1.Effects of Huoxue Xiaoyi Formula (活血消异方) on Tfh Cells and the JAK/STAT Pathway in Ectopic Tissues of Ovarian Endometriosis Model Rats
Weisen FAN ; Yongjia ZHANG ; Yaqian WANG ; Hong LEI ; Huiting YAN ; Ruijie HOU ; Xin WANG ; Yu TAO ; Ruihua ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1473-1480
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Huoxue Xiaoyi Formula (活血消异方, HXF) in treating ovarian endometriosis (OEM) from the perspective of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-five female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into three groups, HXF group, model group, and normal group, with 15 rats in each group. A rat model of OEM was established by autologous endometrial tissue implantation. After successful modeling, the treatment group received HXF at 5.85 g/(kg·d) by gavage for 14 consecutive days. The model group and normal group received 1 mL/d of normal saline by gavage. RNA-sequencing data from human proliferative-phase endometriotic and normal endometrial tissues were downloaded from the GEO database. Transcriptomic sequencing was used to analyze gene expression in rat ovarian ectopic tissues and normal uterine tissues, and comparisons were made with human data to verify JAK/STAT pathway activation in proliferative-phase ectopic tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expression of CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) and interleukin-21 (IL-21) in rat ovarian ectopic and normal uterine tissues. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of IL-21, IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Tfh cell infiltration was analyzed using immune cell infiltration methods. ResultsGene set enrichment analysis showed that the JAK/STAT pathway was significantly activated in human proliferative-phase endometriotic tissues compared to normal endometrial tissues. Similarly, the JAK/STAT pathway was markedly activated in rat ovarian ectopic tissues in the model group compared to the normal group, but suppressed in the HXF group compared to the model group. Compared with normal uterine tissues, ovarian ectopic tissues in the model group showed increased Tfh cell infiltration scores, higher CXCR5 and IL-21 expression, and elevated levels of IL-21, IL-21R, JAK1, STAT6, and Bcl-2 proteins. Compared with the model group, HXF group showed reduced CXCR5 and IL-21 expression and decreased protein levels of IL-21, IL-21R, JAK1, STAT6, and Bcl-2. ConclusionHXF may suppress activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in ovarian endometriotic tissues by inhibiting IL-21 secretion from Tfh cells.
2.Correlation between Nap Frequency and Sleep Duration and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle-aged and Elderly People in Guangzhou
Yongqi LI ; Weisen ZHANG ; Chaoqiang JIANG
Journal of Medical Research 2025;54(2):64-69
Objective To explore the correlation between nap frequency and sleep duration and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis(CAS)in the middle-aged and elderly people in Guangzhou.Methods A retrospective study was conducted to select 1170middle-aged and elderly patients over 50 years who were enrolled in"Guangzhou Biobank Cohort-Cardiovascular Disease Subcohort"from Sep-tember 2006 to March 2008.The general data of the subjects were collected,and the intima-media thickness of common carotid artery,CCA-IMT was measured by color Doppler ultrasound.Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between nap fre-quency and sleep duration and the risk of CAS.Results After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as gender,age,body mass index(BMI),waist-to-hip ratio(WHR),physical activity level,smoking,alcohol consumption,and diabetes,the study found that compared with those who never nappers,Daily nappers had a higher risk of CAS[adjusted Exp(β)=2.095,95%CI:1.823-2.407,P<0.001].In addition,this study observed a"U-shaped"association between sleep duration and CAS prevalence.Further studies found that compared with those who slept for 6h per day,those who slept for ≤5h,8h and≥10h had a significantly increased risk of CAS(adjusted OR=1.420,95%CI:1.117-1.805,P<0.001;OR=1.356,95%CI:1.142-1.610,P<0.001;OR=1.537,95%CI:1.156-2.044,P<0.01).Conclusion Daily napping and short or long sleep duration may increase the risk of CAS.It is recommen-ded to reduce the nap frequency and maintain the appropriate sleep duration in order to reduce the incidence of CAS.
3.Correlation between Nap Frequency and Sleep Duration and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle-aged and Elderly People in Guangzhou
Yongqi LI ; Weisen ZHANG ; Chaoqiang JIANG
Journal of Medical Research 2025;54(2):64-69
Objective To explore the correlation between nap frequency and sleep duration and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis(CAS)in the middle-aged and elderly people in Guangzhou.Methods A retrospective study was conducted to select 1170middle-aged and elderly patients over 50 years who were enrolled in"Guangzhou Biobank Cohort-Cardiovascular Disease Subcohort"from Sep-tember 2006 to March 2008.The general data of the subjects were collected,and the intima-media thickness of common carotid artery,CCA-IMT was measured by color Doppler ultrasound.Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between nap fre-quency and sleep duration and the risk of CAS.Results After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as gender,age,body mass index(BMI),waist-to-hip ratio(WHR),physical activity level,smoking,alcohol consumption,and diabetes,the study found that compared with those who never nappers,Daily nappers had a higher risk of CAS[adjusted Exp(β)=2.095,95%CI:1.823-2.407,P<0.001].In addition,this study observed a"U-shaped"association between sleep duration and CAS prevalence.Further studies found that compared with those who slept for 6h per day,those who slept for ≤5h,8h and≥10h had a significantly increased risk of CAS(adjusted OR=1.420,95%CI:1.117-1.805,P<0.001;OR=1.356,95%CI:1.142-1.610,P<0.001;OR=1.537,95%CI:1.156-2.044,P<0.01).Conclusion Daily napping and short or long sleep duration may increase the risk of CAS.It is recommen-ded to reduce the nap frequency and maintain the appropriate sleep duration in order to reduce the incidence of CAS.
4.The clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy using indocyanine green fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection
Hao SU ; Zheng XU ; Mandula BAO ; Shou LUO ; Jianwei LIANG ; Wei PEI ; Xu GUAN ; Zheng LIU ; Zheng JIANG ; Mingguang ZHANG ; Zhixun ZHAO ; Weisen JIN ; Haitao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(2):140-145
Objectives:This study aims to explore the clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LLND) and evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of this technique to predict the status of lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLNs).Methods:The clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, lymph node findings and perioperative complications of 16 rectal cancer patients who underwent SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College during April 2017 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients did not receive preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and presented with LPLNs but without LPLN enlargement (MRI showed the maximum short axes of the LPLNs were ≥5 mm and <10 mm at first visit).Results:All 16 patients were successfully performed SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND. Three patients underwent bilateral LLND and 13 patients underwent unilateral LLND. The lateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were clearly fluorescent before dissection in 14 patients and the detection rate of SLNs for these patients was 87.5%. Lateral pelvic SLN metastasis was diagnosed in 2 patients and negative results were found in 12 patients by frozen pathological examinations. Among the 14 patients in whom lateral pelvic SLNs were detected, the dissected lateral pelvic non-SLNs were all negative. All dissected LPLNs were negative in two patients without fluorescent lateral pelvic SLNs. The specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy was 85.7%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively.Conclusions:This study indicates that lateral pelvic SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation shows promise as a safe and feasible procedure with good accuracy. This technique may replace preventive LLND for locally advanced lower rectal cancer.
5.The clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy using indocyanine green fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection
Hao SU ; Zheng XU ; Mandula BAO ; Shou LUO ; Jianwei LIANG ; Wei PEI ; Xu GUAN ; Zheng LIU ; Zheng JIANG ; Mingguang ZHANG ; Zhixun ZHAO ; Weisen JIN ; Haitao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(2):140-145
Objectives:This study aims to explore the clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LLND) and evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of this technique to predict the status of lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLNs).Methods:The clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, lymph node findings and perioperative complications of 16 rectal cancer patients who underwent SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College during April 2017 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients did not receive preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and presented with LPLNs but without LPLN enlargement (MRI showed the maximum short axes of the LPLNs were ≥5 mm and <10 mm at first visit).Results:All 16 patients were successfully performed SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND. Three patients underwent bilateral LLND and 13 patients underwent unilateral LLND. The lateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were clearly fluorescent before dissection in 14 patients and the detection rate of SLNs for these patients was 87.5%. Lateral pelvic SLN metastasis was diagnosed in 2 patients and negative results were found in 12 patients by frozen pathological examinations. Among the 14 patients in whom lateral pelvic SLNs were detected, the dissected lateral pelvic non-SLNs were all negative. All dissected LPLNs were negative in two patients without fluorescent lateral pelvic SLNs. The specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy was 85.7%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively.Conclusions:This study indicates that lateral pelvic SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation shows promise as a safe and feasible procedure with good accuracy. This technique may replace preventive LLND for locally advanced lower rectal cancer.
6.Exploring the Mechanism of Yiwei Decoction on Hypothalamus of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Rats Based on Transcriptomics
Hong LEI ; Weisen FAN ; Xuan LI ; Pu CHEN ; Yingjie ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(12):3016-3024
Objective To explore the mechanism of Yiwei Decoction on hypothalamus of rats with premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)by transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)technology.Methods The rat model of POI was established by intraperitoneal injection of CTX.The 30 rats were randomly divided into Yiwei Decoction group(group A),model group(group B)and control group(group C).The rats in the group B and group C were intragastrically administered with normal saline,while those in the group A were intragastrically administered with 9 mL·kg-1·d-1 Yiwei Decoction for four consecutive weeks.The gene expression profiles in the hypothalamus of rats in each group were detected,and the target differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were screened.GO,KEGG,GSEA and PPI analyses of DEGs were performed.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of CXCR1,IL16 and IL12rb2 in rat hypothalamus.Results There were 142 DEGs in group A and B,of which 98 genes were up-regulated and 44 genes were down-regulated.GO analysis results showed that DEGs was mainly concentrated in T-helper cell differentiation regulation and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways.KEGG analysis showed that DEGs in group A and B were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions,Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation,B cell receptor signaling pathway.The DEGs in group B and C were mainly rich in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Th17 cell differentiation.GSEA analysis showed that Yiwei Decoction may play a role by downregulating the ABC transporter pathway.PPI analysis showed that the core genes were Gata3,Cd22,and Cd2.The results of Western blot showed that compared with group C,the expression levels of CXCR1 and IL16 proteins in the hypothalamus of group B were high,the expression of IL12rb2 protein in the hypothalamus of group B was low.Compared with group B,the expression levels of CXCR1 and IL16 proteins in the hypothalamus of group A were low,the expression of IL12rb2 protein in the hypothalamus of group A was high.Conclusion This study revealed the mechanism of Yiwei Decoction's intervention in the hypothalamus of POI rats,and further experiments are needed to verify the specific roles of these key genes and pathways.
7.Exploring the Mechanism of Yiwei Decoction on Hypothalamus of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Rats Based on Transcriptomics
Hong LEI ; Weisen FAN ; Xuan LI ; Pu CHEN ; Yingjie ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(12):3016-3024
Objective To explore the mechanism of Yiwei Decoction on hypothalamus of rats with premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)by transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)technology.Methods The rat model of POI was established by intraperitoneal injection of CTX.The 30 rats were randomly divided into Yiwei Decoction group(group A),model group(group B)and control group(group C).The rats in the group B and group C were intragastrically administered with normal saline,while those in the group A were intragastrically administered with 9 mL·kg-1·d-1 Yiwei Decoction for four consecutive weeks.The gene expression profiles in the hypothalamus of rats in each group were detected,and the target differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were screened.GO,KEGG,GSEA and PPI analyses of DEGs were performed.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of CXCR1,IL16 and IL12rb2 in rat hypothalamus.Results There were 142 DEGs in group A and B,of which 98 genes were up-regulated and 44 genes were down-regulated.GO analysis results showed that DEGs was mainly concentrated in T-helper cell differentiation regulation and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways.KEGG analysis showed that DEGs in group A and B were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions,Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation,B cell receptor signaling pathway.The DEGs in group B and C were mainly rich in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Th17 cell differentiation.GSEA analysis showed that Yiwei Decoction may play a role by downregulating the ABC transporter pathway.PPI analysis showed that the core genes were Gata3,Cd22,and Cd2.The results of Western blot showed that compared with group C,the expression levels of CXCR1 and IL16 proteins in the hypothalamus of group B were high,the expression of IL12rb2 protein in the hypothalamus of group B was low.Compared with group B,the expression levels of CXCR1 and IL16 proteins in the hypothalamus of group A were low,the expression of IL12rb2 protein in the hypothalamus of group A was high.Conclusion This study revealed the mechanism of Yiwei Decoction's intervention in the hypothalamus of POI rats,and further experiments are needed to verify the specific roles of these key genes and pathways.
8.Introduction of a prospective cohort study of chronic and non-communicable diseases in general population in southernern China
Min XIA ; Minghuang HONG ; Xiaoqiang QIU ; Yingzi LIN ; Weisen ZHANG ; Peisong GAO ; Zhibin LI ; Zhijian HU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(1):48-53
With the rapid changes in people's lifestyles, natural and social environments in recent years, the prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases in China and its related risk factors have also had tremendous changes. The epidemiological characteristics of chronic and non-communicable diseases and their risk factors vary throughout the country, and the impact of unique climate, diet and lifestyle in southern China on the incidence and prevalence of chronic and non-communicable chronic diseases remains to be elucidated. Therefore, large-scale cohort study is urgently needed to provide evidence for the etiological research and management of chronic and non-communicable chronic diseases in different areas, and for the national management strategy for major chronic and non-communicable diseases. The prospective cohort study of chronic and non-communicable diseases in general population in southern China was established in December 2017. The study recruited permanent residents aged 35-74 years from both urban and rural areas in Guangdong, Hainan, Fujian Provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A big data platform of precision medicine which integrates health information with biological samples for long-term follow up has been established. A baseline database of 116 520 people aged (54.9±12.5) years, including 71 077 women (61.0%), has been established. Collecting questionnaire survey data, physical examination data, and biological samples. This paper briefly introduces the concept, design and progress of the prospective cohort study of chronic and non-communicable diseases in general population in southern China.
9.Efficacy and Safety of Pulse Magnetic Therapy System in Insomnia Disorder: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Jiwu LIAO ; Sisi WANG ; Borong ZHOU ; Wei LIANG ; Ping MA ; Min LIN ; Weisen LIN ; Congrui LI ; Xiaotao ZHANG ; Hongyao LI ; Yin CUI ; Jiajia HU ; Yuanyi QIN ; Yanhua DENG ; Aibing FU ; Tianhua ZHU ; Shanlian ZHANG ; Yunhong QU ; Lu XING ; Wumei LI ; Fei FENG ; Xinping YAO ; Guimei ZHANG ; Jiyang PAN
Psychiatry Investigation 2023;20(6):559-566
Objective:
This study’s objective is to assess the efficacy and safety of Pulsed Magnetic Therapy System (PMTS) in improving insomnia disorder.
Methods:
Participants with insomnia disorder were randomly assigned to receive either PMTS or sham treatment for four weeks (n= 153; PMTS: 76, sham: 77). Primary outcomes are the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores at week 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 3, 4 (treatment), and 5 (follow-up). Secondary outcomes are the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at baseline and week 4, and weekly sleep diary-derived values for sleep latency, sleep efficiency, real sleep time, waking after sleep onset, and sleep duration.
Results:
The ISI scores of the PMTS group and the sham group were 7.13±0.50, 11.07±0.51 at week 4, respectively. There was a significant group×time interaction for ISI (F3.214, 485.271=24.25, p<0.001, ηp 2=0.138). Only the PMTS group experienced continuous improvement throughout the study; in contrast, the sham group only experienced a modest improvement after the first week of therapy. At the end of the treatment and one week after it, the response of the PMTS group were 69.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.6%–79.0%), 75.0% (95% CI: 64.1%–83.4%), respectively, which were higher than the response of the sham group (p<0.001). For each of the secondary outcomes, similar group×time interactions were discovered. The effects of the treatment persisted for at least a week.
Conclusion
PMTS is safe and effective in improving insomnia disorders.
10.Pathways Involved in Treatment of Endometriosis with Chinese Medicines: A Review
Weisen FAN ; Jiao LIU ; Yingjie ZHANG ; Dandan WANG ; Yinghua QI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(3):233-243
The in-depth study of the intervention of endometriosis (EMS) with Chinese medicines has revealed many pathways that can be regulated by Chinese medicines in the treatment of EMS. Chinese medicinal compound prescriptions, single Chinese herbal medicines, or their active ingredients treat EMS via the signaling pathways discussed in this paper. They can directly or indirectly regulate the expression of key molecules in the corresponding signaling pathways to inhibit the proliferation of endometriotic cells and the inflammatory changes of endometrial tissue, promote the apoptosis of endometriotic cells, change the pain threshold, and reduce endometriotic cell invasion, so as to achieve the therapeutic effects of inhibiting EMS progression, improving endometrial receptivity, and reducing ovarian injury. The following details are based on relevant studies conducted both at home and abroad. Curcumol can inhibit angiogenesis and promote cell apoptosis by blocking the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway. Icariin can reduce inflammation and promote cell apoptosis by blocking the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway. Puerarin can suppress cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and blocking the estrogen signaling pathway. Naringenin has the ability to activate the MAPK signaling pathway to promote cell apoptosis. Imperatorin can inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Resveratrol can inhibit cell proliferation and alleviate fibrosis and adhesion by blocking the transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway. Paeonol can inhibit angiogenesis by blocking the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway. The above summary can serve as a reference for the future clinical treatment or experimental research of EMS with Chinese medicines.

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