1.Recent Progress of the Pathogenesis of Cancer-Related Fatigue and Chinese Medicine Intervention
Shuxian YANG ; Yu HONG ; Lijuan CAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):838-846
Cancer-related fatigue(CRF)is an adverse symptom associated with cancer and its treatments,with a clinical inci-dence rate ranging from 60%to 90%,severely impacting patients'quality of life.The pathogenesis of CRF is complex,involving the interaction of multiple mechanisms such as inflammatory cytokine dysregulation,neuroendocrine disorders,and mitochondrial dysfunc-tion.Although existing clinical interventions like central nervous system stimulants and exercise interventions can partially alleviate symptoms,they are limited by side effects and applicability constraints.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)shows unique potential in the clinical treatment of CRF by exerting a variety of pharmacological effects.Therapeutic approaches including acupuncture,moxibus-tion,traditional Chinese herbal formulations,as well as Chinese herbal preparations and extracts,have been proven to significantly im-prove fatigue status in CRF patients.This article systematically reviews the internal relationship between the modern pathological mech-anism of CRF and the pathogenesis of"consumptive disease"of TCM,and conducts evidence-based evaluation of the existing TCM in-tervention programs,so as to provide a new theoretical basis and treatment strategy for the clinical prevention and treatment of CRF.
2.Clinical Analysis of Mifepristone Pretreatment Combined with Delayed Hystero-scopic Surgery for Retained Products of Conception Complicated with En-hanced Myometrial Vascularity
Fucheng YANG ; Rui SHI ; Shuxian FENG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(11):950-954
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of mifepristone pretreatment combined with delayed hysteroscopic surgery for retained products of conception(RPOC)complicated with enhanced myometrial vascu-larity(EMV),aiming to reduce intraoperative bleeding risk and improve patient outcomes.Methods:A retrospec-tive analysis was conducted on clinical data from 65 RPOC patients with EMV treated between June 2014 and June 2024.Patients were divided into an observation group(mifepristone pretreatment+hysteroscopic surgery,n=34)and a control group(hysteroscopic surgery alone,n=31)based on treatment approach.Patients in the observation group received oral mifepristone(25 mg/d)preoperatively until beta-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG)decreased by≥50%or treatment reached 30 days,with surgery performed when β-hCG fell to<200 U/L or EMV area shrank by>50%.Intraoperative blood loss,operation time,reduction in β-hCG levels,degree of EMV regression,and surgical complication rates were compared between the two groups.Results:Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(20.0 ml vs.40.0 ml,P<0.05),op-eration time was shorter(27.38±8.00 min vs.35.45±8.50 min,P<0.05),and transfusion rate was lower(2.94%vs.19.35%,P<0.05).At 2 weeks postoperatively,both the reduction in β-hCG levels(1395.17 U/L vs.276.56 U/L,P<0.05)and the degree of EMV regression(11.6 cm2 vs.5.0 cm2,P<0.05)were significantly bet-ter in the observation group,with effect sizes quantified as large(Cohen's d=1.85)and very large(Cohen's d=3.47),respectively.The incidence of severe complications(Grade Ⅱ+Ⅲ)was significantly lower in the observa-tion group(2.94%vs.22.58%,P<0.05),but the reintervention rate showed no statistical difference(2.94%vs.12.90%,P=0.299).Conclusions:Mifepristone pretreatment creates safer conditions for hysteroscopic surgery by reducing β-hCG levels and shrinking the EMV area.It significantly reduces intraoperative bleeding,shortens op-eration time,and lowers the incidence of severe complications,making it an effective treatment strategy for RPOC patients complicated with EMV.
3.Clinical Analysis of Mifepristone Pretreatment Combined with Delayed Hystero-scopic Surgery for Retained Products of Conception Complicated with En-hanced Myometrial Vascularity
Fucheng YANG ; Rui SHI ; Shuxian FENG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(11):950-954
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of mifepristone pretreatment combined with delayed hysteroscopic surgery for retained products of conception(RPOC)complicated with enhanced myometrial vascu-larity(EMV),aiming to reduce intraoperative bleeding risk and improve patient outcomes.Methods:A retrospec-tive analysis was conducted on clinical data from 65 RPOC patients with EMV treated between June 2014 and June 2024.Patients were divided into an observation group(mifepristone pretreatment+hysteroscopic surgery,n=34)and a control group(hysteroscopic surgery alone,n=31)based on treatment approach.Patients in the observation group received oral mifepristone(25 mg/d)preoperatively until beta-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG)decreased by≥50%or treatment reached 30 days,with surgery performed when β-hCG fell to<200 U/L or EMV area shrank by>50%.Intraoperative blood loss,operation time,reduction in β-hCG levels,degree of EMV regression,and surgical complication rates were compared between the two groups.Results:Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(20.0 ml vs.40.0 ml,P<0.05),op-eration time was shorter(27.38±8.00 min vs.35.45±8.50 min,P<0.05),and transfusion rate was lower(2.94%vs.19.35%,P<0.05).At 2 weeks postoperatively,both the reduction in β-hCG levels(1395.17 U/L vs.276.56 U/L,P<0.05)and the degree of EMV regression(11.6 cm2 vs.5.0 cm2,P<0.05)were significantly bet-ter in the observation group,with effect sizes quantified as large(Cohen's d=1.85)and very large(Cohen's d=3.47),respectively.The incidence of severe complications(Grade Ⅱ+Ⅲ)was significantly lower in the observa-tion group(2.94%vs.22.58%,P<0.05),but the reintervention rate showed no statistical difference(2.94%vs.12.90%,P=0.299).Conclusions:Mifepristone pretreatment creates safer conditions for hysteroscopic surgery by reducing β-hCG levels and shrinking the EMV area.It significantly reduces intraoperative bleeding,shortens op-eration time,and lowers the incidence of severe complications,making it an effective treatment strategy for RPOC patients complicated with EMV.
4.Case 06 (2025): A case of pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes with severe diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy
Hongli HUANG ; Huixia YANG ; Geng SONG ; Shuxian WANG ; Ye FENG ; Yumei WEI ; Yu SUN ; Sufang SHI ; Xiaoyong YUAN ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(1):51-56
This paper reported a type 1 diabetes patient who had severe diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, hypertension, and hypothyroidism before pregnancy. The patient's blood glucose control was poor before pregnancy, and the complications were not properly treated. This was an unintended pregnancy, with a pre-pregnancy glycated hemoglobin A1c of 7.8% and early pregnancy urine protein of 3.81-4.53 g/24 h. Considering the patient's poor blood glucose control before pregnancy and the lack of proper treatment for multiple complications including nephropathy, a multidisciplinary consultation at an external hospital recommended termination of the pregnancy. However, the patient was determined to continue the pregnancy and was referred to Peking University First Hospital. Through strict blood glucose control, monitoring and evaluation of complications, and comprehensive management, the patient's blood glucose and blood pressure were well controlled during pregnancy. Regular monitoring of urine protein, renal function, and ocular fundus was conducted. At 31 weeks and 4 days of gestation, the patient's 24-hour urine protein significantly increased. After promoting fetal lung maturity, a cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks and 1 day of gestation, resulting in a successful delivery with good maternal and neonatal outcomes. At the 42-day postpartum follow-up, the patient's blood glucose and blood pressure were stable, urine protein returned to pre-pregnancy levels, and the infant was in good general condition.
5.Effect of Shenshu Fujian Decoction on PDGF/NKD2/Wnt Signaling Pathway in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure
Peng DENG ; Xuekuan HUANG ; Hongyu LUO ; Yuxia JIN ; Dandan WANG ; Xin CHEN ; Shuxian YANG ; Honglin WANG ; Munan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):79-86
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Shenshu Fujian decoction on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/naked cuticle homolog 2 (NKD2) /Wnt signaling pathway in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Niaoduqing group (5 g·kg-1), low-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (5.5 g·kg-1), medium-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (11 g·kg-1), and high-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (22 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A CRF rat model was established by feeding a 0.5% adenine diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, intragastric administration was given once daily for 28 consecutive days. After treatment, the renal morphology of rats was observed. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to detect renal histopathological changes, and collagen volume fraction (CVF) was calculated. Serum levels of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of fibronectin 1 (FN1), type Ⅰ collagen (ColⅠ), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), NKD2, dishevelled protein 2 (DVL2) and β-catenin in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant renal pathological changes, a markedly increased kidney weight/body weight ratio (P<0.01), significantly elevated CVF (P<0.01), and notably increased serum levels of SCr, BUN, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01). Expression levels of FN1, ColⅠ, α-SMA, PDGFR-β, NKD2, DVL2, and β-catenin in renal tissue were also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased kidney weight/body weight ratios and CVF (P<0.01), as well as markedly decreased serum SCr, BUN, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Protein expression levels of FN1, ColⅠ, α-SMA, PDGFR-β, NKD2, DVL2, and β-catenin in renal tissue were decreased, with more pronounced effects observed in the Niaoduqing, medium-dose, and high-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenshu Fujian decoction improves renal function, reduces inflammation, and reverses renal fibrosis in CRF rats, possibly by downregulating the expression of PDGF/NKD2/Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins.
6.Effect of wogonin on nerve injury in rats with diabetic cerebral infarction
Huanhuan WANG ; Panpan LIANG ; Jinshui YANG ; Shuxian JIA ; Jiajia ZHAO ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Qian XUE ; Aixia SONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2327-2333
BACKGROUND:Wogonin is a flavonoid extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis.Previous studies have shown that baicalein has protective effects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,and can also reduce blood sugar and complications in diabetic mice,but its role and mechanism in diabetic cerebral infarction remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of wogonin on nerve injury in rats with diabetic cerebral infarction and its mechanism. METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups:control group,model group,low-dose wogonin group,medium-dose wogonin group,high-dose wogonin group,and high-dose wogonin+Ras homolog gene family member A(RhoA)activator group.Except for the control group,the other rats were established with diabetes and cerebral ischemia models using intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and middle cerebral artery occlusion.Low,medium-and high-dose wogonin groups were intragastrically given 10,20,40 mg/kg wogonin,respectively;high-dose wogonin+RhoA activator group was intragastrically given 40 mg/kg wogonin and intraperitoneally injected 10 mg/kg lysophosphatidic acid;control group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline once a day for 7 consecutive days.Rats in each group were evaluated for neurological deficits and their blood glucose levels were measured after the last dose.TTC staining was applied to detect the volume of cerebral infarction.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was applied to observe pathological changes in brain tissue.ELISA kit was applied to detect tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,malondialdehyde,and superoxide dismutase levels in brain tissue.Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression of RhoA and Rho-associated protein kinase(ROCK)2 in brain tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the neuronal structure of rats in the model group was severely damaged,with cell necrosis and degeneration,the neurological deficit score,blood glucose level,and infarct volume were significantly elevated(P<0.05),the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,and malondialdehyde,and the protein expression of RhoA and ROCK2 in brain tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the superoxide dismutase level was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-,medium-,and high-dose wogonin groups showed improved neuronal damage,reduced cell degeneration and necrosis,a significant reduction in neurological deficit score,blood glucose level,infarct volume,and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,and malondialdehyde,and the protein expression of RhoA and ROCK2 in brain tissue,and an increase in the superoxide dismutase level(P<0.05).Compared with the high-dose wogonin group,the high-dose wogonin+RhoA activator group significantly weakened the improvement in the above indexes of rats with diabetic cerebral infarction(P<0.05).To conclude,wogonin can improve the blood glucose level in rats with diabetic cerebral infarction,reduce cerebral infarction and nerve injury,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
7.Application of tumor specific protein 70 targeted enrichment of circulating tumor cell sequencing technology in non-small cell lung cancer
Lixia ZHANG ; Yutong ZHOU ; Shuxian YANG ; Qiong ZHU ; Jian XU ; Yuan MU ; Chunrong GU ; Huanyu JU ; Wei ZHANG ; Shiyang PAN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(6):737-742
Objective:To establish tumor specific protein (SP70) targeted tumor cell enrichment technology and to assess applicational value of next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis for enriched circulating tumor cell (CTC) in precision medicines of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:The monoclonal antibody NJ001 was covalently coupled to the surface of magnetic beads to build targeted magnetic bead enrichment technology based on SP70. The limit of detection, coincidence rate, interference experiment, recovery test and clinical performance were evaluated. From March 2016 to August 2017, NGS analysis with or without pre-treatment of targeted enrichment for serous fluids of 43 NSCLC in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University were compared (Kappa or Fisher exact test).Results:The CTC enrichment technology based on SP70 targeted immunomagnetic beads can specifically enrich tumor cells. The limit of detection was 10 4 SPC-A1 cells/L, and the coincidence rate, sensitivity and specificity were 100% (3/3). The endogenous interfering substances such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, epithelial cells and triglycerides had no interfering effects, as well as the exogenous interfering substances such as EDTA-K2, cefoxitin, carboplatin and paclitaxel. The recovery rate was 56.0% (56 000/100 000). A total of 30 gene mutations including 65 loci were found in 43 NSCLC under SP70 targeted enrichment, with a higher detection rate compared with unenrichment method [95.0% (19/20) vs 65.0% (13/20), χ 2=5.625, P=0.044]. Conclusion:In this study, SP70-targeted enriched CTC liquid biopsy method was established, with higher sensitivity and specificity of NGS detection than unenrichment method.
8.Paris saponin VII induces Caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells by activating ROS/Bax signaling.
Xiaoying QIAN ; Yang LIU ; Wenwen CHEN ; Shuxian ZHENG ; Yunyang LU ; Pengcheng QIU ; Xisong KE ; Haifeng TANG ; Xue ZHANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):94-107
OBJECTIVE:
Paridis Rhizoma (Chonglou in Chinese), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown have strong anti-tumor effects. Paris saponin VII (PSVII), an active constituent isolated from Paridis Rhizoma, was demonstrated to significantly suppress the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells in our previous study. Here, we aimed to elucidate the anti-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) effect of PSVII and the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Cell viability was determined by CCK-8, colony formation, and cell migration assays. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured by flow cytometry with annexin V/propidine iodide (Annexin V/PI) and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), respectively. Pyroptosis was evaluated by morphological features, Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay, and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). JC-1 fluorescent dye was employed to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to determine the levels of proteins or mRNAs. The effect in vivo was assessed by a xenograft tumor model.
RESULTS:
PSVII inhibited the viability of PDAC cells (BxPC-3, PANC-1, and Capan-2 cells) and induced gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage, as well as the simultaneous cleavage of Caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP). Knockdown of GSDME shifted PSVII-induced pyroptosis to apoptosis. Additionally, the effect of PSVII was significantly attenuated by Z-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK), on the induction of GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. PSVII also elevated intracellular ROS accumulation and stimulated Bax and Caspase-3/GSDME to conduct pyroptosis in PDAC cells. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) suppressed the release of LDH and inhibited Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and GSDME cleavage in PDAC cells, ultimately reversing PSVII-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, in a xenograft tumor model, PSVII markedly suppressed the growth of PDAC tumors and induced pyroptosis.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrated that PSVII exerts therapeutic effects through Caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis and may constitute a novel strategy for preventing chemotherapeutic resistance in patients with PDAC in the future.
9.Research progress on the relationship between the photobiomodulation and amblyopia
Shuxian HU ; Mei LIU ; Jingjing DONG ; Yang YANG ; Li LIU ; Xuan MA ; Liyun GUO
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1431-1435
Amblyopia is a common visual development disorder and is the main cause of monocular vision impairment in children and adults. Photobiomodulation(PBM), a non-invasive treatment method, has gradually gained attention in the field of ophthalmology. This paper begins with the macroscopic manifestation of light on the animal model of amblyopia. Additionally, it discusses the pathological changes of the amblyopic retina and the human eye's central nervous system, as well as the influence and mechanism of PBM on the visual perception and processing system and its chemical effect on the visual system through dopamine and melatonin. It examines its mechanism of action, current clinical application status, and future development direction in order to provide new ideas and theoretical foundation for amblyopia treatment.
10.Optimization of water extraction technology of Kaixin granules
Zuomin WU ; Shuxian BAI ; Meng NING ; Yunzhi WANG ; Huifen MA ; Jingyuan DONG ; Zhongjie YANG ; Zhishen XIE ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Xiaotao YU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2790-2795
OBJECTIVE To optimize the water extraction technology for Kaixin granules. METHODS UPLC-MS/MS method was established for the simultaneous determination of ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb1, tenuifolin, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ and 3, 6′-disinapoyl-sucrose. An orthogonal test was designed with extraction times, extraction duration, and the volume of added water as factors. Using the contents of the aforementioned six indicator components and the extract yield as evaluation indexes, analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method was employed to determine the combined weights of each indicator. Subsequently, process optimization and validation were conducted by integrating grey relational analysis (GRA) and back propagation (BP) neural network. RESULTS The water extraction technology optimized by the orthogonal test and GRA was 10- fold water for the first decoction and 8-fold water for the subsequent two, extracting 3 times,extracting for 1 h each time; the average comprehensive score of the validation experiment was 91.10 (RSD=0.31%, n=3). The water extraction technology optimized by BP neural network was extracting 3 times with 10-fold water added each time, extracting for 1.5 h each time; the average comprehensive score of the validation experiment was 95.89 (RSD=0.73%, n=3). Considering practical production requirements, the optimal water extraction technology was extraction performed three times, with 10-fold water for the first decoction and 8-fold water for the subsequent two extractions, with an extraction time of 1 h each. CONCLUSIONS The optimized water extraction technology for Kaixin granules is stable and feasible.

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