1.Huangqi Jianzhongtang Regulates Polarization of Macrophages M1/M2 and Improves Fat Consumption in Cancer Cachexia Mice
Zhiyan FANG ; Haiyan ZHU ; Wenying HUAI ; Cong HUANG ; Ruocong YANG ; Haiyan YU ; Tiane ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):61-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhongtang (HQJZ) on macrophage polarization and fat consumption in cancer cachexia (CC) mice. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to control the quality of HQJZ. (1) In vitro experiment: HQJZ-containing serum was prepared, and the optimal concentration was determined by cytotoxicity assay. Mouse monocyte-derived macrophages (RAW264.7) were cultured and randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a classically activated macrophages (M1) group, an alternatively activated macrophages (M2) group, a HQJZ + blank group, a HQJZ+M1 group, and a HQJZ + M2 group. The relative expression of macrophage marker genes CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg1) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR ). (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty-two BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) group, and a HQJZ group. Except for the control group, the other mice were injected with CT-26 colon cancer cells to establish a CC model. Mice in the MPA and HQJZ groups were given MPA (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1) or HQJZ (13.13 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, respectively, while mice in the control and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage, with interventions continued for 10 d. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of macrophage markers (iNOS, Arg1, CD86, CD206) and fat browning-related genes uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in epididymal adipose tissue. Western blot (WB) was used to detect protein expression levels of UCP1 and PPARγ. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to measure residual fat volume, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess fat browning and calculate pathological scores. ResultsIn vitro, the dominant effective concentration of HQJZ-containing serum was 12.5%. Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the blank group, Arg1 expression decreased in the HQJZ+blank group (P<0.05), CD206 showed a downward trend without statistical significance, while iNOS and CD86 expression were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the M1 group, Arg1 and CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the M2 group, CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M2 group (P<0.05), CD86 expression increased significantly (P<0.01). In vivo, Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the control group, CD86 and CD206 expression levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CD206 expression in the MPA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the HQJZ group, CD206 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the model group, protein expression of UCP1 and PPARγ was significantly reduced in the HQJZ group (P<0.05, P<0.01). micro-CT results showed that the total white fat volume in the HQJZ group was greater than that in the model group (P<0.05). HE staining results showed that pathological scores in the HQJZ group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionHQJZ may inhibit white adipose tissue browning by promoting macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing M2 polarization, thereby delaying fat consumption in CC mice.
2.Advances in the treatment of cervical esophageal cancer
Min ZHU ; Tiane ZHANG ; Ziguo LIU ; Hai ZENG
Tumor 2025;45(1):55-65
Cervical esophageal cancer(CEC)is a relatively rare pathological subtype of esophageal cancer,accounting for 2%~10%of all esophageal cancer cases,95%of which are esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Due to nonspecific clinical symptoms,most CEC patients are diagnosed at advanced or locally advanced stages,resulting in a 5-year overall survival(OS)rate of approximately 30%.Although therapeutic outcomes for CEC patients remain suboptimal,current studies have demonstrated the clinical value of multiple treatment modalities,including endoscopic therapy,photodynamic therapy,selective or salvage surgery,radiotherapy,chemotherapy,concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT),immunotherapy,and targeted therapy.This article systematically reviews recent advances in CEC management,focusing on the aforementioned approaches,and delves into the optimal treatment strategies,aiming to provide a scientific and reliable foundation for clinical practise.
3.Advances in the treatment of cervical esophageal cancer
Min ZHU ; Tiane ZHANG ; Ziguo LIU ; Hai ZENG
Tumor 2025;45(1):55-65
Cervical esophageal cancer(CEC)is a relatively rare pathological subtype of esophageal cancer,accounting for 2%~10%of all esophageal cancer cases,95%of which are esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Due to nonspecific clinical symptoms,most CEC patients are diagnosed at advanced or locally advanced stages,resulting in a 5-year overall survival(OS)rate of approximately 30%.Although therapeutic outcomes for CEC patients remain suboptimal,current studies have demonstrated the clinical value of multiple treatment modalities,including endoscopic therapy,photodynamic therapy,selective or salvage surgery,radiotherapy,chemotherapy,concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT),immunotherapy,and targeted therapy.This article systematically reviews recent advances in CEC management,focusing on the aforementioned approaches,and delves into the optimal treatment strategies,aiming to provide a scientific and reliable foundation for clinical practise.
4.Predictive value of the differential distribution of peripheral lymphocyte subsets before and after the first 131I treatment on therapeutic response in patients with papillary thyroid cancer
Junyu ZHANG ; Di FAN ; Zhiyong SHI ; Tiane LUO ; Zhifang WU ; Hongliang WANG ; Keyi LU ; Suyun YANG ; Lixiang WU ; Tingting HU ; Yuanyuan MOU ; Sijin LI ; Haiyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2024;44(12):730-735
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of differential distribution of peripheral lymphocyte subsets before and after the first 131I treatment on the therapeutic response to 131I treatment in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 46 PTC patients (16 males, 30 females, age 20-77 years) who underwent total thyroidectomy and received 131I treatment between January 2021 and August 2021 in First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (T, B, CD4 + T, CD8 + T, natural killer (NK), helper T (Th)1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells) were measured 1-2 d before and 30 d after 131I treatment. Based on serological and imaging evidence, therapeutic response at 6-12 months post- 131I therapy was categorized as either excellent response (ER) or non-excellent response (NER). Differences of preablative stimulated thyroglobulin (psTg) and clinical baseline characteristics between two groups were assessed by using independent-sample t test, paired t test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Predictive value of lymphocyte subsets before and after 131I treatment for therapeutic response was assessed through logistic regression analysis, ROC curve analysis, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:In ER group ( n=33) and NER group ( n=13), most lymphocyte subsets showed different degrees of reduction 30 d after 131I treatment compared to before 131I treatment, such as T, B, CD4 + T and Th1 cells in ER group, as well as T, B, CD4 + T, Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells in NER group ( t values: 2.41-9.57, all P<0.05). Before 131I treatment, NER group had significantly higher levels of psTg, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells compared to the ER group ( t values: from -3.32 to -2.48, U=29.00, all P<0.05). After 131I treatment, most of lymphocyte subsets in NER group (T, B, CD4 + T, CD8 + T, Th1 and Treg cells) showed higher trend than those in ER group but without statistical significances ( t values: from -1.12 to -0.06, all P>0.05). Th2 cells before 131I treatment (odds ratio ( OR)=25.00, 95% CI: 1.36-459.10, P=0.030) was identified as a risk factor for NER. ROC curve analysis indicated that AUCs of psTg and Th2 cells for predicting therapeutic response were 0.932 and 0.790, respectively, which was 0.958 for the combined psTg and Th2 cells. DCA showed that within the threshold probability range of 10%-60%, the curves for psTg, Th2 cells, and the combined psTg and Th2 cells were all higher than the extreme curve, suggesting good effect. Conclusions:Most lymphocyte subsets decrease to varying degrees, and NER group shows a significant decrease 30 d after 131I treatment. Th2 cells may be a risk factor for poor response to 131I treatment, providing a certain value in predicting the therapeutic response to 131I treatment.
5.The effectiveness of different interventions in post-percutaneous coronary intervention patients with kinesiophobia: a network Meta-analysis
Lili HAO ; Yanqiu MA ; Zhengtao ZHANG ; Baofeng LIANG ; Tiane FA
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(20):1542-1549
Objective:To evaluate the effect of different interventions in post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients with kinesiophobia using network Meta-analysis.Methods:Computerized search of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiment related to kinesiophobia interventions for post-PCI patients in WanFang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine, VIP database, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase was conducted with a time frame of searching from the establishment of the library to August 3, 2023. Literature screening, data extraction and literature quality evaluation were carried out independently by two researchers. Network Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results:A total of 13 literatures were included, including 9 randomized controlled trials and 4 quasi-experiments.Network Meta-analysis showed that cognitive behavioral therapy ( SMD = -4.08, 95% CI -6.49 --1.67), cognitive behavioral therapy combined with cardiac rehabilitation ( SMD = - 3.02, 95% CI -5.43 -- 0.61), dual heart medical intervention ( SMD = - 2.48, 95% , - 4.87 - - 0.09) can reduce the level of exercise fear in patients after PCI, and the difference were statistically significant compared with routine nursing (all P< 0.05). Ranked probability plots showed that the effects of the nine interventions in reducing kinesiophobia in post-PCI patients were cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy combined with cardiac rehabilitation, adaptive leadership theory-based intervention, dual heart medical intervention, COX health behavior interaction model, health education based on the behavioral change wheel, graded exposure therapy, mindfulness intervention, and high-intensity interval training in descending order of effectiveness. Conclusions:Cognitive behavioral therapy was the most effective intervention for kinesiophobia in post-PCI patients, but more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to further verify this conclusion.
6.Mechanism of Danggui Shanyaosan in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Yunhui CHEN ; Jun XIA ; Dan LIU ; Xinglong LIU ; Tiane ZHANG ; DAVID Baxter GEORGE ; Lizhou LIU ; Yu YOU ; Yongmei XIE ; Yuanyuan GONG ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(24):1-7
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a deleterious neurodegenerative disorder, which has become a significant public health concern and economic burden. The pathogenesis of AD is complex and involves several hypotheses such as amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. There is an urgent need for a holism-based comprehensive intervention with multi-pathway, multi-level, and multi-target characteristics, which demonstrates the unique advantage of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore, it is of great significance to conduct and promote research on TCM treatment of AD. Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) from the Synopsis of Golden Chamber (《金匮要略》) by ZHANG Zhongjing (150 AD-219 AD) was originally designed for reliving gynecological ailments. It is a classic TCM formula that modulates liver and spleen and dispels blood stasis and water retention. Since the late 1980s when Japanese researchers reported its therapeutic effect on AD, it has been widely used in the clinic with clear effects. The elucidation of the mechanism of this formula helps exert its effects. Hereby, this paper reviewed relative research progress and made an analysis in terms of attenuating aberrant accumulation of Aβ and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, mediating neurotransmitters, ameliorating lipid metabolism, modulating gut microbiota, reduced neuron apoptosis, decreasing intracellular Ca2+ overloading, and increasing the expression of estradiol. This paper is expected to provide references for understanding the scientific connotation of DDS in the treatment of AD and lay a solid foundation for further investigation.
7.Effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on Improvement of Cognitive Ability of SAMP8 Mice and Its Mechanism via Regulating Ubiquitin Proteasome Pathway
Yunhui CHEN ; Jun XIA ; Wenying HUAI ; Dan LIU ; Tiane ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Yongmei XIE ; Songqi TANG ; Yu YOU ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(24):8-16
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) in the improvement of the cognitive ability of SAMP8 mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD) via regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP). MethodFifteen SAMR1 mice were used as a normal group, and 60 SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into a model group and DSS high, medium, and low-dose groups (57.6, 28.8, and 14.4 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 mice in each group. Intragastric administration was conducted for eight continuous weeks. Place navigation and spatial capacity were evaluated by Morris water maze. Pathological structure changes in neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The protein expression levels of hippocampal β-amyloid protein(Aβ) and phosphorylation(p)-Tau were determined by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of hippocampal ubiquitin (Ub), ubiquitin ligase E3 (E3), 26S proteasome, ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase-1 (UCHL1), and UCHL3 were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultAs compared with the normal group, the escape latency was prolonged in the model group (P<0.05) with the reduced number of crossing platform quadrants and time ratio in the platform quadrant (P<0.05). The model group decreased neurons and condensed cell bodies in the CA1 area, and increased β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) and p-Tau positive cells (P<0.05). In the model group, the protein expression levels of Aβ and p-Tau were increased (P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ub were increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of E3, 26S proteasome, UCHL1, and UCHL3 were decreased (P<0.05). As compared with the model group, the escape latency was shortened in the DSS high and medium-dose groups (P<0.05) with an increased number of crossing platform quadrants and residence time ratio (P<0.05). The pathological changes in CA1 of each DSS group were significantly improved, and the number of β-APP positive staining cells decreased (P<0.05). The number of p-Tau positive staining cells decreased in the DDS medium and low-dose groups (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Aβ and p-Tau in each DDS group decreased (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression level of Ub in each group decreased (P <0.05). The mRNA expression levels of 26S, E3, and UCHL3 in the DDS high and medium-dose groups increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression level of UCHL1 in the DDS medium-dose group increased (P<0.05). The protein expression level of Ub in each DDS group decreased, and the protein expression levels of 26S, E3, UCHL1+3 in the DDS high and medium-dose groups increased (P<0.05). ConclusionDSS can improve the cognitive ability of SAMP8 mice, and its mechanism may be related to the reduction of the abnormal deposition of Aβ and p-Tau via decreasing the expression of Ub and increasing that of E3, 26S, UCHL1, and UCHL3 in the UPP.
8.Protective Effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan-contained Serum on Aβ1-40-injured PC12 Cells via Regulating UPP and Its Mechanism
Yunhui CHEN ; Jun XIA ; Xinglong LIU ; Wenying HUAI ; Dan LIU ; Tiane ZHANG ; Yongmei XIE ; Yu YOU ; Wen YUE ; Songqi TANG ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(24):17-25
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS)-contained serum on β-amyloid (Aβ)1-40-injured rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and its mechanism in regulating ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP). MethodAβ1-40 was used to intervene PC12 cells to prepare the cell models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the experiment was divided into the blank, model, and DSS-contained serum high, medium, and low-dose groups (10%, 5%, and 2.5%). Cell viability and apoptosis were detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method and flow cytometry, respectively. The content of Aβ and p-Tau protein was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ubiquitin (Ub), ubiquitin ligase E3 (E3), 26S proteasome, ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase1 (UCHL1), and UCHL3 protein expressions of UPP were displayed using immunofluorescence cytochemistry (ICC), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ub, E3-parkin, 26S, UCHL1, and UCHL3 were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultThe data of the CCK8 experiment verified that 5 μmol·L-1 and 48 hours were the optimal conditions for modeling Aβ1-40-injured PC12 cells. As compared with the blank group, the cell viability rate in the model group decreased (P<0.05) with an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.05), the content of Aβ and p-Tau contents was elevated (P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ub increased, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of 26S, E3, and UCHL1+3 decreased (P<0.05). As compared with the model group, the cell viability rate in the DSS-contained medium-dose group increased (P<0.05), whereas the apoptosis rate in each DSS-contained group decreased (P<0.05). The content of Aβ in each DDS-contained group decreased (P<0.05), and the content of p-Tau in the DDS-contained high and medium-dose groups decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of Ub decreased, and that of 26S increased in each DDS-contained group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of UCHL1 in the DDS-contained medium-dose group increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of E3 and UCHL 3 in the DDS-contained high and medium-dose groups increased (P<0.05). The protein expression level of Ub in each DDS-contained group decreased, and the protein expression levels of 26S, E3, and UCHL1+3 in the DDS high and medium-dose groups increased. The DSS-contained serum medium-dose group exerted the optimal effect. ConclusionDSS-contained serum can increase cell viability rate, reduce cell apoptosis rate, eliminate Aβ and p-Tau protein deposits, and exert protective effects on Aβ1-40-injured PC12 cells. Its mechanism may involve UPP via decreasing the expression of Ub and increasing that of 26S, E3, UCHL1, and UCHL3.
9.Mechanisms of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Cognitive Ability in SAMP8 Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota via 16S rDNA Sequencing
Xiaoping TIAN ; Jun XIA ; Jingwen WEI ; Wei PENG ; Wenying HUAI ; Yu YOU ; Tiane ZHANG ; Jiayuan ZHANG ; Wei HUANG ; Yunhui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(24):26-34
ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) on the gut microbiota of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) model in SAMP8 mice based on 16S rDNA sequencing. MethodTwenty-four SAMP8 mice aged seven months were randomly divided into low-, medium-, and high-dose DSS groups (14.4, 28.8, 57.6 g·kg-1·d-1) and a model group according to a random number table, with six rats in each group. Six SAMR1 mice of the same age were assigned to the normal group. After intragastric administration for eight consecutive weeks, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to detect the gut microbiota of feces in mice. Morris water maze was employed to assess the directional navigation and space exploration ability of mice. Nissl staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the protein content of hippocampal amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated Tau (p-Tau). ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group presented a declining α diversity (P<0.05), markedly altered β diversity, prolonged escape latency (P<0.05), reduced number of platform crossings and cumulative duration in the targeted quadrant (P<0.05), decreased neurons and Nissl bodies in the CA1 hippocampal area, and up-regulated Aβ and p-Tau expression (P<0.05). However, DSS intervention enhanced the α diversity, and medium- and high-dose DSS, especially the medium-dose DSS, could result in α diversity similar to the control group. Moreover, at the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes increased (P<0.05), while the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria decreased (P<0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Lactobacillus and other genera increased (P<0.05), while the abundance of Bacteroides, Helicobacterium, Rikenella, Parabacteroides, Sutterella, and Mucilaginibacter decreased (P<0.05). The DSS groups also showed shortened escape latency (P<0.05), increased number of platform crossings and cumulative duration in the targeted quadrant (P<0.05), increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05), and reduced Aβ and p-Tau content (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Mucilaginibacter, Bacteroides, and Sutterella was negatively correlated with the cognitive ability of SAMP8 mice, while the abundance of Lactobacillus and Butyricimonas was positively correlated with the cognitive ability of SAMP8 mice. ConclusionDSS can improve the cognitive ability of SAMP8 mice, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of gut microbiota diversity and community composition.
10.Median effective dose of 0.5% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block: dose per unit femoral nerve cross-sectional area
Hao GUO ; Shuzhen YU ; Ueda KENICHI ; Wenhui GAO ; Weiwei ZHANG ; Jing LI ; Yongzhuang HAO ; Guifei WANG ; Jianfeng WEI ; Jinfeng ZHANG ; Tiane LUO
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2021;41(6):731-734
Objective:To determine the median effective dose (ED 50) of 0.5% ropivacaine based on femoral nerve cross-sectional area for ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block. Methods:Patients of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or Ⅱ, with body mass index of 20-30 kg/m 2, scheduled for elective open reduction and internal fixation for patella fracture or removal of patella fracture by internal fixation, were enrolled in this study.Ultrasonic localization of femoral nerve was performed for measurement of the femoral nerve cross-sectional area, and 0.5% ropivacaine was injected based on the area.ED 50 was determined by Dixon′s up-and-down sequential method.The initial dose was 0.22 ml/mm 2, and the difference between the two successive doses was 0.02 ml/mm 2.The effective block was defined as complete loss of pain sensation in the areas of anterior skin of knee joint, skin on the inner side of the calf and dorsal medial skin of the foot and the degree of motor block was in stages 1-3 assessed using Brunnstrom motor function within 30 min after nerve block.Nerve block was considered ineffective if pain occurred in any nerve distribution area mentioned above.The study was terminated if 7 effective and ineffective alternating waves occurred.ED 50 and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Probit analysis. Results:Twenty-seven patients were enrolled in the study with the femoral nerve cross-sectional area (75±5) mm 2.ED 50 (95%CI) of 0.5% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block was 0.106 (0.069-0.125) ml/mm 2. Conclusion:ED 50 of 0.5% ropivacaine based on femoral nerve cross-sectional area for ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block is 0.106 ml/mm 2.

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