1.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
3.Application of artificial intelligence-assisted chromosome karyotyping analysis in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal mosaicism.
Ling ZHAO ; Shiwei SUN ; Qinghua ZHENG ; Qing YU ; Chongyang ZHU ; Ling LIU ; Yueli WU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(3):180-187
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the application value of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted chromosomal karyotype analysis in the diagnosis of prenatal chromosomal mosaicism.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 172 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis at the Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2019 and December 2024. All cases whose fetuses were diagnosed with chromosomal mosaicism via karyotype analysis and stratified into two groups based on the analytical software employed: the conventional analysis group (n = 70), which utilized Leica analysis software for karyotype image recognition and cell counting; and the AI-assisted analysis group (n = 102), which utilized AI-assisted software for the same procedures. The clinical performance of AI-assisted karyotype analysis in diagnosing chromosomal mosaicism was comprehensively evaluated by comparing the types of mosaic karyotypes, distribution of mosaic ratios, and verification outcomes of different detection modalities between the two groups. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-406-01).
RESULTS:
No statistically significant difference was observed in baseline characteristics (maternal age, gestational week, and indications for prenatal diagnosis) between the two groups. Regarding the detection efficacy for numerical and structural mosaicisms, no significant difference was found in the detection of numerical mosaicism. However, the conventional analysis group exhibited a significantly higher detection rate of autosomal structural mosaicism compared to the AI-assisted group (11.43% vs. 0.98%, P < 0.05). Numerical mosaicism cases were further verified using copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The AI-assisted group demonstrated a significantly lower inconsistency rate (5.56% vs. 20.41%, P < 0.05) compared to the conventional group. For low-proportion (< 10%) chromosomal mosaicism, the AI-assisted group had a significantly lower detection rate (13.25% vs. 29.69%, P < 0.05). Subsequent validation of low-proportion mosaicism by CNV-seq and/or FISH showed a higher consistency rate in the AI-assisted group (81.82% vs. 54.55%), though the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.360).
CONCLUSION
For the karyotyping analysis of prenatal chromosomal mosaicism, AI-assisted karyotype analysis shows high accuracy and consistency in identifying numerical chromosomal mosaicism, particularly in reducing the detection of low-proportion (< 10%) mosaicism while improving verification accuracy. AI-assisted analysis can significantly improve the detection accuracy of numerical mosaicism and mitigate the risk of misclassification for low-proportion (< 10%) mosaicism, thereby providing more precise clinical evidence for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal mosaicisms.
Humans
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Female
;
Mosaicism
;
Pregnancy
;
Karyotyping/methods*
;
Artificial Intelligence
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Prenatal Diagnosis/methods*
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Adult
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Retrospective Studies
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Chromosome Disorders/genetics*
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Amniocentesis
4.Expert consensus on prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases in railway stations trains in China
Guoping ZHANG ; Jinshu YIN ; Xiaodong YUAN ; Liang CHEN ; Xiaoshan LIU ; Shiwei MA ; Qingyi JIN ; Chunhong ZHU ; Ting LIU ; Jing HUANG ; Yuewei ZHANG ; Hui CHEN ; Xiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(16):2401-2405
OBJECTIVE To formulate an expert consensus on the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases in railway stations and trains in China,and to standardize the prevention and control of respiratory infec-tious diseases in railway stations and trains scientifically.METHODS The government authorities organized multi-ple prevention and control experts from transportation,medical care and prevention fields to conduct in-depth re-search through methods such as meetings and on-site investigations,and combined with their practical experi-ence in this field to formulate this expert consensus.RESULTS In-depth studies were conducted on the prevention and control strategies,measures and emergency response system construction of respiratory infectious diseases in railway stations and trains,and this expert consensus was formed.CONCLUSION This expert consensus supple-ments improves the existing prevention and control system for respiratory infectious diseases in railway stations and trains,and provides an important reference basis for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious disea-ses in railway stations and trains.
5.Mechanism of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells
Zhenkun CHEN ; Shiwei ZHU ; Jingnan XIAO ; Weiping TANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(25):5296-5303
BACKGROUND:Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells release a large amount of exosomes to participate in various pathophysiological processes,but the impact and precise mechanism of exosomes derived from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on autophagy of hepatic stellate cells have not been fully elucidated.OBJECTIVE:To explore the targeted regulatory effect and molecular mechanism of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on autophagy of hepatic stellate cells through miR-15a-5p.METHODS:Adipose tissue was collected from inguinal region of 8-week male C57BL/6 mice.Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells were extracted by collagenase digestion.Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation.Mouse liver tissue was obtained,and hepatic stellate cells were isolated and extracted using collagenase perfusion digestion and density gradient centrifugation.The experiment was divided into two groups.In control group,hepatic stellate cells were cultured alone for 48 hours.In the exosome group,hepatic stellate cells were co-cultured with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for 48 hours.The effects of exosomes on hepatic stellate cell proliferation,activation,autophagy,and expression of fibrosis markers were detected by western blot assay,RT-qPCR,and immunofluorescence staining.RT-qPCR and western blot assay were used to detect the effect of exosomes on the mRNA and protein expression of miR-15a-5p and the downstream signaling pathway Bcl-2,Beclin-1,and Rubicon in hepatic stellate cells.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the ratio of autophagy markers LC3-Ⅱ expression decreased,the number of autophagosome was also significantly decreased,and the intracellular lipid droplets were regenerated,simultaneously,cell volume diminished with the weakening of proliferation in hepatic stellate cells of the exosome group,indicated that the hepatic stellate cell activation was significantly inhibited.(2)Compared with the control group,the expressions of α-smooth actin and type Ⅰ collagen were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of miR-15a-5p was significantly increased in hepatic stellate cells of the exosome group(P<0.01).At the same time,the expression of its downstream target gene Bcl-2 was significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the expressions of autophagy genes Beclin-1 and Rubicon were significantly increased in hepatic stellate cells of the exosome group(P<0.01).The results indicate that adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes inhibits the expression of Bcl-2 in hepatic stellate cells by targeting miR-15a-5p and increases the expression of downstream autophagy genes Beclin-1 and Rubicon,thereby inhibiting the autophagy of hepatic stellate cells.
6.Protective effects of butyrate on sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction through ferroptosis inhibition
Shiwei WANG ; Lu LI ; Liangfeng GAO ; Changqing ZHU ; Jianfei XIONG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(4):818-823
Objective To investigate the protective effects of butyrate on sepsis-related myocardial dys-function.Methods Thirty healthy 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group(SH,n=10),sepsis group(CL,n=10),and butyrate group(BU,n=10).The CL and BU groups underwent cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)to establish sepsis models,while the SH group received the same surgical procedure without cecal ligation or puncture.Within 30 minutes post-opera-tion,the SH and CL groups received 5 mL normal saline via gavage,whereas the BU group was administered 5 mL sodium butyrate solution(500 mg/kg)in normal saline.Cardiac output(CO)and ejection fraction(EF)were compared among the three groups.Myocardial histopathological injury was assessed by HE staining,and mitochondrial ultrastructural damage was observed by electron microscopy.Serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ),and butyrate were compared among groups.Western blot analysis was performed to detect and compare the expression levels of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4(ACSL4)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in myocardial tissues.Results After intervention,the BNP and cTnⅠ levels in the CL group were higher than those in the SH group,while CO and EF were lower than those in the SH group(P<0.05).The BNP and cTnⅠ levels in the BU group were lower than those in the CL group,whereas CO and EF levels were higher than those in the CL group(P<0.05).HE staining of myocardial tissues re-vealed more severe inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial cell edema in the CL group compared with the SH group,while the BU group showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.Mitochondrial membrane in-tegrity was impaired in the CL group manifested by unclear cristae,swelling,vacuolar degeneration and rup-ture,whereas mitochondrial damage was attenuated in the BU group.Serum butyrate levels were measured as(61.7±21.6)μg/mL,(95.3±16.6)μg/mL and(302.2±49.7)μg/mL in the CL,SH and BU groups respec-tively(P<0.05).The ACSL4 expression in the CL group was higher than that in the SH group,while GPX4 protein expression was lower than that in the SH group(P<0.05).The BU group exhibited lower ACSL4 expression and higher GPX4 protein expression compared with the CL group(P<0.05).Conclusion Buty-rate can ameliorate myocardial injury in septic rats,and its protective effect may be associated with the inhibi-tion of myocardial ferroptosis.
7.Research progress of defocus incorporated multiple segments lenses on the control of myopia
Shiwei SHEN ; Lijun JIANG ; Yongwei ZHU
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):270-273
In recent years, the incidence of myopia has been increasing alongside the growing global population, emerging as a significant public health challenge worldwide. Individuals with myopia exhibit an elongated axial length, which leads to various structural and functional ocular changes, resulting in the risk of related eye diseases and, in severe cases, blindness. Unfortunately, once myopia develops, it is irreversible. The only way to prevent or slow its progression is through appropriate treatment. The current focal point in myopia prevention and control is the peripheral myopic defocus theory. This paper summarizes the relevant research on defocus incorporated multiple segments(DIMS)lenses, following a systematic analysis of the literature. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of DIMS compared to other myopia control methods, and discusses the application prospects and future directions of defocus lenses represented by DIMS, aiming to provide reference and guidance for the control of myopia progression in children and adolescents.
8.Safety analysis of Yttrium-90 resin microsphere selective internal radiation therapy on malignant liver tumors
Jia CAI ; Shiwei TANG ; Rongli LI ; Mingxin KONG ; Hongyan DING ; Xiaofeng YUAN ; Yuying HU ; Ruimei LIU ; Xiaoyan ZHU ; Wenjun LI ; Haibin ZHANG ; Guanwu WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):24-29
Objective To explore the safety of Yttrium-90 resin microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (90Y-SIRT) on malignant liver tumors. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 64 patients with malignant liver tumors who underwent 90Y-SIRT from February 2023 to November 2024 at Weifang People’s Hospital. The clinical characteristics of the patients and the occurrence of adverse reactions after treatment were analyzed to assess the safety of 90Y-SIRT. Results Among the 64 patients, there were 52 males (81.25%) and 12 females (18.75%); the average age was (56.29±11.08) years. Seven patients (10.94%) had tumors with maximum diameter of less than 5 cm, 38 patients (59.38%) had tumors with maximum diameter of 5-10 cm, and 19 patients (29.68%) had tumors with maximum diameter of greater than 10 cm. There were 47 cases (73.44%) of solitary lesions and 17 cases (26.56%) of multiple lesions; 53 cases (82.81%) were primary liver cancers and 11 cases (17.19%) were metastatic liver cancers. Of the 64 patients, 63 successfully completed the Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) perfusion test and received the 90Y-SIRT; one patient received 90Y-SIRT after the second 99mTc-MAA perfusion test due to a work error. The most common adverse reactions included grade 1 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in 26 cases (40.62%) and grade 2 in 2 cases (9.37%), grade 1 aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation in 27 cases (42.18%) and grade 2 in 7 cases (10.93%); grade 1 nausea in 17 cases (26.56%) and grade 2 in 6 cases (9.37%); grade 1 abdominal pain in 12 cases (18.75%), grade 2 in 5 cases (7.81%), and grade 3 in 1 case (1.56%); grade 1 vomiting in 11 cases (17.18%), grade 2 in 5 cases (7.81%), and grade 3 in 1 case (1.56%). Conclusion The adverse reactions of 90Y-SIRT for treating malignant liver tumors are mild, indicating good safety.
9.Challenges and advances in pathological assessment after neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer
Lingyu ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Shiwei GUO ; Gang JIN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(3):183-187
Integrative management for pancreatic cancer has stepped into the neoadjuvant era, which brings new issues and challenges for pathological evaluation of surgical specimens. Given the absence of standardized guidelines for the pathological examination and reporting of resected specimens of pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant therapy, there are variations in pathology sampling, tumor regression grade assessment, and margin assessment between institutions, which substantially impairs the comparability of results between studies. This review provides evidence-based opinions and references for clinical diagnosis and management through sorting out the controversies and difficulties in the assessment of the above pathological parameters after neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer.
10.Association between matrix GLA protein and influencing factors of idiopathic calcium oxalate stones and construction of a prediction model
Xiaoke HUANG ; Qingfeng TANG ; Weiqi LAI ; Jiang ZHU ; Yuanyou ZHONG ; Xiaobo HU ; Shiwei YANG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(7):757-761
Objective To investigate the role of matrix GLA protein(MGP)in the pathogenesis of idiopathic calcium oxalate kidney stones(ICOS),and to find potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease evaluation.Methods A total of 120 patients admitted to our hospital from September 2021 to September 2023 were prospectively included,of which 60 patients with ICOS were in the calculus group and 60 patients without calculus were in the control group.Serum biochemical indexes and immunohistochemical scores of the two groups were detected,urinary MGP levels were determined by ELISA,and MGP mRNA and protein expression in renal papilla tissues were detected by qPCR and Western blot.The independent risk factors of ICOS were screened by Logistic regression analysis,and the prediction model was drawn by nomogram.Results Compared with control group,urinary MGP content in calculus group was decreased[(1 805.91±244.44)pg/ml vs.(2 014.79±252.14)pg/mnl,P<0.05).Expression of MGP mRNA and MGP protein in renal papillae decreased(0.89±0.15 vs.1.00±0.00,P=0.001)and decreased(0.87±0.18 vs.1.00±0.00,P<0.05).MGP immunohistochemical scores of renal tissue were decreased[4(2-6)scores vs.6(4-8)scores,P<0.001].Multivariate analysis showed that urinary calcium(OR=1.370),urinary MGP(OR=1.127),renal papilla MGP relative expression level(OR=27.532)and renal tissue MGP immunohistochemical score(OR=1.359)were independent risk factors for ICOS.Area under ROC curve of the nomogram prediction model built based on the above factors is 0.839,indicating that the model has good differentiation ability in risk prediction.Conclusion MGP is closely related to the pathogenesis of ICOS.Urinary and renal tissue MGP levels may be potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease assessment of ICOS.

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