1.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
2.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
3.Role and clinical application prospect of epigenetics in lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Junjiao XU ; Sutong LIU ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Yajie GUAN ; Beilei CUI ; Wenjing WU ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1161-1166
Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially among lean individuals. The research on related epigenetic mechanisms has provided new clues and directions for revealing the underlying causes and treatment strategies of NAFLD. This article introduces the role of epigenetics in the development and progression of NAFLD among lean individuals in recent years, analyzes the latest research advances in the epigenetics of NAFLD in this population, and briefly describes the basic concepts of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation. This article also discusses how epigenetic alterations impact the pathogenesis, disease progression, and treatment strategies of NAFLD in lean individuals.
4.Methodological Evaluation of Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Sjögren's Syndrome
Wenjing LIU ; Shiya WU ; Ruihua LIU ; Xinyao ZHOU ; Juan JIAO ; Ying LIU ; Zeguang LI ; Zhenbin LI ; Huadong ZHANG ; Xiaopo TANG ; Quan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):192-197
Screening and evaluating the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) will help to highlight the advantages of TCM treatment, and the evaluation method should be standardized with consideration to the unique characteristics of the diseases. The incidence of Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is increasing year by year, while the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. Modern therapies for this disease include biological agents and immunosuppressants, which generally have unsatisfactory efficacy. The TCM treatment of SS focuses on the harmony of the physical and mental health. The Rheumatology Branch of the China Association of Chinese Medicine organizes experts in TCM, Western medicine, and evidence-based medicine to form working groups. Delphi method and bibliometric method were used for analysis, and SS was selected as a disease responding specifically to TCM. Furthermore, the evaluation system was established for this disease, and the consensus regarding this disease was reached after seminar discussion. This paper summarized the whole process of the evaluation of the advantages of TCM treatment of SS. First, because TCM atomization is widely used in clinical practice and enriches TCM administration methods, this therapy is included after other non-drug therapies were taken as characteristic therapies. Second, the evaluation indicators of therapeutic effect should be determined with consideration to international acceptance and the current research status. Third, the expression method should be accurate, standardized, and objective, highlight the natural advantages of TCM, and avoid arbitrary extension. This paper provides a reference for clinicians to explore other diseases responding specifically to TCM.
5.Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in prevention and control of infection in solid organ transplantation
Lin MAN ; Xiaoshan LI ; Wenjing WANG ; Ting QIAN ; Min XIONG ; Hang YANG ; Jingyu CHEN ; Bo WU
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(2):289-296
Organ transplantation has become an effective treatment for multiple end-stage diseases. However, the recipients of organ transplantation need to take immunosuppressive drugs for a long time after operation, which leads to low immune function and relatively high incidence of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Traditional microbial detection methods, such as pathogen culture, immunological detection and polymerase chain reaction, have been widely applied in infection detection, whereas these methods may cause problems, such as long detection time and presumed pathogens. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing has been widely adopted in infection prevention and control in organ transplantation in recent years due to high detection rate and comprehensive detection of pathogen spectrum. In this article, the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the prevention and control of infection in solid organ transplantation was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of transplantation-related infection.
6.Study on the Impacts of the Professional Background of the Director of Public Hospital on the Economic Operation of Hospital
Wenjing HAN ; Qingping YUN ; Ming WU
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(1):77-81
Objective:To analyze and explain the influences of the professional background of the directors of public hospitals on the economic operation of the hospital,and to provide research support for training compound hospital management talents and improving the relevant policies of public hospital director management.Methods:The fixed effect model was used to conduct a quantitative analysis based on the data of individual directors and hospital economic performance of public hospitals in Guangdong from 2005 to 2018.Results:Compared with hospitals whose directors without clinical medical backgrounds,the medical income,the number of admissions and medical expenditure of the hospitals whose directors with clinical medical backgrounds were lower,and turnover of bed rate was higher,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with hospitals where the directors had not obtained a degree related to management and did not participate in management training,the asset-liability ratio and management cost of the hospital where the directors had obtained a degree or participated in the training were lower,and the liquidity ratio was higher,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion:For the economic operation indicators closely related to clinical work,directors with clinical medical background have a more significant impact because of their advantages in clinical front-line learning and work experience.For the economic operation indicators closely related to asset management,administration and cost management,directors with management learning experience can better reveal and exert their advantages in applying advanced management concepts,methods and tools,and have a more significant impact.
7.Advances and Challenges in the Research of Integration Methods of Animal Experimental Evidence
Qingyong ZHENG ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Zhichao MA ; Na WANG ; Molan LI ; Wenjing YANG ; Peirun WU ; Haidong WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(5):567-576
Integrating evidence from animal experiments is a critical component of biomedical research, providing essential prior information for in-depth investigations of disease mechanisms and new drug development. Animal models have played an irreplaceable role in simulating human diseases. However, the integration of evidence from animal experiments has faced numerous challenges, including insufficient emphasis, significant heterogeneity in study designs, high publication bias, and discrepancies with clinical research practices. This paper first identifies existing issues in the original research evidence from animal experiments, such as the selection and applicability of animal models, considerations in the design of experimental studies, and factors influencing the translation of animal experimental evidence. It then discusses various methods for integrating this evidence, including systematic review and meta-analysis, overview of systematic review/umbrella review, scoping review, and evidence mapping, while highlighting recent advancements in their application. Finally, the paper addresses the main challenges currently encountered in the integration of evidence from animal experiments and proposes targeted improvement strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of translating research outcomes into clinical practice and promoting the advancement of evidence-based medicine. By continuously optimizing original experimental research protocols and evidence integration practices, this work aims to establish a more efficient and scientific environment for the synthesis of evidence from animal experiments, ultimately contributing to clinical trials and human health.
8.Regulatory effect of autophagy on the resistance of human liver cancer cell Huh7 to lenvatinib
Dahong CHEN ; Yafei WU ; Wenjing DIAO ; Huihua YANG ; Pengjuan MAO ; Qin LI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(8):961-966
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effect of autophagy on the resistance of human liver cancer cell Huh7 to lenvatinib. METHODS Using human liver cancer cell Huh7 as subject, the lenvatinib-resist cell model (Huh7-LR) was generated by the low-dose gradient method combined with long-term administration. The sensitivity of parental cell Huh7 and drug-resistant cell Huh7-LR to lenvatinib was detected by using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Western blot assay and GFP-mCherry-LC3 plasmid transfection were performed to detect the expression levels of autophagic protein Beclin-1, autophagic adapter protein sequestosome 1 (p62), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and autophagic level. Furthermore, an autophagy activation model was constructed by cell starvation, the protein expression of p62 and autophagy level were detected by using Western blot assay and GFP-mCherry-LC3 plasmid transfection, and the effect of autophagy activation on the sensitivity of Huh7-LR cells to lenvatinib was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS Compared with parental cells, the drug resistance index of Huh7-LR cells was 6.2; protein expression of p62 was increased significantly, while apoptotic rate, protein expression of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ/ LC3Ⅰ ratio were all reduced significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the level of autophagy was decreased to some extent. Autophagy activation could significantly increase the protein expression of p62 in Huh7-LR cells (P<0.05) and autophagy level, and significantly increase its apoptotic rate (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Autophagy is involved in lenvatinib resistance, and activating autophagy can reverse the resistance of liver cancer cells to lenvatinib to some extent.
9.Bionic design,preparation and clinical translation of oral hard tissue restorative materials
Han ZHAO ; Yan WEI ; Xuehui ZHANG ; Xiaoping YANG ; Qing CAI ; Chengyun NING ; Mingming XU ; Wenwen LIU ; Ying HUANG ; Ying HE ; Yaru GUO ; Shengjie JIANG ; Yunyang BAI ; Yujia WU ; Yusi GUO ; Xiaona ZHENG ; Wenjing LI ; Xuliang DENG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(1):4-8
Oral diseases concern almost every individual and are a serious health risk to the popula-tion.The restorative treatment of tooth and jaw defects is an important means to achieve oral function and support the appearance of the contour.Based on the principle of"learning from the nature",Deng Xu-liang's group of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology has proposed a new concept of"microstructural biomimetic design and tissue adaptation of tooth/jaw materials"to address the worldwide problems of difficulty in treating dentine hypersensitivity,poor prognosis of restoration of tooth defects,and vertical bone augmentation of alveolar bone after tooth loss.The group has broken through the bottle-neck of multi-stage biomimetic technology from the design of microscopic features to the enhancement of macroscopic effects,and invented key technologies such as crystalline/amorphous multi-level assembly,ion-transportation blocking,and multi-physical properties of the micro-environment reconstruction,etc.The group also pioneered the cationic-hydrogel desensitizer,digital stump and core integrated restora-tions,and developed new crown and bridge restorative materials,gradient functionalisation guided tissue regeneration membrane,and electrically responsive alveolar bone augmentation restorative membranes,etc.These products have established new clinical strategies for tooth/jaw defect repair and achieved inno-vative results.In conclusion,the research results of our group have strongly supported the theoretical im-provement of stomatology,developed the technical system of oral hard tissue restoration,innovated the clinical treatment strategy,and led the progress of the stomatology industry.
10.Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis for end-stage ankle and hindfoot arthropathy:Short-and mid-term clinical outcomes
Wenjing LI ; Baozhou ZHANG ; Heng LI ; Liangpeng LAI ; Hui DU ; Ning SUN ; Xiaofeng GONG ; Ying LI ; Yan WANG ; Yong WU
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(2):299-306
Objective:To analyze the clinical data of patients with end-stage ankle and hindfoot ar-thropathy who underwent tibiotalocalcaneal(TTC)arthrodesis by the same surgeon,explore the short-and mid-term clinical results,complications and functional improvement,and discuss the clinical progno-sis and precautions of TTC arthrodesis.Methods:Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 40 patients who underwent TTC arthrodesis by the same surgeon from March 2011 to December 2020.In this study,23 males and 17 females were included,with an average age of(49.1±16.0)years.All the patients underwent unilateral surgery.The clinical characteristics,imaging manifestations,main diagno-sis and specific surgical techniques of the patients were recorded.The clinical outcomes were evaluated by comparison of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)ankle-hindfoot score and visual analogue scale(VAS)between pre-operation and at the last follow-up.The fusion healing time,symptom improvement(significant improvement,certain improvement,no improvement or deterioration)and postoperative complications were also recorded.Results:The median follow-up time was 38.0(26.3,58.8)months.The preoperative VAS score was 6.0(4.0,7.0),and the AOFAS score was 33.0(25.3,47.3).At the last follow-up,the median VAS score was 0(0,3.0),and the AOFAS score was 80.0(59.0,84.0).All the significantly improved compared with their preoperative corre-sponding values(P<0.05).There was no wound necrosis or infection in the patients.One patient suf-fered from subtalar joint nonunion,which was syphilitic Charcot arthropathy.The median bony healing time of other patients was 15.0(12.0,20.0)weeks.Among the included patients,there were 25 cases with significant improvement in symptom compared with that preoperative,8 cases with certain improve-ment,4 cases with no improvement,and 3 cases with worse symptoms than that before operation.Con-clusion:TTC arthrodesis is a reliable method for the treatment of the end-stage ankle and hindfoot ar-thropathy.The function of most patients was improved postoperatively,with little impact on daily life.The causes of poor prognosis included toe stiffness,stress concentration in adjacent knee joints,nonunion and pain of unknown causes.

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