1.Advances in the emphysema phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Xiaoxue WU ; Xiansheng LIU ; Ruiying WANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(12):1569-1575
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous condition with diverse phenotypes and endotypes. The emphysema phenotype, characterized by destruction of the terminal bronchioles and alveolar walls, is associated with more severe lung function impairment, heightened airway inflammation, and greater systemic dysfunction compared to other subtypes. Early diagnosis via biomarkers, signaling pathway analysis, and imaging, combined with targeted therapies, may improve patient outcomes. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate this phenotype. This review summarizes recent advances in the pathology, biomarkers, signaling pathways, and clinical management of the emphysema phenotype of COPD, aiming to enhance its recognition and inform future research.
2.Clinical research on impaired cardiac microcirculatory perfusion,left ventricular remodeling and myocardial fibrosis in patients with essential hypertension
Xiaoju ZHAI ; Zhen CHAI ; Xiansheng WANG ; Xiongyi GAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(11):61-66
Objective To explore the situation of impaired cardiac microcirculatory perfusion,left ventricular remodeling and myocardial fibrosis in patients with essential hypertension(abbreviated as hypertension)and their clinical significance.Methods Eighty patients with hypertension were selected as hypertension group,and another 80 healthy individuals who underwent physical examina-tions during the same period were selected as control group.Based on the severity of hypertension,patients in the hypertension group were divided into low-risk group and moderate-to-high-risk group.The indicators of impaired cardiac microcirculatory perfusion[left ventricular myocardial blood flow(MBF),right ventricular MBF,coronary flowreserve(CFR)],left ventricular remodeling[left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV)]and myocardial fibrosis[left ventricular isovolumic relaxation time(IVRT),the ratio of the peak velocity of E wave to A wave in the diastolic blood flow spectrum of the mitral valve orifice(E/A),type Ⅰ procollagen carboxy-terminal peptide(P Ⅰ CP),type Ⅲprocollagen amino-terminal peptide(PC Ⅲ)]were compared between the control group and the hy-pertension group.Pearson's correlation coefficient method was used for correlation analysis.The differences in the above-mentioned indicators among different risk groups were compared.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of impaired cardiac microcirculatory perfusion,left ventricular remodeling and myocardial fibrosis for the severity of hypertension.Results In the hypertension group,left ventricular MBF,right ventricular MBF and CFR were all lower than those in the control group,LVEDV and LVESV were larger than those in the control group,LVEF was lower than that in the control group,IVRT was longer than that in the control group,the levels of P Ⅰ CP and PC Ⅲ were higher than those in the control group,and E/A was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The results of Pearson's correlation coef-ficient analysis showed that LVEF was positively correlated with CFR and E/A,and negatively cor-related with IVRT and PC Ⅲ;LVEDV was positively correlated with CFR,IVRT,P Ⅰ CP and PCⅢ;LVESV was positively correlated with IVRT,P Ⅰ CP and PC Ⅲ,and negatively correlated with E/A;left ventricular MBF was positively correlated with CFR and E/A,and negatively correlated with IVRT,P Ⅰ CP and PC Ⅲ;right ventricular MBF was positively correlated with CFR and E/A,and negatively correlated with IVRT,P Ⅰ CP and PC Ⅲ.In the moderate-to-high-risk group,IVRT was longer than that in the low-risk group,LVEDV was larger than that in the low-risk group,P ⅠCP,PC Ⅲ,E/A,LVEF,left ventricular MBF,right ventricular MBF and CFR were all lower than those in the low-risk group,and LVESV was smaller than that in the low-risk group,with statistical-ly significant differences(P<0.05).The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves for diagnosing the severity of hypertension by impaired cardiac microcirculatory perfusion,left ventricular remodeling and myocardial fibrosis were 0.962,0.969 and 0.945 respectively,the sensitivities were 91.4%,97.1%and 88.6%respectively,and the specificities were 95.6%,88.9%and 93.3%respectively.Conclusion Hypertension can cause impaired cardiac microcirculatory perfusion and promote the processes of left ventricular remodeling and myocardial fibrosis.Impaired cardiac microcirculatory perfusion,left ventricular remodeling and myocardial fibrosis have good di-agnostic efficacy for the severity of hypertension.
3.Advances in the emphysema phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Xiaoxue WU ; Xiansheng LIU ; Ruiying WANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(12):1569-1575
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous condition with diverse phenotypes and endotypes. The emphysema phenotype, characterized by destruction of the terminal bronchioles and alveolar walls, is associated with more severe lung function impairment, heightened airway inflammation, and greater systemic dysfunction compared to other subtypes. Early diagnosis via biomarkers, signaling pathway analysis, and imaging, combined with targeted therapies, may improve patient outcomes. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate this phenotype. This review summarizes recent advances in the pathology, biomarkers, signaling pathways, and clinical management of the emphysema phenotype of COPD, aiming to enhance its recognition and inform future research.
4.Research progress on intervention measures for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with sarcopenia
Min XU ; Xiansheng LIU ; Ruiying WANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2024;23(12):1352-1357
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent chronic respiratory condition, often accompanied by various comorbidities. Sarcopenia is a significant comorbidity of COPD, impacting its progression and prognosis, therefore early intervention is crucial. Intervention for COPD with sarcopenia includes non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures. Non-pharmacological intervention encompass respiratory rehabilitation, nutritional interventions and exercise training; while pharmaceutical intervention is still in its nascent stages. This article presents a comprehensive review of the research progress on intervention measures for COPD with sarcopenia, aiming to provide insights for prevention and management of this condition.
5.Progress in the mechanisms of susceptibility to hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in diabetic patients
Lu JIANG ; Ruiying WANG ; Shuang WEI ; Xiansheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(6):560-564
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is a highly virulent variant of Klebsiella pneumoniae and can cause systemic invasive infection. The worldwide prevalence of hvKP infection continues to increase. Diabetic patients, especially those with poor glucose control, are at a higher risk for hvKP infection. The infection of hvKP in diabetic patients is characterized by high incidence, rapid progression and high fatality rate. The mechanisms underlying the susceptibility to hvKP in patients with diabetes include hyperglycemia-induced bacterial translocation, endothelial-epithelial barrier damage, immune evasion, high-load bacteremia, microthrombosis and hvKP carbon/iron metabolism-based regulation of virulence. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying the susceptibility to hvKP in diabetic patients will be great significant to further improve clinical understanding and attention, and provide early prevention and effective diagnosis and treatment. This article summarizes the progress in the mechanisms of susceptibility to hvKP in diabetic patients in recent years.
6.Modern Research on Qizhi Weitong Granules: A Review
Tianjiao LI ; Kaiqiang SU ; Shuai WANG ; Xinxin YANG ; Yongrui BAO ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):145-152
Qizhi Weitong granules composed of Bupleuri Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Aurantii Fructus, Cyperi Rhizoma (processed), Corydalis Rhizoma (processed), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma have the effects of soothing the liver, regulating Qi movement, and harmonizing the stomach to relieve pain. This preparation is thus used for the treatment of liver depression, Qi stagnation, chest distension, and epigastric pain. It has become a first-line medication for the treatment of epigastric pain after years of clinical practice. At present, researchers have carried out extensive studies on Qizhi Weitong granules, including the optimization of the extraction and purification process, identification of chemical components, characterization of absorbed components, establishment of quality control methods, validation of pharmacological effect on digestive system diseases, exploration of the mechanism, and observation of clinical efficacy. The studies have achieved fruitful results. This article summarizes the research achievements related to Qizhi Weitong granules in recent years from pharmacological substances, quality control, pharmacological effect, mechanism of action, and clinical efficacy, aiming to provide ideas for in-depth research and modern development of Qizhi Weitong granules.
7.Structure-activity Omics on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Cyperi Rhizoma in Qizhi Weitong Granules
Ying ZHENG ; Sicong LIU ; Xi LUO ; Bing QI ; Shuai WANG ; Yongrui BAO ; Tianjiao LI ; Liang WANG ; Dong YAO ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):153-160
ObjectiveTo elucidate the pharmacodynamic substances responsible for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Cyperi Rhizoma by structure-activity omics. MethodOn the basis of the previous in vitro efficacy study by our research group, this study explored the in vivo efficacy of the flavonoids in Cyperi Rhizoma. The flavonoids in Cyperi Rhizoma and their targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), PharmMapper, Swiss TargetPrediction, and available articles. The targets of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were collected from DisGeNET and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). The common targets shared by flavonoids and the effects were selected as the direct targets of flavonoids endowing Cyperi Rhizoma with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the core targets was constructed. The method of structure-activity omics was employed to correlate the structure and efficacy of one or more classes of chemical components in Cyperi Rhizoma with the targets as a bridge. The components were classified according to structure. Molecular docking of components to core targets was carried out via SYBYL-X 2.1.1, PyMol, and Discovery Studio 4.5 visualizer. Two targets with the highest binding affinity were selected to explore the relationship between compound structures and targets. ResultThe flavonoids in Cyperi Rhizoma exerted anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the mouse model of pain induced by formaldehyde. Eighteen components and 115 direct targets were screened out, and the core targets with high activities were protein kinase B1 (Akt1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). According to the structures, the flavonoids in Cyperi Rhizoma were classified into bioflavonoids, flavonols, flavones, and flavanes. The molecular docking results showed that flavonoids of Cyperi Rhizoma had the highest binding affinity to TP53 and PTGS2. The results of structure-activity omics showed that bioflavonoids represented the best binding structure to the targets, while their polyhydroxyl etherification resulted in a significant decrease in the binding affinity to PTGS2. Glycosides had higher binding affinity to PTGS2. The introduction of the long-chain hydrocarbon group to the A ring of flavonols facilitated the binding to TP53, while the change of B ring substituents was not the main factor affecting the binding affinity. The 3,4-dihydroxyl flavane outperformed 3-hydroxyl flavane in the binding to TP53, while the two compounds showed similar binding affinity to PTGS2. ConclusionThe method of structure-activity omics was used to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of flavonoids in Cyperi Rhizoma. Structure-activity omics provides new ideas for revealing the pharmacodynamic substances of traditional Chinese medicine.
8.Structure-activity Omics on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in Qizhiweitong Granules
Ying MENG ; Ying ZHENG ; Xinpeng QIN ; Sicong LIU ; Tianjiao LI ; Yongrui BAO ; Shuai WANG ; Liang WANG ; Honghong JIANG ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):161-168
ObjectiveTo reveal the pharmacodynamic substances for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma by structure-activity omics. MethodOn the basis of the previous study about the screening of active components in vitro, this study explored the effects of flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in vivo. The flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and their direct targets for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), PharmMapper, Swiss TargetPrediction, DisGeNET, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). STRING and Cytoscape 3.7.2 were employed to establish the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of key targets. Molecular docking was performed to simulate the binding of five targets with high degrees to flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, on the basis of which the key core targets were selected. The targets were used as a bridge to correlate the structures and effects of one or more classes of chemical components in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. According to the binding affinity between flavonoids with different structures in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and targets, the relationships between compound structures and core targets were discussed. ResultThe flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma reduced the content of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the rat model of pain induced by formalin, demonstrating definite anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Sixty active compounds (flavonoids) with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were obtained. With the total score as the standard, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) were selected as the key core targets of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Except that flavones showed selectivity of binding to MAPK3, the other flavonoids of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma showed strong binding to PTGS2 and MAPK3, and the structures containing glycoside fragments showed stronger binding affinity to the targets. The introduction of chain olefins in the ring of chalcones facilitated the binding to the targets. The isopentenyl fragment in flavonols may cause the difference in binding affinity. The parallel combination of a ring into pyran ring in flavanes was not conducive to the binding to the target. The electric charge, liposolubility, and steric hindrance of the substituent group on the B ring of isoflavones directly affected the binding affinity. ConclusionThis study adopts structure-activity omics to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Structure-activity omics provides new ideas and methods for predicting the pharmacodynamic substances of traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Structure-activity Omics on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Paeoniae Radix Alba in Qizhi Weitong Granules
Bing QI ; Xi LUO ; Ying ZHENG ; Ying MENG ; Shuai WANG ; Yongrui BAO ; Tianjiao LI ; Ling HAN ; Xinying SHU ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):169-175
ObjectiveTo elucidate the active compounds for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba from structure-activity omics. MethodOn the basis of the previous in vitro efficacy study by our research group, a mouse model of foot swelling was induced by methyl aldehyde and used to study the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of total glycosides of Paeoniae Radix Alba in vivo. The core targets of the active compounds for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes (STRING). Molecular docking was conducted for the total glucosides of Paeoniae Radix Alba with the core targets, and the key core targets with high binding affinity were screened out according to the comprehensive score of each target and active structure. The structure-activity relationship was analyzed with targets as a bridge through the combination of compound structures and pharmacological effects. ResultThe total glucosides of Paeoniae Radix Alba had good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in vivo. The core targets of 23 active components of Paeoniae Radix Alba were epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53), and proto-oncogene transcription factor (JUN). According to the structure of the parent nucleus, there were 16 pinane monoterpene glycosides, 4 pinene monoterpene glycosides, 2 monoterpene lactone glycosides, and 1 monoterpene ketone. The key core targets screened out by molecular docking were EGFR and STAT3. The structure-activity analysis of the active compound structures and the key core targets showed that the introduction of ketone group and benzene ring group on the parent nucleus affected the binding activity. ConclusionThis study analyzed the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of total glycosides of Paeoniae Radix Alba from structure-activity omics, providing new ideas and methods for revealing the pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Analysis of Breeding and Application Data for Laboratory Cats
Xiansheng WU ; Wei HUANG ; Yongfen LIANG ; Hui DENG ; Yonghuan ZHAI ; Jiajun YANG ; Ganquan HUANG ; Gang WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(4):428-435
Objective To cultivate and breed laboratory cats in conventional laboratory animal facilities,collect background data on laboratory cats,and compare them with purchased domestic cats to assess the feasibility of breeding laboratory cats.Methods Indigenous cat breeds were introduced for reproduction and population expansion under conventional laboratory environment,with recording of kitten survival rates and growth curves.Indicators of 20 laboratory cats of F1 generation(half male and half female),including complete blood count,blood biochemistry,organ mass,organ coefficient,heart rate,and blood pressure,were detected and comparisons between sexes were made.Blood pressure values and sensitivity to histamine of these cats were measured using depressor substance detection method in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China-Four Parts:2020,and were compared with the data from 173 concurrently purchased domestic cats.Results Laboratory cats adapted well to the environment of conventional laboratory facilities,with a survival rate of 77.08%of kittens at 8 weeks of age.Red blood cell count,hemoglobin content,mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration,and hematocrit in male laboratory cats were significantly higher than those in females(P<0.01),while the mean corpuscular volume in males was significantly lower than that in females(P<0.01).The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin,creatinine,triacylglycerol,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in male laboratory cats were significantly higher than those in females(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while cholesterol,globulin,total protein,and the albumin-globulin ratio were significantly lower in males(P<0.01).The liver coefficient in male laboratory cats was significantly lower than that in female cats(P<0.05),while the kidney coefficient was significantly higher(P<0.05).The spleen-brain and kidney-brain ratios were significantly higher in males compared to females(P<0.05 or P<0.01).No significant differences were found in heart rate,systolic pressure,diastolic pressure,mean blood pressure,or sensitivity to histamine between male and female laboratory cats(P>0.05).Compared to laboratory cats,purchased domestic cats had significantly higher heart rate,systolic pressure,and mean blood pressure(P<0.01),and the magnitude of blood pressure changes induced by medium and high doses of histamine was significantly reduced(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion It is feasible to breed laboratory cats in conventional laboratory animal facilities.The accuracy of experimental results can be improved by using laboratory cats with clear and standardized background data.

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