points, (93.43 ± 1.76) points, (95.03 ± 1.43) points, (1511.32 ± 113.54) metabolic equivalent/week, (94.03 ± 1.02) points, (93.42 ± 1.09) points, (92.21 ± 1.32) points, (93.42 ± 1.15) points, (88.54 ± 3.03) points, respectively, which were higher than the control group (77.43 ± 2.54) points, (78.31 ± 1.71) points, (74.32 ± 2.43) points, (75.14 ± 1.98) points, (1 432.65 ± 107.65) metabolic equivalent/week, (87.22 ± 1.21) points, (86.74 ± 1.30) points, (85.65 ± 3.43) points, (88.76 ± 1.09) points, (73.76 ± 3.43) points, the differences were statistical significant( t values were 3.34-54.02, all P<0.05). The scores of the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) after a 3-month follow-up in the intervention group were (32.54 ± 1.85), (31.54 ± 0.87) points, respectively, which were lower than the control group (43.65 ± 2.03), (41.54 ± 1.23) points in the control group, the differences were statistical significant ( t=26.83, 44.03, both P<0.05). The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events during the intervention and follow-up period was 4.55% (2/44), which was lower than the control group 18.18% (8/44), the differences was statistical significant ( χ2=4.06, P<0.05). Conclusions:The nursing effect of gamified behavior intervention based on mobile health on patients with coronary heart disease after PCI was good, which could effectively improve compliance, promote the improvement of patients′ psychological state and physical activity behavior, reduce the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events, further improve their quality of life.
9.Effects of canagliflozin on amino acid metabolism in atherosclerotic mice
Qingjuan ZUO ; Lili HE ; Sai MA ; Guorui ZHANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Yifang GUO
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2024;52(1):64-71
Objective:To explore the possible anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor canagliflozin.Methods:ApoE -/-mice fed on Western diet were randomly assigned into the model group ( n=10) and the canagliflozin group ( n=10). C57BL/6J mice fed on normal diet were chosen as the control group ( n=10). Mice in the canagliflozin group were gavaged with canagliflozin for 14 weeks. The presence and severity of atherosclerosis were evaluated with HE and oil red O stainings in aortic root section slices. PCR assay was performed to determine the mRNA expression levels of nitric oxide synthase. Hepatic transcriptome analysis and hepatic amino acid detection were conducted using RNA-seq and targeted LC-MS, respectively. Results:HE staining and oil red O staining of the aortic root showed that AS models were successfully established in ApoE -/-mice fed on Western diet for 14 weeks. Canagliflozin alleviated the severity of atherosclerosis in pathology. Hepatic transcriptome analysis indicated that canagliflozin impacted on amino acid metabolism, especially arginine synthesis in ApoE -/-mice. Targeted metabolomics analysis of amino acids showed that canagliflozin reduced hepatic levels of L-serine, L-aspartic acid, tyrosine, L-hydroxyproline, and L-citrulline, but raised the hepatic level of L-arginine. Compared to the model group, the canagliflozin group exhibited higher serum arginine and nitric oxide levels as well as elevated nitric oxide mRNA expression in aortic tissues ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Canagliflozin regulated the amino acid metabolism, reduced the levels of glucogenic amino acids,and promoted the synthesis of arginine in atherosclerotic mice.
10.Progress on the Effect and Mechanism of Heat-clearing Traditional Chinese Medicine in Preventing and Treating Diabetes
Chuan PENG ; Lihua ZHANG ; Qingjuan PENG ; Siyan RAN ; Yaqing XIE ; Minqing LI ; Miao HE ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(11):2928-2936
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose due to insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance.According to traditional Chinese medicine,diabetes mellitus is classified as"Xiaoke disease"in Chinese medicine,and its basic pathogenesis is yin deficiency and fluids.With the continuous improvement and development of traditional Chinese medicine theory,more and more doctors generally believe that"hot"runs through the occurrence and development of diabetes and the heat-clearing method is the key to the treatment of diabetes.The theory of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine believes that heat-clearing Chinese medicine has the effect of clearing heat and reducing fire,and its own effect of reducing heat and preserving Yin,which is in line with the principle of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of diabetes.Therefore,in this paper,we summarize the research progress on the role and mechanism of heat clearing herbs in the prevention and treatment of diabetes,mainly related to protection of pancreatic β-cell function,improvement of insulin resistance,inhibition of glucosidase activity,reduce the inflammatory response,relieve oxidative stress and regulation of intestinal flora,and analyze the problems and development trend of the current research,in order to provide a scientific and theoretical basis for the drug development and clinical application of heat clearing traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

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