1.Exploration of Mechanism of Huanglian Zhimutang in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on PI3K/Akt Pathway
Lei WANG ; Yun PAN ; Lihua WAN ; Wenling TU ; Lingyong CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):168-177
ObjectiveBased on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, the effects of Huanglian Zhimutang on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and hepatic insulin resistance (IR) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were investigated. MethodsGoto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were fed a high-fat diet to induce a T2DM rat model and then randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, model control group, metformin group (0.10 g·kg-1), and Huanglian Zhimutang group (3.60 g·kg-1), with eight rats in each group. Drug intervention was administered continuously for 8 weeks. Serum and liver tissues were collected from each group. Fasting insulin (FINS) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Liver tissue pathology was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were detected using ELISA. Network pharmacology and transcriptomics sequencing were combined to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in liver tissue from the normal control group, model control group, and Huanglian Zhimutang group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed to identify pathways affected by Huanglian Zhimutang intervention in T2DM. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), PI3K, Akt, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in liver tissue, while Western blot was used to evaluate corresponding protein expression levels. ResultsAfter 8 weeks of Huanglian Zhimutang intervention, typical symptoms of T2DM rats such as polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria were significantly alleviated, along with reductions in fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance(P<0.01). Histopathological results revealed that Huanglian Zhimutang effectively improved hepatic steatosis and inflammatory edema and reduced lipid vacuole formation. Biochemical tests demonstrated that Huanglian Zhimutang significantly reduced serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C(P<0.01). ELISA results showed that Huanglian Zhimutang effectively decreased serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.05,P<0.01). Combined network pharmacology predictions with KEGG pathway analysis of transcriptomics showed that DEGs between the Huanglian Zhimutang and model control groups were significantly enriched in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Real-time PCR and Western blot results confirmed that Huanglian Zhimutang upregulated the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related mRNAs and proteins in liver tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01), thereby reducing inflammation, alleviating hepatic lipid accumulation, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. ConclusionHuanglian Zhimutang effectively ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, which reduces inflammation and hepatic lipid deposition and relieves hepatic insulin resistance.
2.Exploration of Mechanism of Huanglian Zhimutang in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on PI3K/Akt Pathway
Lei WANG ; Yun PAN ; Lihua WAN ; Wenling TU ; Lingyong CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):168-177
ObjectiveBased on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, the effects of Huanglian Zhimutang on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and hepatic insulin resistance (IR) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were investigated. MethodsGoto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were fed a high-fat diet to induce a T2DM rat model and then randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, model control group, metformin group (0.10 g·kg-1), and Huanglian Zhimutang group (3.60 g·kg-1), with eight rats in each group. Drug intervention was administered continuously for 8 weeks. Serum and liver tissues were collected from each group. Fasting insulin (FINS) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Liver tissue pathology was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were detected using ELISA. Network pharmacology and transcriptomics sequencing were combined to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in liver tissue from the normal control group, model control group, and Huanglian Zhimutang group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed to identify pathways affected by Huanglian Zhimutang intervention in T2DM. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), PI3K, Akt, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in liver tissue, while Western blot was used to evaluate corresponding protein expression levels. ResultsAfter 8 weeks of Huanglian Zhimutang intervention, typical symptoms of T2DM rats such as polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria were significantly alleviated, along with reductions in fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance(P<0.01). Histopathological results revealed that Huanglian Zhimutang effectively improved hepatic steatosis and inflammatory edema and reduced lipid vacuole formation. Biochemical tests demonstrated that Huanglian Zhimutang significantly reduced serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C(P<0.01). ELISA results showed that Huanglian Zhimutang effectively decreased serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.05,P<0.01). Combined network pharmacology predictions with KEGG pathway analysis of transcriptomics showed that DEGs between the Huanglian Zhimutang and model control groups were significantly enriched in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Real-time PCR and Western blot results confirmed that Huanglian Zhimutang upregulated the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related mRNAs and proteins in liver tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01), thereby reducing inflammation, alleviating hepatic lipid accumulation, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. ConclusionHuanglian Zhimutang effectively ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, which reduces inflammation and hepatic lipid deposition and relieves hepatic insulin resistance.
3.Dynamic changes of prognostic scores and related clinical indicators in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients without underlying liver cirrhosis and their relationship with clinical outcomes
Wenling WANG ; Manman XU ; Yu WU ; Jiateng ZHANG ; Huaibin ZOU ; Yu CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1771-1778
ObjectiveTo investigate the dynamic trajectories of prognostic scores and key clinical indicators in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients without liver cirrhosis, to clarify their association with outcomes, and to provide new evidence for individualized prognostic assessment. MethodsA prospective study was conducted for the data of 154 non-cirrhotic HBV-ACLF patients who attended Beijing YouAn Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2023, including prognostic scores and key biochemical indicators on Days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the disease course. According to the outcome of patients at 1 year, they were divided into death/liver transplantation group with 43 patients, liver cirrhosis group with 23 patients, and non-liver cirrhosis group with 88 patients, and the trajectory heterogeneity of different outcome subgroups was analyzed. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data among the three groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data among the three groups; the Wilcoxon test was used between two groups. the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The mean and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each indicator at difference time points; the linear interpolation method was used to connect the means at adjacent time points and construct the group-specific longitudinal trend curve; the 95%CI was visualized using the semi-transparent ribbon area, with the transparency parameter (α=0.2) optimized to enhance the visual discrimination of overlapping intervals across multiple groups. A linear mixed-effects model was used to compare the longitudinal changing trend of each indicator between the patients with different outcomes; likelihood ratio was used to evaluate the significance of the interaction effect between time and group, and in case of the significant interaction effect, the slope based on the estimated marginal mean was used for comparison between two groups. ResultsThere were significant differences between the three groups in the incidence rates of ascites and grade Ⅲ — Ⅳ hepatic encephalopathy, MELD score, MELD-Na score, CLIF-C ACLF score, COSSH-ACLF Ⅱ score, total bilirubin (TBil), international normalized ratio (INR), alpha-fetoprotein, blood sodium, alanine aminotransferase, and procalcitonin at the baseline(all P0.05). The analysis of dynamic trajectories showed that the death/liver transplantation group had high levels of prognostic scores and the biochemical parameters of TBil and INR (TBil400 μmol/L, INR2.5), as well as a low level of platelet count (PLT) (100×10⁹/L). The non-liver cirrhosis group had rapid improvements in indicators, with TBil200 μmol/L, INR1.5, and PLT100×10⁹/L by day 28, while the liver cirrhosis group showed a trend of recovery, with TBil200 μmol/L, INR2.0, and PLT 100×10⁹/L on day 28, with significant global heterogeneity in the temporal trends of the above indicators across the three groups (all P0.01). ConclusionDynamic monitoring of prognostic scores and key clinical indicators can effectively stratify the 1-year outcomes of non-cirrhotic patients with HBV-ACLF. Patients with poor prognosis were typically characterized by INR 2.5 and TBil 400 μmol/L. Among those who survived beyond 1 year, individuals who subsequently progressed to cirrhosis were frequently identified by the presence of INR 1.5, TBil 200 μmol/L, and PLT 100×10⁹/L at day 28.
4.Advances in MRI studies of brain structure and cerebral blood perfusion in patients with bipolar disorder
Xia NAN ; Wenling LI ; Lin WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(4):580-584
Bipolar disorder(BD)is a class of common psychiatric disorders,and its high morbidity,disability,and mortality have attracted widespread attention.However,in clinical practice,the initial accurate diagnosis rate of BD is low and easily misdiagnosed as monophasic depression.Many neuroimaging studies have shown that cortical thickness,gray matter,white matter,and functional activities are altered in some brain regions of BD patients.However,their specific neuroimaging indexes have not been clarified,and the specific pathophysi-ological mechanisms for the onset of BD have not been fully elucidated.Therefore,in this paper,we combed through the recent years of BD patients to study the cortical structure and perfusion of the brain to review the methods in anticipation of more in-depth research at a later stage.
5.Construction of NTV-ΔF1L-C7L modified strain of non-replication vaccinia virus NTV and evaluation of its immunological effects
Jiao REN ; Hang YUAN ; Li ZHAO ; Yamei DOU ; Shiyuan LIU ; Xin MENG ; Houwen TIAN ; Wenling WANG ; Wenjie TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2024;38(2):181-187
Objective:We genetically modified our non-replicating vaccinia virus NTV to improve its immunogenicity.Methods:We constructed NTV-modified strain NTV-ΔF1L-C7L by homologous recombination of vaccinia virus based on CRISPR-Cas9 technology by inserting the C7L gene while deleting the F1L gene. The recombinant virus NTV-ΔF1L-C7L was then immunized with 10 7 PFU in BALB/c mice, and the levels of humoral and cellular immunity induced by NTV-ΔF1L-C7L were detected by ELISA and ELISpot method, respectively, and the levels of neutralizing antibodies were determined by the phage-reduced neutralization assay. Results:The PCR and western- blot identification proved that the F1L gene of the constructed NTV-modified strain NTV-ΔF1L-C7L was missing, while the C7L gene was inserted back in the region, and the C7L gene could be expressed normally, indicating that the recombinant virus was constructed correctly. After immunization of mice with NTV-ΔF1L-C7L, ELISA result showed that the recombinant virus NTV-ΔF1L-C7L induced a higher level of IgG antibody than NTV; ELISpot result also showed that the recombinant virus was able to induce a higher level of IFN-γ; and the result of plaque reduction neutralization test showed that the recombinant virus was able to induce a higher level of IFN-γ antibody than that of NTV.Conclusions:We correctly constructed the NTV gene-modified strain NTV-ΔF1L-C7L, which induced stronger humoral and cellular immunity compared with NTV, and provided reference data for the research and development of replacement products for smallpox or monkeypox vaccines.
6.Value of magnetic resonance imaging multiple parameters in the differentiation between olfactory neuroblastoma and sinonasal diffusion large B cell lymphoma
Yuan WANG ; Wenling YU ; Ting LI ; Bentao YANG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2024;31(7):426-430
OBJECTIVE To investigate the value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)parameters in differentiation between olfactory neuroblastoma(ONB)and sinonasal diffusion large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL).METHODS Pathology-proven 34 ONB patients and 29 DLBCL patients with MRI examinations before treatment were included.The conventional MRI features and semi-quantitative parameters of two groups were documented and analysis.Statistical analysis between the two groups were performed.The independent sample t-test and was used for continuous variables in normal distribution,Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normal distribution.The frequency of categorical variables were compared by Chi-square test.Logistic regression analysis was done to identify the most predictive MRI features for differentiation.RESULTS ONB often located in the nasal cavity olfactory recess and ethmoid sinus,characterized by intracranial extension through the cribriform plate,forming a'dumbbell'shape mass(P=0.004).DLBCL more often located in paranasal sinus,orbits(P<0.001,P=0.024).T2WI signal intensity of ONB were higher than DLBCL(P<0.001).ONB showed more signs of outward turbinate and lobulation(P=0.001,P=0.004).ADCave of ONB was obviously higher than DLBCL(P<0.001).On DCE-MRI,ONB showed higher CImax,WR(P<0.001,P=0.011),lower TTP than DLBCL(P=0.003).ONB presented more wash-out type TIC curve(P=0.022).Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that tumor location(olfactory cleft or maxillary sinus),T2WI intensity,ADCave with cutoff value of 0.82×10-3mm2/s and TTP with cut off value of 52 seconds were the most predictive MRI features for differentiation.CONCLUSION The multiple MRI conventional and functional parameters are helpful in differentiating ONB from DLBCL.
7.Accurate determination of the whole genome sequencing and open reading frames composition of non-replicating Tiantan strain of vaccinia virus based on novel long read sequencing platform
Zhongxian ZHANG ; Changcheng WU ; Han LI ; Shuting HUO ; Li ZHAO ; Yao DENG ; Xin MENG ; Roujian LU ; Houwen TIAN ; Wenling WANG ; Baoying HUANG ; Wenjie TAN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(6):502-509
Objective:To accurately ascertain the whole genome sequencing and the composition of open reading frames (ORFs) of non-replicating Tiantan strain of vaccinia virus (NTV) using next-generation long-read sequencing technology.Methods:NTV, obtained from our laboratory stock, was amplified and purified on chicken embryo fibroblast cells(CEFs), and the full-length genomic nucleic acid of NTV was extracted. The PacBio HiFi sequencing platform was utilized for de novo assembly to obtain the complete genomic sequence of NTV. Using a homology annotation strategy, we identified its ORF composition and compared it with known non-replicating vaccinia virus strains. Results:The total length of NTV′s genome was 171 729 bp, with a GC content of 33%. Its unique inverted terminal repeat (ITR) region comprised hairpin structures, two tandem repeat regions, and three non-repeat regions. NTV contained 166 ORFs, with major differences observed in the ITR and its surrounding regions when compared to MVA-BN and NYVAC. These three strains shared a common set of 138 ORFs. NTV encoded six unique ORFs related to virus evasion of host antiviral response.Conclusions:This study accurately determines the whole genome sequencing and ORFs composition of NTV, and reveals its similarities and differences with other replication-deficient vaccinia virus strains, which pave a way for the development and application of the next generation of monkeypox vaccines and novel viral vectors.
8.Nursing practice for chronic constipation patients with fecal microbiota transplantation: a filed research
Yan LI ; Shailan ZHOU ; Xiaopei YANG ; Kai WANG ; Wenling FEI ; Fang WANG ; Hongliang TIAN ; Xiaoping ZHU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2023;39(6):406-411
Objective:To understand the current status of nursing for chronic constipation patients accepted fecal microbiota transplantation and provide reference basis for constructing clinical nursing plan.Methods:From April to August 2021, a field research was conducted in the Tenth People′s Hospital of Tongji University. Data was collected by field observation and informal interview for 13 nurses and analyzed by three-level coding method of qualitative research.Results:The work content of the observation subjects could be divided into 3 items including entrance health education, donor management, bacterial fluid management and clinical nursing. It still needed being improved in donor management, health education, nursing of naso-jejunal tube, intestinal preparation, infusion of bacterial fluid, observation of complications and follow-up.Conclusions:It still needs further development in nursing for chronic constipation with fecal microbiota transplantation. It is urgent to establish donor follow-up team, conduct professional training for nurses, rely on mobile medical platform to improve quality of fecal microbiota transplantation, so as to promote the recovery of patients.
9.Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir alafenamide for chronic hepatitis B patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Haitao TANG ; Xian WANG ; Tingxia CHAO ; Fengmei WANG ; Wenling JIA ; Chunhui LIANG ; Wenhua ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2023;39(24):3249-3254
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate(TAF)in the treatment of patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.Methods We retrospective analyzed 41 patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis receiving TAF antiviral therapy for 24 weeks at Wuwei Tumor Hospital in Gansu province from June 2022 to June 2023.Primary endpoint was proportion of patients achieving virologic response(HBV DNA<20 IU/mL).Other endpoints included changes in ALT,AST,TBIL,Child-Pugh score(CTP),and MELD score from baseline to week 24.In terms of safety,changes in Scr,eGFR and adverse events from baseline to week 24 were observed.Results Of 41 patients,73.2%were male(n = 30),with mean age of 53.49 years.24 weeks after treatment with TAF,HBV DNA was undetectable in 90.2%of the patients.The median levels of ALT,AST and total bilirubin(TBIL)were 50.70 U/L,48.70 U/L and 26.40 μmol/L respectively at base-line,and reduced significantly to 31.50 U/L,37.8 U/L and 23.8 μmol/L(P<0.05)respectively after 24-week therapy with TAF.CTP score was improved in 58.6%of the patients(n = 24),and so was MELD score in 63.4%of the patients(n = 26)at week 24.The median serum creatinine and eGFR were 58.5 μmol/L and 106.15 mL/(min·1.73 m2)respectively at baseline,and creatinine and eGFR were stable during treatment.No drug-related adverse events or severe adverse events occurred during treatment,neither did creatinine and eGFR liver transplan-tation,HCC or death.Conclusions Our clinical studies demonstrated better effectiveness and safety of TAF for decompensated CHB patients.
10.Relationship between the pelvic bone marrow dose-volume parameters and acute hematologic toxicity in neoadjuvant pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy for local advance rectal cancer
Sicheng HUANG ; Gang WANG ; Wenling WANG ; Hongmin DONG ; Weiwei CHEN ; Xiaokai LI ; Wanghua CHEN ; Guodong LI ; Leilei LI ; Juan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2023;43(2):94-100
Objective:To analyze the correlation between the volume of irradiated pelvic bone marrow and acute hematologic toxicity (HT), in order to provide clinical data to reduce the risk of acute HT and optimize the radiotherapy plan.Methods:From October 2017 to May 2019, 41 LARC patients who received neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) were retrospectively reviewed in our center. All patients were treated with 5-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and the prescription dose delivered to PTV was 45-50.4 Gy in 25-28 fractions. Capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) wasadministered daily 5 days a week during radiotherapy. Different HTswere recorded according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Version 5.0 (NCI-CTC.V5.0) based on laboratory tests. The volume of PBM or each site (coxal, sacrum, femoral) receiving more than x Gy refers to as TVx, CVx, SVx, and FVx, respectively. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between the volume of irradiated pelvic bone marrow and different HT. Generalized additive model (GAM) and piecewise regression were used to further analyze the possible nonlinear relationship and threshold effect between them. Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low-dose of irradiated total pelvic bone marrow volume ( TV5) and coxal bone marrow volume ( CV5, CV10) were significantly correlated with Grade ≥2 leukopenia( P<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the sacrum bone marrow volume ( SV5, SV10) and Grade ≥2 leukopenia ( P<0.05). A thresholdeffect has been observed between CV10 and Grade ≥2 leukopenia by Generalized additive model (GAM) and piecewise linear regression. The threshold between CV10 and Grade ≥2 leukopenia was 575 ml, OR (95% CI) was 1.85 (1.08, 3.16). Conclusions:In neoadjuvant IMRT of rectal cancer, CV is a better predictor of acute HT induced by CCRT than TV. The irradiated volume of CV associated with acute HT was mainly low-dose levels ( CV5, CV10). The thresholds of our study ( CV10= 575 ml) could be a good reference for the optimization of the radiotherapy plan.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail