1.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer Metastasis Based on Blood Harmonizing Method
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Fangni LI ; Yujie YANG ; Jungang DONG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):63-73
Metastasis in gastric cancer is a key factor contributing to poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis is complex, characterized by a combination of underlying deficiency and superficial excess, cold and heat in complexity, and stagnation in collateral Conventional aggressive treatment methods tend to exacerbate the depletion of healthy Qi and Zang-Fu organ dysfunctions. The harmonizing method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes holistic regulation and reinforcing healthy Qi while expelling pathogenic factors. The blood harmonizing method is grounded in the core TCM theory of blood vessel transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins. It closely addresses the essence of metastasis-where cancerous toxins spread through the bloodstream and accumulate in the collaterals-thereby providing a unique and feasible diagnostic and therapeutic approach for clinical intervention in gastric cancer metastasis. This paper systematically reviews relevant TCM theories such as transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins and accumulation-gathering and provides an in-depth explanation of the core pathogenesis of gastric cancer metastasis. Specifically, cancerous toxins circulate throughout the body via the blood vessels and accumulate in the collaterals of target organs such as the liver, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and lungs. The occurrence and development of this process are consistently centered on the key mechanism of disharmony in blood-related syndromes. On this basis, the paper explicitly proposes three major therapeutic approaches centered on harmonizing the blood. The first is harmonizing the blood to restore ascending and descending functions, thereby invigorating the spleen and regulating the middle energizer to restore the mediating function of the middle energizer and block the generation of phlegm and blood stasis at the root. The second is harmonizing the blood to balance cold and heat, using pungent herbs to open and bitter herbs to descend to harmonize the Yin-Yang balance and improve the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. The third is harmonizing the blood to unblock collaterals and resolve stasis, thereby gradually dissipating stasis and nodules, gently clearing obstructions in the collaterals, and breaking the critical link of collateral stagnation forming masses caused by metastasis. The article further summarizes modern pharmacological research findings on representative formulas such as Banxia Xiexintang, Weichang'an, Yangzheng Sanjie decoction, and Sijunzitang, confirming that they can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, through multiple targets and pathways, to regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, modulate the immune microenvironment, and induce tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, thereby blocking the metastasis process at multiple levels. This paper discusses the theoretical basis, pathogenetic mechanisms, therapeutic systems, and modern mechanisms of the blood harmonizing method for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis. It fully embodies the TCM principles of targeting balance, reinforcing healthy Qi without aiding the pathogen, and eliminating the pathogen without harming the healthy Qi, providing a solid theoretical foundation and practical pharmacological references for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in clinical practice.
2.Intestinal Absorption Solution Containing Banxia Xiexintang Inhibits Invasion and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells by Interfering with Crosstalk Between TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs
Xiping LIU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Yongrong LI ; Zhongbo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):74-83
ObjectiveTo investigate the synergistic promotion of malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer cells by tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs) and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) through crosstalk, and the intervention mechanism of the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT). MethodsGastric cancer MFC cells were treated with conditioned medium (co-culture-CM) prepared from a co-culture system of TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs. Groups included control, co-culture-CM model, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) inhibitor (LY2510924), α4β1 inhibitor (BIO5192), dual inhibitor combination, and different concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions. MFC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The SDF-1, α4β1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels in culture supernatants, along with the protein levels of intracellular macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), CD106, MMP-9, and VEGFA in MFC cells, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the control group, co-culture-CM promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells (P<0.01), elevated the levels of SDF-1, α4β1, MMP-9, and VEGFA (P<0.01), and upregulated the protein levels of MIF (P<0.05), MMP-9 (P<0.01), and VEGFA (P<0.01). Compared with co-culture-CM, BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions at various concentrations significantly reversed the phenotypic effects on cells, inhibited malignant phenotypes, lowered the levels of MMP-9 and SDF1, and reduced the expression of proteins in the crosstalk axis. Compared with the SDF1+α4β1 inhibitor group, the SDF1 inhibitor group and the α4β1 inhibitor group showed no differences in the inhibition of proliferation, scratch healing, and cytokine levels. The SDF1 inhibitor increased the apoptosis rate and downregulated the protein levels of MIF and CD106, while the α4β1 inhibitor increased the number of migrated cells and the expression of various proteins. Compared with the SDF1 inhibitor group, the α4β1 inhibitor group showed reduced inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased apoptosis rate, increased number of invasive cells, decreased α4β1 content, and increased expression of various proteins (P<0.01). The 55%, 70%, and 85% intestinal absorption solutions increased the inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased the number of invasive cells, and increased the apoptosis rate (P<0.01). The 55% BXT-containing intestinal absorption solution group showed increased wound healing rate and upregulated protein levels of VEGFA, CD106, and MMP-9 (P<0.05). The 70% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of MIF (P<0.05), and the 85% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of VEGFA (P<0.01) and downregulated the protein level of CXCR4 (P<0.01). ConclusionTA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs synergistically activate the MIF/SDF-1/CXCR4 and MMP-9/α4β1/CD106 axes through crosstalk, significantly enhancing gastric cancer cell invasion and migration. BXT-containing intestinal absorption fluid effectively inhibits the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by multi-targeted intervention in this crosstalk process.
3.Banxia Xiexintang Containing Intestinal Absorption Solution Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration by Modulating SDF1-CXCR4 Axis in TA-BMSCs
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Lijuan SHI ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):84-93
ObjectiveTo explore whether the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)-CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis in tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs). MethodsThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT was prepared, and the optimal intervention concentration and duration for MFC cells were determined through the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A co-culture system was established comprising TA-BMSCs conditioned medium (TA-BMSCs-CM) and gastric cancer MFC cells. The experiment was conducted with a blank control group, a TA-BMSCs-CM group, an SDF1 inhibitor (LY2510924) group, and intervention groups with varying concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT. Cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. Horizontal and vertical cell migration were evaluated via scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell invasion was examined by a Transwell assay with Matrigel. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of factors such as SDF1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), as well as the protein levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9, were quantified by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay results indicated that compared with the 24 h intervention, the 48 h interventions with all concentrations of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT increased the inhibition rate on MFC cells (P<0.01). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT at the time point of 48 h was 68.51%, and subsequent intervention concentrations were selected as 55%, 70%, and 85%. Compared with the TA-BMSCs-CM group, the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT (particularly at concentrations of 70% 85%) suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells, promoted the cell apoptosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the levels of SDF1, MMP-9, and VEGFA, and downregulated the protein levels of MIF, CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The inhibitory effects of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT were comparable to or superior to those of the SDF1 inhibitor (P<0.01). ConclusionThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the SDF1-CXCR4 axis in TA-BMSCs. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the MIF/SDF1/CXCR4 signaling pathway and its downstream effector molecules.
4.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer Metastasis Based on Blood Harmonizing Method
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Fangni LI ; Yujie YANG ; Jungang DONG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):63-73
Metastasis in gastric cancer is a key factor contributing to poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis is complex, characterized by a combination of underlying deficiency and superficial excess, cold and heat in complexity, and stagnation in collateral Conventional aggressive treatment methods tend to exacerbate the depletion of healthy Qi and Zang-Fu organ dysfunctions. The harmonizing method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes holistic regulation and reinforcing healthy Qi while expelling pathogenic factors. The blood harmonizing method is grounded in the core TCM theory of blood vessel transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins. It closely addresses the essence of metastasis-where cancerous toxins spread through the bloodstream and accumulate in the collaterals-thereby providing a unique and feasible diagnostic and therapeutic approach for clinical intervention in gastric cancer metastasis. This paper systematically reviews relevant TCM theories such as transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins and accumulation-gathering and provides an in-depth explanation of the core pathogenesis of gastric cancer metastasis. Specifically, cancerous toxins circulate throughout the body via the blood vessels and accumulate in the collaterals of target organs such as the liver, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and lungs. The occurrence and development of this process are consistently centered on the key mechanism of disharmony in blood-related syndromes. On this basis, the paper explicitly proposes three major therapeutic approaches centered on harmonizing the blood. The first is harmonizing the blood to restore ascending and descending functions, thereby invigorating the spleen and regulating the middle energizer to restore the mediating function of the middle energizer and block the generation of phlegm and blood stasis at the root. The second is harmonizing the blood to balance cold and heat, using pungent herbs to open and bitter herbs to descend to harmonize the Yin-Yang balance and improve the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. The third is harmonizing the blood to unblock collaterals and resolve stasis, thereby gradually dissipating stasis and nodules, gently clearing obstructions in the collaterals, and breaking the critical link of collateral stagnation forming masses caused by metastasis. The article further summarizes modern pharmacological research findings on representative formulas such as Banxia Xiexintang, Weichang'an, Yangzheng Sanjie decoction, and Sijunzitang, confirming that they can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, through multiple targets and pathways, to regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, modulate the immune microenvironment, and induce tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, thereby blocking the metastasis process at multiple levels. This paper discusses the theoretical basis, pathogenetic mechanisms, therapeutic systems, and modern mechanisms of the blood harmonizing method for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis. It fully embodies the TCM principles of targeting balance, reinforcing healthy Qi without aiding the pathogen, and eliminating the pathogen without harming the healthy Qi, providing a solid theoretical foundation and practical pharmacological references for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in clinical practice.
5.Intestinal Absorption Solution Containing Banxia Xiexintang Inhibits Invasion and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells by Interfering with Crosstalk Between TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs
Xiping LIU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Yongrong LI ; Zhongbo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):74-83
ObjectiveTo investigate the synergistic promotion of malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer cells by tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs) and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) through crosstalk, and the intervention mechanism of the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT). MethodsGastric cancer MFC cells were treated with conditioned medium (co-culture-CM) prepared from a co-culture system of TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs. Groups included control, co-culture-CM model, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) inhibitor (LY2510924), α4β1 inhibitor (BIO5192), dual inhibitor combination, and different concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions. MFC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The SDF-1, α4β1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels in culture supernatants, along with the protein levels of intracellular macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), CD106, MMP-9, and VEGFA in MFC cells, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the control group, co-culture-CM promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells (P<0.01), elevated the levels of SDF-1, α4β1, MMP-9, and VEGFA (P<0.01), and upregulated the protein levels of MIF (P<0.05), MMP-9 (P<0.01), and VEGFA (P<0.01). Compared with co-culture-CM, BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions at various concentrations significantly reversed the phenotypic effects on cells, inhibited malignant phenotypes, lowered the levels of MMP-9 and SDF1, and reduced the expression of proteins in the crosstalk axis. Compared with the SDF1+α4β1 inhibitor group, the SDF1 inhibitor group and the α4β1 inhibitor group showed no differences in the inhibition of proliferation, scratch healing, and cytokine levels. The SDF1 inhibitor increased the apoptosis rate and downregulated the protein levels of MIF and CD106, while the α4β1 inhibitor increased the number of migrated cells and the expression of various proteins. Compared with the SDF1 inhibitor group, the α4β1 inhibitor group showed reduced inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased apoptosis rate, increased number of invasive cells, decreased α4β1 content, and increased expression of various proteins (P<0.01). The 55%, 70%, and 85% intestinal absorption solutions increased the inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased the number of invasive cells, and increased the apoptosis rate (P<0.01). The 55% BXT-containing intestinal absorption solution group showed increased wound healing rate and upregulated protein levels of VEGFA, CD106, and MMP-9 (P<0.05). The 70% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of MIF (P<0.05), and the 85% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of VEGFA (P<0.01) and downregulated the protein level of CXCR4 (P<0.01). ConclusionTA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs synergistically activate the MIF/SDF-1/CXCR4 and MMP-9/α4β1/CD106 axes through crosstalk, significantly enhancing gastric cancer cell invasion and migration. BXT-containing intestinal absorption fluid effectively inhibits the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by multi-targeted intervention in this crosstalk process.
6.Banxia Xiexintang Containing Intestinal Absorption Solution Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration by Modulating SDF1-CXCR4 Axis in TA-BMSCs
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Lijuan SHI ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):84-93
ObjectiveTo explore whether the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)-CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis in tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs). MethodsThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT was prepared, and the optimal intervention concentration and duration for MFC cells were determined through the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A co-culture system was established comprising TA-BMSCs conditioned medium (TA-BMSCs-CM) and gastric cancer MFC cells. The experiment was conducted with a blank control group, a TA-BMSCs-CM group, an SDF1 inhibitor (LY2510924) group, and intervention groups with varying concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT. Cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. Horizontal and vertical cell migration were evaluated via scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell invasion was examined by a Transwell assay with Matrigel. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of factors such as SDF1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), as well as the protein levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9, were quantified by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay results indicated that compared with the 24 h intervention, the 48 h interventions with all concentrations of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT increased the inhibition rate on MFC cells (P<0.01). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT at the time point of 48 h was 68.51%, and subsequent intervention concentrations were selected as 55%, 70%, and 85%. Compared with the TA-BMSCs-CM group, the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT (particularly at concentrations of 70% 85%) suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells, promoted the cell apoptosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the levels of SDF1, MMP-9, and VEGFA, and downregulated the protein levels of MIF, CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The inhibitory effects of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT were comparable to or superior to those of the SDF1 inhibitor (P<0.01). ConclusionThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the SDF1-CXCR4 axis in TA-BMSCs. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the MIF/SDF1/CXCR4 signaling pathway and its downstream effector molecules.
7.Incidence and Influencing Factors Analysis of Postherpetic Neuralgia in People Over 50 Years Old with Herpes Zoster
Weihong LI ; Jie YU ; Wenying LUO ; Honghui SHENG ; Dihan LU ; Jingjun ZHANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):938-946
ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and its associated risk factors in patients aged ≥50 years with herpes zoster (HZ) who received standard antiviral therapy at the dermatology outpatient clinic of our center. MethodsHZ patients were identified by searching the medical record system using "herpes zoster" as the keyword, and those diagnosed between July 2020 and July 2021. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were followed up via telephone to retrospectively assess the occurrence of PHN. Patients were divided into a PHN group and a non-PHN group based on the presence of PHN. General patient information (gender, age, and underlying diseases), prodromal pain intensity, and lesion characteristics (area, location, and acute-phase pain intensity) as well as treatment modalities (pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and combined analgesic therapy) were compared between the two groups. Intergroup comparisons and multifactorial analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the development of PHN in HZ patients. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for PHN pain, acute-phase HZ pain, and prodromal pain. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and t-test. Binary logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors. ResultsA total of 238 HZ patients aged ≥50 years who received standard antiviral therapy were ultimately included, of whom 76 (31.9%) developed PHN. Unifactorial analysis showed that age, lesion area, acute-phase pain intensity, and the use of gabapentin or combined analgesic therapy significantly influenced the occurrence of PHN after HZ (P<0.05). Statistically significant indicators (P<0.05) from the unifactorial analysis and the different analgesic regimens adopted by patients were included in the multifactorial analysis. Multifactorial analysis revealed that lesion area ≥1% (OR=2.501; 95%CI=1.408-4.443; P=0.002<0.05) and acute-phase pain score (OR=1.160; 95%CI=1.028-1.309; P=0.016<0.05) were independent risk factors for PHN. Age and the use of gabapentin or combined analgesic therapy showed no statistically significant association with the occurrence of PHN (P>0.05). ConclusionsIn HZ patients aged ≥50 years receiving standard antiviral therapy, the incidence of PHN is 31.9%. A lesion area ≥1% and higher acute-phase pain NRS scores are identified as independent risk factors for the development of PHN in these patients.
8.Incidence and Influencing Factors Analysis of Postherpetic Neuralgia in People Over 50 Years Old with Herpes Zoster
Weihong LI ; Jie YU ; Wenying LUO ; Honghui SHENG ; Dihan LU ; Jingjun ZHANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):938-946
ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and its associated risk factors in patients aged ≥50 years with herpes zoster (HZ) who received standard antiviral therapy at the dermatology outpatient clinic of our center. MethodsHZ patients were identified by searching the medical record system using "herpes zoster" as the keyword, and those diagnosed between July 2020 and July 2021. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were followed up via telephone to retrospectively assess the occurrence of PHN. Patients were divided into a PHN group and a non-PHN group based on the presence of PHN. General patient information (gender, age, and underlying diseases), prodromal pain intensity, and lesion characteristics (area, location, and acute-phase pain intensity) as well as treatment modalities (pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and combined analgesic therapy) were compared between the two groups. Intergroup comparisons and multifactorial analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the development of PHN in HZ patients. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for PHN pain, acute-phase HZ pain, and prodromal pain. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and t-test. Binary logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors. ResultsA total of 238 HZ patients aged ≥50 years who received standard antiviral therapy were ultimately included, of whom 76 (31.9%) developed PHN. Unifactorial analysis showed that age, lesion area, acute-phase pain intensity, and the use of gabapentin or combined analgesic therapy significantly influenced the occurrence of PHN after HZ (P<0.05). Statistically significant indicators (P<0.05) from the unifactorial analysis and the different analgesic regimens adopted by patients were included in the multifactorial analysis. Multifactorial analysis revealed that lesion area ≥1% (OR=2.501; 95%CI=1.408-4.443; P=0.002<0.05) and acute-phase pain score (OR=1.160; 95%CI=1.028-1.309; P=0.016<0.05) were independent risk factors for PHN. Age and the use of gabapentin or combined analgesic therapy showed no statistically significant association with the occurrence of PHN (P>0.05). ConclusionsIn HZ patients aged ≥50 years receiving standard antiviral therapy, the incidence of PHN is 31.9%. A lesion area ≥1% and higher acute-phase pain NRS scores are identified as independent risk factors for the development of PHN in these patients.
9.Changes of T lymphocyte subsets and the relationship with postoperative lymph node metastasis in patients with stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ cervical cancer
Xiaoyu ZHOU ; Xuefeng PU ; Shulin LONG ; Lu LI ; Wenying HE
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(4):224-230
Objective:To investigate the changes of T lymphocyte subsets in patients with stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ cervical cancer after surgery and their relationship with postoperative lymph node metastasis according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (2014) .Methods:A total of 192 patients with FIGO stage ⅠA, ⅠB1, ⅠB2 and ⅡA1 who received radical cervical cancer resection and pelvic lymph node dissection in People's Hospital of Yuechi County of Sichuan Province and West China Guang'an Hospital of Sichuan University from November 2018 to November 2020 were selected for this study. According to FIGO stage, patients were divided into stage Ⅰ group ( n=85) and stage Ⅱ group ( n=107) . The dynamic changes of T lymphocytes subsets in patients with different FIGO stages were compared before and after surgery. Repeated measurement of variance was used to analyze the levels of T lymphocytes subsets in patients of different stages during treatment. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical cancer. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between T lymphocytes subsets and postoperative lymph node metastasis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive efficacy of T lymphocytes level in postoperative lymph node metastasis. Results:The postoperative lymph node metastasis rate in stage Ⅱ patients [32.71% (35/107) ] was higher than that in stage Ⅰ patients [14.12% (12/85) ], with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=8.86, P=0.003) . Compared with the stage Ⅱ group, the levels of CD3 +, CD4 + T lymphocytes and CD4 +/CD8 + ratio were significantly higher in the stage Ⅰ group 1 day before surgery (all P<0.001) , and the level of CD8 + T lymphocytes was significantly lower ( P<0.001) . The levels of CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + showed dynamic changes at different stages after surgery. On 1, 7 and 30 days after surgery, the levels of CD3 +, CD4 + T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + in stage Ⅰ group were higher than those in stage Ⅱ group (all P<0.001) , CD8 + T cell levels were lower than those in stage Ⅱ group (all P<0.001) . There were statistically significant differences in T lymphocytes subsets CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + and CD4 +/CD8 + time effect, intergroup effect and interaction effect between the two groups (all P<0.001) . Univariate analysis showed that the pathological type ( OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.14-2.33, P=0.015) , differentiation degree ( OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.18-2.67, P=0.024) , depth of myometrial invasion ( OR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.26-2.59, P=0.012) , tumor morphology ( OR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.57-2.63, P=0.009) , parametrial invasion ( OR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.43-2.76, P=0.036) and lymphovascular space invasion ( OR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.28-2.57, P=0.021) were the influencing factors for postoperative lymph node metastasis in patients with FIGO stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ cervical cancer. Multivariate analysis showed that the degree of differentiation ( OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.08-2.03, P=0.015) , depth of myometrial invasion ( OR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.43-2.84, P=0.021) , parametrial invasion ( OR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.76-2.97, P=0.018) and lymphovascular space invasion ( OR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.03-2.51, P=0.033) were independent factors for postoperative lymph node metastasis in patients with FIGO stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ cervical cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + T cells and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + in patients with stage Ⅰ and stage Ⅱ cervical cancer 1 day before surgery were independent influencing factors for postoperative lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05) . ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve of CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + T lymphocytes levels and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + in stage Ⅰ patients 1 day before surgery for predicting postoperative lymph node metastasis were 0.86, 0.82, 0.83, 0.89, respectively, and those in stage Ⅱ patients were 0.90, 0.93, 0.87, 0.95, respectively. CD4 +/CD8 + ratio was significantly more effective in predicting postoperative lymph node metastasis than other indexes (all P<0.001) . Conclusions:The levels of CD3 +, CD4 + T lymphocytes, and the CD4 +/CD8 + ratio in patients with FIGO stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ cervical cancer are significantly higher in 1-30 days after surgery than before, while the level of CD8 + T lymphocytes is significantly lower than before. There is a significant correlation between T lymphocytes subsets and lymph node metastasis after surgery. In addition, low differentiation, depth of myometrial invasion ≥1/2, parametrial invasion, and lymphovascular space invasion are independent risk factors for postoperative lymph node metastasis.
10.Effects of Yangrong Changchun Ointment on serum sex hormone levels and hypothalamic kisspeptin/GPR54 signaling pathway in rats with menopausal syndrome
Bo DAI ; Wenying LI ; Jun TONG ; Yixuan MA
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(12):1695-1701
Objective:To investigate the effects of Yangrong Changchun Ointment on serum estradiol (E 2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and on the Kiss peptin/protein one anti-G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) signaling pathway in rats with menopause syndrome (MPS). Methods:Totally 48 SD female rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group ( n=8) and a modeling group ( n=40), and the rat model of menopausal syndrome was established by ovariectomy. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into the model group, Kunbao Pills group group, Yangrong Changchun Ointment high-, medium-, low-dosage groups according to random number table method, with eight rats in each group. Yangrong Changchun Ointment high-, medium-, low-dosage groups were orally administered with Yangrong Changchun Ointment suspension at doses of 10.0, 5.0, and 2.5 g/kg, while the Kunbao Pills group was orally administered with Kunbao Pills suspension at a dosage of 1 g/kg. The sham-operation group and model group were orally administered with distilled water of equal volume at a dosage of 1 ml/100 g body weight, once a day, for 28 consecutive days. The organ index of rats was calculated; the behavior of rats was determined by open filed test; HE staining was used to observe the histopathology of the uterus; ELISA was used to detect the levels of E 2, FSH, and AMH in the serum of rats; and qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of GPR54, Kiss-1, Phospholipase C (PLC), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and protein kinase C (PKC) in the hypothalamus. Results:Compared with the model group, the uterus, adrenal gland, spleen and thymus indices increased in the Yangrong Changchun Ointment high-dosage group ( P<0.05); serum levels of E 2 and AMH increased ( P<0.05), and the serum level of FSH decreased ( P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expressions of GPR54, Kiss-1, PLC, GnRH and PKC in the hypothalamus decreased ( P<0.05), and the uterine histopathological damage was improved. Conclusion:Yangrong Changchun Ointment can improve the pathological injury and estrogen level disorder in rats with MPS, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of kisspeptin/GPR54 pathway.

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