1.Exploration of Zhuyuwan in Treatment of Atherosclerosis from Perspective of Lipid Transport Disorder
Wei SONG ; Zhongyi ZHANG ; Hairong QIU ; Mei ZHAO ; Zubing ZHOU ; Tao SHEN ; Yong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):54-61
This article discusses the key pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) based on the physiological characteristics and pathological changes of lipids and introduces the therapeutic effect of Zhuyuwan on AS, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases from the spleen. As essential substances, lipids have the same essence but different forms. They circulate throughout the body with body fluids under the action of Yang Qi to nourish the nutrient Qi and support the defensive Qi. Lipid metabolism disorder often leads to the obstruction of Qi movement, the accumulation of dampness and turbidity, and the generation of phlegm and blood stasis. It has been proven that the formation of vulnerable plaques in AS is attributed to the interaction of three pathogenic factors: deficiency of healthy Qi, phlegm-turbidity, and collateral stasis. Their pathological essence is closely related to abnormal lipid metabolism. As lipids constitute the thick and dense components of body fluids, their impaired dispersion may lead to phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis, the pathological process of which is predominantly ascribed to the dysfunction of the spleen in distributing essence. Therefore, AS is rooted in spleen-stomach disorder, manifests as plaques formed by pathological product accumulation in vessels, with lipid transport disorder as its core pathogenesis. Specifically speaking, the dysfunction of spleen in transportation with accumulation of dampness-turbidity marks the initial stage, and blood turbidity and coagulation and phlegm-nodules accumulating in vessels represent the intermediate phase. Cold accumulation and stagnated heat transforming into toxins represent the terminal stage. Zhuyuwan, first recorded in Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief, contains equal proportions of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus. Coptidis Rhizoma, bitter and cold, exerts descending and purging actions to assist stomach Qi in lowering turbidity. Evodiae Fructus, pungent-bitter and hot, disperses obstruction and promotes free flow to support spleen Qi in ascending the clear. The compatibility of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus ascends the clear and descends the turbid to harmonize Yin and Yang, assisting the spleen in distributing essence and resolving lipid accumulation to reduce lipid levels. In terms of the therapeutic mechanism, Zhuyuwan modulates lipid metabolism by correcting immune-inflammation network imbalance, improving gut microbiota composition and metabolism, and enhancing reverse cholesterol transport. By analyzing the pathological characteristics of lipid transport disorder in AS, this study delves into the intrinsic connections between cardiovascular disease and lipid transport disorder, giving novel insights into the prevention and treatment of AS.
2.Exploration of Zhuyuwan in Treatment of Atherosclerosis from Perspective of Lipid Transport Disorder
Wei SONG ; Zhongyi ZHANG ; Hairong QIU ; Mei ZHAO ; Zubing ZHOU ; Tao SHEN ; Yong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):54-61
This article discusses the key pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) based on the physiological characteristics and pathological changes of lipids and introduces the therapeutic effect of Zhuyuwan on AS, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases from the spleen. As essential substances, lipids have the same essence but different forms. They circulate throughout the body with body fluids under the action of Yang Qi to nourish the nutrient Qi and support the defensive Qi. Lipid metabolism disorder often leads to the obstruction of Qi movement, the accumulation of dampness and turbidity, and the generation of phlegm and blood stasis. It has been proven that the formation of vulnerable plaques in AS is attributed to the interaction of three pathogenic factors: deficiency of healthy Qi, phlegm-turbidity, and collateral stasis. Their pathological essence is closely related to abnormal lipid metabolism. As lipids constitute the thick and dense components of body fluids, their impaired dispersion may lead to phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis, the pathological process of which is predominantly ascribed to the dysfunction of the spleen in distributing essence. Therefore, AS is rooted in spleen-stomach disorder, manifests as plaques formed by pathological product accumulation in vessels, with lipid transport disorder as its core pathogenesis. Specifically speaking, the dysfunction of spleen in transportation with accumulation of dampness-turbidity marks the initial stage, and blood turbidity and coagulation and phlegm-nodules accumulating in vessels represent the intermediate phase. Cold accumulation and stagnated heat transforming into toxins represent the terminal stage. Zhuyuwan, first recorded in Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief, contains equal proportions of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus. Coptidis Rhizoma, bitter and cold, exerts descending and purging actions to assist stomach Qi in lowering turbidity. Evodiae Fructus, pungent-bitter and hot, disperses obstruction and promotes free flow to support spleen Qi in ascending the clear. The compatibility of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus ascends the clear and descends the turbid to harmonize Yin and Yang, assisting the spleen in distributing essence and resolving lipid accumulation to reduce lipid levels. In terms of the therapeutic mechanism, Zhuyuwan modulates lipid metabolism by correcting immune-inflammation network imbalance, improving gut microbiota composition and metabolism, and enhancing reverse cholesterol transport. By analyzing the pathological characteristics of lipid transport disorder in AS, this study delves into the intrinsic connections between cardiovascular disease and lipid transport disorder, giving novel insights into the prevention and treatment of AS.
3.Research progress of inducing ferroptosis of cancer stem cells against colorectal cancer
Li-Na GONG ; Meng-Ling YUAN ; Xue-Ying CHENG ; Chen-Yang XU ; Jun PAN ; Qiu-Tong CHEN ; Ling WANG ; Zi-Li ZHANG ; Mei GUO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1030-1034
Cancer stem cell(CSC)are the"seed"cells in the occurrence,development,metastasis and recurrence of colorectal cancer.Targeted killing of CSC provides a new target for anti-colorectal cancer therapy.Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death mode due to the abnormal accumulation of intracellular i-ron ions,which results in the massive reactive oxygen species(ROS)and lipid peroxides,leading to cell death.Studies have shown that cancer stem cells are more enriched in iron ions than non-CSC,which provides a new perspective for targeting ferropto-sis in cancer stem cells against colorectal cancer.This article re-views the research progress of inducing CSC ferroptosis in the treatment of colorectal cancer,such as targeted regulation of SLC7A11 expression in CSC,chelating iron in CSC lysosomes,targeting CSC phenotypic plasticity,reversing CSC iron homeo-stasis,and targeting CSC lipid droplet metabolism induce CSC ferroptosis,which provides new ideas for anti-tumor therapy.
4.Protein Inducers of Plant Immunity
Xue-Qiu LIU ; Hua-Qian ZHANG ; Chun-Mei DU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(11):1479-1492
Protein-based plant immune inducers are special compounds that can induce plant defense re-sponses.They are mainly derived from pathogenic microorganisms,biocontrol microorganisms,host plants,and host-pathogen interaction processes.Protein elicitors improve plant resistance by triggering plant pathogen-associated molecular patterns to trigger immunity and effectors to trigger immune responses that frequently involve reactive oxygen species,Ca2+,salicylic acid,jasmonic acid,gibberellin,and eth-ylene cascade signaling pathways.They can bolster plant resistance against bacterial,fungal,and viral diseases,as well as environmental stress.Here we summarize the sources,mechanisms of action,and current applications of protein-based elicitors,identify existing problems,and outline future development trends.We propose that future research should focus on improving the persistence and stability of these elicitors,exploring the combined use of multiple elicitors or their combination with other agents,and their application in plant breeding.,aiming for developing green biopesticides using protein-based elicitors.
5.Allyl isothiocyanate exacerbates acute toxoplasmosis through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines
Qiu-Mei LIN ; Hong-Bin LONG ; Jun-Ting HE ; Zhi-hao ZHANG ; Ho-Woo NAM ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Qi ZHONG ; Xu-Qing LIU ; Zhao-Shou YANG
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):476-483
Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a natural product commonly used in food preservation and pharmaceutical applications. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, is prevalent globally while the impact of AITC on toxoplasmosis is unclear. We explored the effect of AITC on acute toxoplasmosis. We infected C57BL/6 mice with T. gondii type I RH strain following AITC administration. On the 4th day after infection, which corresponds to the initial stage of infection, we collected serum for the determination of inflammatory cytokine levels. The mice serum of the AITC-administered group contained significantly lower levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-23 subunit p19, IL-4, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. The lifespan of the mice in the AITC-administered group was significantly reduced. In vitro experiments showed that AITC promoted the proliferation of intracellular T. gondii accompanied by the inhibition of IL-4, IL-1β, and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results showed that AITC facilitated T. gondii infection in the early stage by inhibiting the production of several inflammatory cytokines.
6.Significance of 18F-PI-2620 PET imaging for diagnosing tau protein deposition in patients with different cognitive disorders alongside cognitive correlation analysis
Gan HUANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Cheng WANG ; Mei XIN ; Hongda SHAO ; Yue WANG ; Liangrong WAN ; Ju QIU ; Qun XU ; Jianjun LIU ; Xia LI ; Chenpeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2024;44(5):273-278
Objective:To evaluate the values of 18F-PI-2620 PET/CT brain imaging with SUV ratio (SUVR) in the assessment of tau protein deposition in the brain of patients with different cognitive disorders and its correlation with cognition. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. From December 2019 to November 2022, a total of 67 subjects including 54 patients with Alzheimer′s disease (AD; 21 males, 33 females, age (68.6±7.8) years), 7 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; 1 male, 6 females, age (63.1±11.2) years) and 6 healthy controls (HC; 4 males, 2 females, age (69.0±5.8) years) were enrolled retrospectively in Renji Hospital. All participants were examined by 18F-PI-2620 PET/CT. SUVRs of brain regions were obtained, including frontal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, parietal lobe, insular lobe, whole brain, as well as 10 independent brain ROIs (amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, superior occipital gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, inferior angular gyrus, precuneus, inferior temporal gyrus, entorhinal cortex and parahippocampal gyrus), with inferior cerebellum cortex as the reference region. All participants were estimated by cognitive scales(mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA)). One-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference t test were used to compare the differences of SUVR in each brain region among HC, MCI and AD groups. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of SUVR in each brain region for the differential diagnosis of AD-MCI and AD-HC. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the correlations of SUVR with cognitive scale scores. Results:The SUVR of whole brain was 1.40±0.31 in AD group, 1.08±0.19 in MCI group, and 1.01±0.12 in HC group. SUVR analysis in the whole brain and each brain region could distinguish AD from HC, AD from MCI ( F values: 1.76-10.09, t values: 2.98-7.47, all P<0.05), but could not distinguish HC from MCI ( t values: 0.17-1.53, all P>0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut-off value of SUVR was 1.18 for whole brain (AUC=0.89), 1.13 for amygdala (AUC=0.94) and 1.26 for parahippocampal gyrus (AUC=0.94) for differential diagnosis of AD and HC, which was 1.06 for whole brain (AUC=0.82), 1.18 for amygdala (AUC=0.88) and 1.28 (AUC=0.88) for infratemporal gyrus to differential diagnosis of AD and MCI. SUVRs of the whole brain, frontal, occipital, parietal, temporal and insula were significantly negatively correlated with MMSE and MoCA cognitive scale scores ( r values: from -0.64 to -0.40, all P<0.05). Conclusions:SUVR quantitative analysis in 18F-PI-2620 PET imaging can assist the differential diagnosis of AD and HC, AD and MCI. The SUVRs of whole brain and five lobes show negative correlations with MMSE and MoCA scores.
7.Diagnostic efficiency of 18F-FDG PET for Alzheimer′s disease in patients with memory impairment
Yan ZHANG ; Chenpeng ZHANG ; Gan HUANG ; Cheng WANG ; Mei XIN ; Hongda SHAO ; Yue WANG ; Liangrong WAN ; Ju QIU ; Qun XU ; Xia LI ; Jianjun LIU
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2024;44(12):712-717
Objective:To assess the diagnostic efficiency of 18F-FDG PET for Alzheimer′s disease (AD) in patients with memory impairment. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 96 patients (40 males, 56 females, age: 69.0(62.8, 74.0) years) initially diagnosed with memory impairment in Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University between August 2019 and September 2023. The amyloid-tau-neurodegeneration (ATN) criteria, based on 18F-AV45+ 18F-PI-2620 PET/CT+ MRI imaging results, were used as the diagnostic standard for AD. Visual analysis (temporoparietal or posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) hypometabolism) and semi-quantitative analysis methods (PET-SCORE and NeuroQ software analysis (SUV ratio, SUVR)) were applied to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of 18F-FDG PET imaging for AD. Diagnostic efficiencies of visual assessment and semi-quantitative parameters were compared by χ2 test. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between results of PET-SCORE and cognitive scales. Results:Of the 96 patients initially diagnosed with memory impairment, 61 were clinically diagnosed with AD, while 35 were non-AD patients. Visual assessment of temporoparietal hypometabolism showed the highest sensitivity (91.80%, 56/61), which was significantly different from the sensitivities of PET-SCORE (40.98%(25/61); χ2=29.03, P<0.001) and visual assessment of PCC hypometabolism (77.05%(47/61); χ2=5.82, P=0.016). While semi-quantitative assessment using PET-SCORE demonstrated the highest specificity (100%, 35/35), which was significantly different from the specificities of visual assessment methods (temporoparietal hypometabolism: 17.14%(6/35), χ2=27.03, P<0.001; PCC hypometabolism: 54.29%(19/35), χ2=14.06, P<0.001). PET-SCORE exhibited statistically significant correlations with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores ( r values: -0.38, -0.36, 0.31, all P<0.01). Conclusions:Among patients initially diagnosed with memory impairment, visual assessment in 18F-FDG PET imaging analysis demonstrates higher sensitivity, while semi-quantitative analysis using PET-SCORE exhibits higher specificity. PET-SCORE shows statistically significant correlation with the severity of cognitive decline.
8.Effects of Xinyue Capsules on the expression of glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes in a rat model of cardiac hypertrophy
Hao ZHANG ; Xiao-Yun DING ; Hu WANG ; Ting-Ting LI ; Yu-Mei QIU ; Meng-Die XIE ; Wei DONG ; Yi-Xin SHEN ; Xi-Lan TANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(11):3594-3602
AIM To investigate the effects of Xinyue Capsules on the expression of glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes in isoproterenol(ISO)-induced rat heart tissue and primary myocardial cells of neonatal rats.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the Xinyue Capsules intervention group and Xinyue Capsules control group,with 8 rats in each group.The rat model of cardiac hypertrophy was established by 14 days consecutive intraperitoneal injection of ISO(30 mg/kg).Prior to the modeling,once daily administration of 0.393 g/kg Xinyue Capsules was given by gavage from 3 days in advance to the end of the experiment.After the last administration,the procurement of blood from abdominal aorta,the left and right ventricles were processed.And the rats had their indices levels of the heart,the left ventricle and the right ventricle measured;their pathomorphological changes of myocardial tissue observed using HE staining;their expressions of cardiac hypertrophy-related myocardial embryonic genes ANP,β-MHC and α-SKA mRNA detected using RT-qPCR method;and their serum TC,TG,LDL-C and HDL-C levels detected by biochemical method.In in vitro experiment,the neonatal rat model of myocardial hypertrophy was induced by exposure to ISO 1 μmol/L for 24 h.The investigation of the effect of Xinyue Capsules 12.5 μg/mL on ISO-induced myocardial hypertrophy was conducted by detection of myocardial cell area,embryo genes related to cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial cells protein cuntent.The further anti-cardiac hypertrophy mechanism of Xinyue Capsules research was conducted using RT-qPCR and Western blot to detect the gene and protein expressions of phospholipase A2(PLA2G6),phospholipase A1 member A(PLA1A)and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase(LCAT)in left ventricle tissue and myocardial cells of each group.RESULTS The in vivo experimental result showed that compared with the normal group,the model group displayed increased indices levels of the heart,the left ventricle and the right ventricle and cross-sectional area of left ventricular myocytes(P<0.05);and up-regulated expressions of ANP,β-MHC,α-SKA mRNA and PLA2G6,PLA1A and LCAT mRNA and proteins in the left ventricle(P<0.05);and increased levels of serum TC,TG and LDL-C(P<0.05);and decreased HDL-C level(P<0.05).However,the intervention of Xinyue Capsules inhibited the changes of the aforementioned indices(P<0.05).The in vitro experimental result revealed that Xinyue Capsules inhibited the ISO-induced increases of myocardial cell surface area and myocardial cell protein level,the up-regulation of ANP,β-MHC,α-SKA mRNA expressions and the PLA2G6,PLA1A,LCAT mRNA and protein expressions as well(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Xinyue Capsules can improve the ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats,and its mechanism may be associated with its regulation upon the expressions of glycerophospholipid metabolism-related enzymes PLA2G6,PLA1A and LCAT.
9.Developing a Chain Mediation Model of Recurrence Risk Perception and Health Behavior Among Patients With Stroke: A Cross-sectional Study
Yujia JIN ; Zhenxiang ZHANG ; Dominique A. CADILHAC ; Yunjing QIU ; Weihong ZHANG ; Yongxia MEI ; Zhiguang PING ; Lanlan ZHANG ; Beilei LIN
Asian Nursing Research 2024;18(4):384-392
Purpose:
To understand the recurrence risk perception of stroke patients and develop a chain mediation model of recurrence risk perception and health behavior.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study and convenience sampling were used. Stroke survivors were recruited from the neurology departments of three tertiary hospitals. Their recurrence risk perception, behavioral decision-making, social support, self-efficacy, recurrence worry, and health behavior were measured by relevant tools. Data was analyzed through one-way analysis and regression analysis, and the AMOS 21.0 software was used to explore the mediating relationships between variables.
Results:
Of the 419 participants, 74.7% were aware of stroke recurrence risk. However, only 28.2% could accurately estimate their own recurrence risk. Recurrence risk perception was significantly correlated with behavioral decision-making, social support, self-efficacy, and health behavior (r = .19 ∼ .50, p < .05). Social support and recurrence risk perception could affect health behavior indirectly through self-efficacy, behavioral decision-making, and worry. Behavioral decision-making acted as a main mediator between recurrence risk perception and health behavior, while the path coefficient was .47 and .37, respectively. The chain mediation effect between recurrence risk perception and health behavior was established with a total effect value of .19 (p < .01).
Conclusion
Most stroke survivors could be aware of recurrence risk but failed to accurately estimate their individual risk. In the mediation model of recurrence risk perception and health behavior, social support seemed to be an important external factor, while self-efficacy, behavioral decision-making, and worry seemed to act as key internal factors.
10.Developing a Chain Mediation Model of Recurrence Risk Perception and Health Behavior Among Patients With Stroke: A Cross-sectional Study
Yujia JIN ; Zhenxiang ZHANG ; Dominique A. CADILHAC ; Yunjing QIU ; Weihong ZHANG ; Yongxia MEI ; Zhiguang PING ; Lanlan ZHANG ; Beilei LIN
Asian Nursing Research 2024;18(4):384-392
Purpose:
To understand the recurrence risk perception of stroke patients and develop a chain mediation model of recurrence risk perception and health behavior.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study and convenience sampling were used. Stroke survivors were recruited from the neurology departments of three tertiary hospitals. Their recurrence risk perception, behavioral decision-making, social support, self-efficacy, recurrence worry, and health behavior were measured by relevant tools. Data was analyzed through one-way analysis and regression analysis, and the AMOS 21.0 software was used to explore the mediating relationships between variables.
Results:
Of the 419 participants, 74.7% were aware of stroke recurrence risk. However, only 28.2% could accurately estimate their own recurrence risk. Recurrence risk perception was significantly correlated with behavioral decision-making, social support, self-efficacy, and health behavior (r = .19 ∼ .50, p < .05). Social support and recurrence risk perception could affect health behavior indirectly through self-efficacy, behavioral decision-making, and worry. Behavioral decision-making acted as a main mediator between recurrence risk perception and health behavior, while the path coefficient was .47 and .37, respectively. The chain mediation effect between recurrence risk perception and health behavior was established with a total effect value of .19 (p < .01).
Conclusion
Most stroke survivors could be aware of recurrence risk but failed to accurately estimate their individual risk. In the mediation model of recurrence risk perception and health behavior, social support seemed to be an important external factor, while self-efficacy, behavioral decision-making, and worry seemed to act as key internal factors.

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