1.Mechanism of Erchentang Improving Obesity in Mice by Inducing Browning of White Adipose Tissue Based on AMPK/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway
Jiawei CHEN ; Maohui LIU ; Zhida YANG ; Weijun DING ; Xiuwen XIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):11-19
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the mechanism by which Erchentang improves body weight in obese mice by regulating the AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ coactivator‑1α (PGC‑1α) signaling pathway and inducing browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT). MethodsObese mouse models were established by feeding a high‑fat diet. After successful modeling, mice were randomly divided into a model group and low‑, medium‑, and high‑dose Erchentang groups (7.5, 15, 30 g·kg-1), with six mice in each group. Another six normal mice were set as the normal group. Mice in the treatment groups were administered with corresponding doses of the drug by gavage, while those in the normal and model groups were administered with an equal volume of pure water by gavage for four consecutive weeks. Obesity was evaluated by body weight and Lee's index. The levels of low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‑C) and high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‑C) in serum were detected by biochemical assays. The leptin content in serum was measured by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the liver and iWAT. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to detect the protein expression levels of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the liver and iWAT. Molecular docking was performed to simulate the binding affinity between the key components of Erchentang (nobiletin, diosmetin, naringenin) and the key pathway proteins AMPK and PGC‑1α. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of uncoupling protein‑1 (UCP‑1), AMPK, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p‑AMPK), and PGC‑1α in iWAT. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the mice in the model group showed significantly increased body weight and Lee's index, elevated levels of HDL‑C, LDL‑C, and leptin in serum, enlarged adipocytes in iWAT, down‑regulated protein expression levels of GLUT4 in iWAT and liver, and decreased protein expression levels of UCP‑1 and PGC‑1α in iWAT(P<0.05, P<0.01), the expression level of p-AMPK / AMPK protein was up-regulated, but the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with those in the model group, the mice in the Erchentang groups with different doses exhibited significantly reduced body weight and Lee's index, decreased levels of HDL‑C, LDL‑C, and leptin in serum, smaller adipocytes in iWAT, up‑regulated GLUT4 protein expression levels in iWAT and liver, and increased protein expression levels of UCP‑1, p‑AMPK/AMPK, and PGC‑1α in iWAT (P<0.05, P<0.01). Molecular docking results show that nobiletin, diosmetin, and naringenin have strong binding energies with both AMPK and PGC‑1α. ConclusionErchentang may improve body weight in obese mice by regulating the AMPK/PGC‑1α signaling pathway and inducing iWAT browning.
2.Exploring Mechanisms of Erchentang in Repairing Ileal Immune Barrier and Reducing Weights of Diet-induced Obese Mice Based on Single-cell Transcriptomics
Jiawei CHEN ; Maohui LIU ; Jilan CHEN ; Jiushuang ZHU ; Yingxiu MEI ; Yue JIN ; Xiuwen XIA ; Weijun DING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):226-236
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Erchentang (ECD) on the body weight of the mouse model of simple obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and decipher the underlying mechanisms. MethodsFirstly, single-cell transcriptomics (Sc-RNAseq) was employed to analyze the transcriptional changes in the ileum tissue of mice in the normal group and model group. Then, a mouse model of simple obesity was established with a high-fat diet. The successfully modeled mice were randomly allocated into the following four groups (n=8): model, low-dose (7.5 g·kg-1) ECD, medium-dose (15 g·kg-1) ECD, and high-dose (30 g·kg-1) ECD. Additionally, 8 mice of the same age were selected as the normal group. The body weight was measured at fixed time points during the 4-week gavage period. The overall efficacy of ECD in alleviating obesity was evaluated through glucose tolerance testing, behavioral analysis, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and biochemical testing. Protein docking was employed to predict the degree of binding between corresponding proteins. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding degree between key components of ECD and target proteins. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), CD68, CD206, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and Claudin-5 in the ileum. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression and distribution of Claudin-5 and ZO-1. ResultsThe Sc-RNAseq results indicated that the differentially expressed genes of immune cells in the model group in comparison with the normal group were primarily enriched in biological functions related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory metabolism. Additionally, these genes were associated with the janus kinases(JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, an inflammation-related pathway. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increases in body weight (P<0.01) and blood glucose level (P<0.01), a decrease in limb strength (P<0.01), an increase in liver weight (P<0.05), and elevated serum alanine amino-transferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the model group exhibited increased hepatic fat vacuoles, notably enlarged adipocytes in the epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue, and increased inflammation. Compared with the model group, ECD groups showed reduced body weights (P<0.01) and blood glucose levels (P<0.01), increased limb strength (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased liver weights (P<0.05, P<0.01), and declined serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, ECD reduced hepatic fat vacuoles and the adipocyte volume in the epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue, and alleviated inflammation. Potential interactions existed between CD68 and ZO-1/Claudin-5, as well as between CD206 and ZO-1/Claudin-5. The key components of ECD, nobiletin, diosmetin, and naringenin, all demonstrated strong binding affinity with the target proteins ZO-1 and Claudin-5. Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited up-regulated mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β, and CD68 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and down-regulated mRNA levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine CD206 (P<0.01) and the tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the ECD groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β, and CD68 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA levels of CD206, Claudin-5, and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited down-regulated expression of tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ECD groups showed up-regulated expression of Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionECD can significantly ameliorate HFD-induced obesity and excessive body weight gain in mice by improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the ileum and further restoring the integrity of the impaired ileal barrier.
3.Q-marker prediction analysis of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid based on fingerprint and network pharmacology
Liping FENG ; Weijun XIA ; Jinyu LI ; Dingqian ZHANG ; Ping REN ; Lihe LU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(1):35-46
Objective To establish the fingerprints and predict the quality markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid based on fingerprint and network pharmacology.Methods The fingerprints of 12 batches of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid were established by using HPLC,and their peaks were identified and assigned.The candidate components were selected by multiple statistical analysis methods such as similarity evaluation,hierarchical cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis(OPLS-DA).The"component-target-pathway"network diagram was constructed by network pharmacology,and the quality markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid were predicted.Results The 13 common peaks were identified from the established fingerprint.Compared with the reference material,eight common peaks were identified as 3(tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside),5(sodium benzoate),6(lobetyolin),7(notoginsenoside Ri),9(ginsenoside Rgi),10(ginsenoside Re),12(10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid),13(ginsenoside Rb1).The similarity of 12 batches of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid samples was higher than 0.997,and 12 batches of samples were grouped into two categories.OPLS-DA analysis showed that peaks 2,3,4,7,9,10,11,12 were the main signature components affecting the quality of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.Network pharmacology predicted that lobetyolin,notoginsenoside R1,ginsenoside Rg1,ginsenoside Rb1,ginsenoside Re and 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid were potential Q-markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.The traditional functions are performed through STAT3/AKT1-Drp1,HIF-1 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.Conclusion The established fingerprint has good reproducibility,stability and feasibility.The six components have great influence on the quality of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid,which are transferable and traceable,and are closely related to the efficacy.They can be used as potential quality markers to provide a scientific basis for the quality control and evaluation of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.
4.Q-marker prediction analysis of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid based on fingerprint and network pharmacology
Liping FENG ; Weijun XIA ; Jinyu LI ; Dingqian ZHANG ; Ping REN ; Lihe LU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(1):35-46
Objective To establish the fingerprints and predict the quality markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid based on fingerprint and network pharmacology.Methods The fingerprints of 12 batches of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid were established by using HPLC,and their peaks were identified and assigned.The candidate components were selected by multiple statistical analysis methods such as similarity evaluation,hierarchical cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis(OPLS-DA).The"component-target-pathway"network diagram was constructed by network pharmacology,and the quality markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid were predicted.Results The 13 common peaks were identified from the established fingerprint.Compared with the reference material,eight common peaks were identified as 3(tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside),5(sodium benzoate),6(lobetyolin),7(notoginsenoside Ri),9(ginsenoside Rgi),10(ginsenoside Re),12(10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid),13(ginsenoside Rb1).The similarity of 12 batches of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid samples was higher than 0.997,and 12 batches of samples were grouped into two categories.OPLS-DA analysis showed that peaks 2,3,4,7,9,10,11,12 were the main signature components affecting the quality of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.Network pharmacology predicted that lobetyolin,notoginsenoside R1,ginsenoside Rg1,ginsenoside Rb1,ginsenoside Re and 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid were potential Q-markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.The traditional functions are performed through STAT3/AKT1-Drp1,HIF-1 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.Conclusion The established fingerprint has good reproducibility,stability and feasibility.The six components have great influence on the quality of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid,which are transferable and traceable,and are closely related to the efficacy.They can be used as potential quality markers to provide a scientific basis for the quality control and evaluation of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.
5.Central nervous system infection:Expert consensus on imaging examination standards(2024 edition)
Chen QIAO ; Ting LIU ; Jianming CAI ; Qing LU ; Weijun SITU ; Meng ZHENG ; Zhenying XIA ; Yuan QU ; Ting LIANG ; Guangping ZHENG ; Hongkai ZHANG ; Shengyuan LAI ; Hongjun LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(6):857-860
Imaging examination is a crucial part in diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infection(CNSI),involving complex imaging sequences and parameters.This consensus was jointly written by multiple CNSI imaging experts in China,aimed to standardize imaging examination of CNSI.
6.Central nervous system infection:Expert consensus on imaging examination standards(2024 edition)
Chen QIAO ; Ting LIU ; Jianming CAI ; Qing LU ; Weijun SITU ; Meng ZHENG ; Zhenying XIA ; Yuan QU ; Ting LIANG ; Guangping ZHENG ; Hongkai ZHANG ; Shengyuan LAI ; Hongjun LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(6):857-860
Imaging examination is a crucial part in diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infection(CNSI),involving complex imaging sequences and parameters.This consensus was jointly written by multiple CNSI imaging experts in China,aimed to standardize imaging examination of CNSI.
7.Investigation of incidence rate of nuchal ligament calcification in asymptomatic populations
Weiyi XIA ; Sunlong LI ; Weijun HONG
Chinese Journal of Spine and Spinal Cord 2024;34(5):469-475
Objectives:To investigate the imaging characteristics and incidence rate of nuchal ligament calci-fication in asymptomatic population.Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 318 asymptomatic volunteers were analyzed retrospectively,including the incidence,morphological classification,and segmental distribution of nuchal ligament calcification.The volunteers were divided into two groups based on the presence of nuchal ligament calcification,and differences in gender,age,body mass index(BMD,and lower cervical intervertebral parameters between the two groups were analyzed.Based on the Roussouly classification,differences in cervi-cothoracic parameters between the groups were analyzed.Finally,the correlation between the degree of nuchal ligament calcification and the aforementioned factors was studied to identify the risk factors for nuchal liga-ment calcification.Results:Among the 318 asymptomatic subjects,the incidence of nuchal ligament calcifica-tion was 23.27%.There were statistically significant differences in gender ratio,age,and BMI between the calcification of nuchal ligament group(ONL+)and non-calcification of nuchal ligament group(ONL-)(P<0.001).The calcification of nuchal ligament was classified morphologically as follows:Local calcification 50.0%,con-tinuous calcification 27.0%,segmental calcification 7.0%,mixed calcification 9.0%and unclassified calcifica-tion 7.0%.The incidence of nuchal ligament calcification in each segment was as follows:C2/3 1.4%,C3/49.5%,C4/5 55.4%,C5/6 63.5%,and C6/7 18.9%.Compared with the ONL-group,the angular displacement(AD)and horizontal displacement(HD)of the ONL+group were significantly increased(P<0.001).Based on the Roussouly classification,significant statistical differences in cervicothoracic parameters such as O-C2,C2-C7 SVA,and T1 slope(TS)were found between the ONL+group and the ONL-group(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that the degree of nuchal ligament calcification had a moderate correlation with AD,O-C2,and C2-C7 SVA,and a strong correlation with HD and TS.Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that HD was the most significant risk factor for nuchal ligament calcification,followed by O-C2,age,and AD.Conclusions:The incidence of nuchal ligament calcification was higher in asymptomatic men who were older and had a high body mass index.Cervicothoracic parameters(O-C2,C2-C7 SVA and TS)and segmental parameters(AD,HD)were significantly increased in the group of nuchal ligament calcification,and were correlated with the degree of nuchal ligament calcification.
8.The efficacy of different treatment modes for locoregional recurrence after nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Xinyue ZHANG ; Xia ZHENG ; Yang LIU ; Zhiling ZHANG ; Weijun FAN ; Hui HAN ; Shengjie GUO ; Liru HE ; Fangjian ZHOU ; Pei DONG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2023;44(1):1-6
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of different treatment modes for locoregional recurrence after nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma.Methods:A total of 106 patients with locoregional recurrence after nephrectomy without distant metastasis (77 males and 29 females) admitted to Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from October 2001 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The median age was 51 (40, 60) years old. Radical nephrectomy was performed in 90 patients with primary tumor and partial nephrectomy was performed in 16 patients. Pathological diagnosis showed that 54 cases were clear cell carcinoma and 52 cases were non-clear cell carcinoma. 53 cases were in stage T 1-2 and 53 cases in stage T 3-4. The median diameter of recurrent lesions was 3.2 (2.0, 6.3) cm, and the median number was 2 (1, 4). The recurrence sites were divided into renal fossa recurrence (33 cases), renal fossa±retroperitoneal lymph node recurrence (38 cases), and intra-abdominal spread (35 cases). The median duration from primary surgery to local recurrence was 14.8 (7.3, 35.8) months. Two treatment groups were identified as systemic therapy alone (Group A) and local therapy with or without systemic therapy (Group B). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between Group A and Group B. The Cox model was used to perform univariate and multivariate analysis. Results:Of all the 106 patients, 33 patients were in Group A and 73 patients were in Group B. In Group A, 29 patients (87.9%) received targeted therapy, and 4 patients (12.1%) received targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy. In Group B, 34 patients (46.6%) received surgery or ablation and 39 patients (53.4%) received SBRT, of which 62 patients (84.9%) received concurrent systemic therapy. Among them, 58 patients (93.5%) received targeted therapy, and 4 patients (6.5%) received targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy. The median follow-up period was 29.0 (15.4, 45.9) months, 64 patients progressed on tumor including 28 patients died. The median PFS and OS were 15.6 (7.1, 35.2) months and 66.9 (37.8, not reached) months. The median PFS of Group A and Group B were 7.6(5.0, 17.2)months and 22.2(9.6, 63.9)months respectively ( P=0.001), median OS of Group A and Group B were 45.7 (23.4, 62.8)months and 71.0(50.6, not reached)months respectively, and the 2-year OS were 70.6% and 85.5% in Group A and Group B respectively ( P=0.023). The univariate analysis showed local therapy with or without systemic therapy was significantly reduced 56% risk of tumor progression ( HR=0.44, P=0.003) and reduced 60% risk of death ( HR=0.40, P=0.028). The multivariate analysis showed that the OS was associated with ECOG score( HR=10.20, 95% CI 4.13-25.30, P<0.001)and local therapy( HR=0.23, 95% CI 0.09-0.58, P=0.002). Conclusion:Compared with systemic therapy alone, local therapy with or without systemic therapy can effectively improve the PFS and OS of patients with locoregional recurrence after nephrectomy.
9.HPV vaccination in the vaccination clinic of Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Yanhui JIAO ; Xueqin XIA ; Weijun HU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2022;33(1):132-135
Objective To understand the HPV vaccination situation in the vaccination clinic of Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to guide the rational use of the vaccine. Methods The vaccination information and the information on HPV vaccine inoculated subjects in the clinic of Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2018 to 2019 were analyzed. Results A total of 5 714 HPV vaccination subjects were analyzed, among which the largest proportion (48.97%) was in the 20-26.5 years old group, and the smallest proportion (1.12%) was in the 9-15 years old group. The 9-valent HPV vaccination accounted for 98.72% of the 20-26.5-year-old group. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of vaccination populations between the bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines (P<0.01,χ2=252.85), and between the bivalent and 9-valent HPV vaccines (P<0.01,χ2=258.15). The vaccination rate of the bivalent HPV vaccine was 88.25% (894/1 013), and the vaccination rate of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine was 94.43% (1 915/2 028). The difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.02, P=0.043). Conclusion Vaccination subjects tend to choose high-valent HPV vaccines, and the proportion of HPV vaccination in the younger age group is seriously insufficient. Both bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines have relatively high overall vaccination rates. The next step should be to strengthen the vaccination publicity for younger age groups.
10.Expert Consensus for Thermal Ablation of Pulmonary Subsolid Nodules (2021 Edition).
Xin YE ; Weijun FAN ; Zhongmin WANG ; Junjie WANG ; Hui WANG ; Jun WANG ; Chuntang WANG ; Lizhi NIU ; Yong FANG ; Shanzhi GU ; Hui TIAN ; Baodong LIU ; Lou ZHONG ; Yiping ZHUANG ; Jiachang CHI ; Xichao SUN ; Nuo YANG ; Zhigang WEI ; Xiao LI ; Xiaoguang LI ; Yuliang LI ; Chunhai LI ; Yan LI ; Xia YANG ; Wuwei YANG ; Po YANG ; Zhengqiang YANG ; Yueyong XIAO ; Xiaoming SONG ; Kaixian ZHANG ; Shilin CHEN ; Weisheng CHEN ; Zhengyu LIN ; Dianjie LIN ; Zhiqiang MENG ; Xiaojing ZHAO ; Kaiwen HU ; Chen LIU ; Cheng LIU ; Chundong GU ; Dong XU ; Yong HUANG ; Guanghui HUANG ; Zhongmin PENG ; Liang DONG ; Lei JIANG ; Yue HAN ; Qingshi ZENG ; Yong JIN ; Guangyan LEI ; Bo ZHAI ; Hailiang LI ; Jie PAN
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2021;24(5):305-322
"The Expert Group on Tumor Ablation Therapy of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, The Tumor Ablation Committee of Chinese College of Interventionalists, The Society of Tumor Ablation Therapy of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and The Ablation Expert Committee of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology" have organized multidisciplinary experts to formulate the consensus for thermal ablation of pulmonary subsolid nodules or ground-glass nodule (GGN). The expert consensus reviews current literatures and provides clinical practices for thermal ablation of GGN. The main contents include: (1) clinical evaluation of GGN, (2) procedures, indications, contraindications, outcomes evaluation and related complications of thermal ablation for GGN and (3) future development directions.
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