1.Effect and Mechanism of Liangyi Paste on Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Naturally Aged Mice with High-fat Diet via Cuproptosis/Oxidative Stress Pathway
Meiling ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yu LIU ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG ; Guoyuan SUI ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):91-99
ObjectiveTaking the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway as the entry point, this study investigated the effect and mechanism of Liangyi Paste on hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice fed with a high-fat diet. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, 80 ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Thirty of them were randomly divided into three groups (10 mice per group): The 12-month-old control group (12MCON), the 15-month-old control group (15MCON), and the 15-month-old group with a high-fat diet (15MHFD). The 12MCON and 15MCON groups were continuously fed a standard diet, while the 15MHFD group started receiving a high-fat diet at 12 months of age. Tissue samples were collected at the corresponding time points for each group. The remaining 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 mice per group): the 20-month-old control group (20MCON), the model group, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangyi Paste groups (2.91 , 5.82 , 11.64 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). The 20MCON group was continuously fed a standard diet, while the other groups started receiving a high-fat diet at 15 months of age. At 18 months of age, the Liangyi Paste groups were administered the corresponding doses of Liangyi Paste by gavage, while the 20MCON and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous gavage (when the mice reached 20 months of age), tissue samples were collected. Hepatic TG levels were measured using assay kits; liver histology and lipid deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Cu2+, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by colorimetry; mRNA and protein expression of genes related to cuproptosis and oxidative stress pathways were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression system. ResultsCompared with 12MCON, the 15MCON group showed significantly increased hepatic TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA levels (P<0.01), decreased SOD (P<0.01), hepatocyte swelling, and disordered arrangement. The mRNA and protein levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit-β (PDHB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 15MCON group, the 15MHFD and 20MCON groups exhibited further increases in TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), and aggravated hepatocyte swelling and disorder. There were increased lipid droplets with mild vacuolization in the 15MHFD group, and no significant lipid deposition was observed in the 20MCON group. FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 20MCON group, the model group demonstrated markedly elevated TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), severe hepatic steatosis, and upregulated expression of FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). All abnormalities were significantly reversed after Liangyi Paste treatment. ConclusionLiangyi paste can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice with a high-fat diet by modulating the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway.
2.Synergistic Activation of LEPR and ADRB2 Induced by Leptin Enhances Reactive Oxygen Specie Generation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Chang LIU ; Jing YU ; Yongjun DU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaofei SONG ; Chang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Yue WANG ; Junfang QIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):457-477
Purpose:
Leptin interacts not only with leptin receptor (LEPR) but also engages with other receptors. While the pro-oncogenic effects of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) are well-established, the role of leptin in activating ADRB2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.
Materials and Methods:
The pro-carcinogenic effects of LEPR were investigated using murine TNBC cell lines, 4T1 and EMT6, and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Expression levels of LEPR, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and ADRB2 in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were analyzed via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry and MitoSox staining, while immunofluorescence double-staining confirmed the co-localization of LEPR and ADRB2.
Results:
LEPR activation promoted NOX4-derived ROS and mitochondrial ROS production, facilitating TNBC cell proliferation and migration, effects which were mitigated by the LEPR inhibitor Allo-aca. Co-expression of LEPR and ADRB2 was observed on cell membranes, and bioinformatics data revealed a positive correlation between the two receptors. Leptin activated both LEPR and ADRB2, enhancing intracellular ROS generation and promoting tumor progression, which was effectively countered by a specific ADRB2 inhibitor ICI118551. In vivo, leptin injection accelerated tumor growth and lung metastases without affecting appetite, while treatments with Allo-aca or ICI118551 mitigated these effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that leptin stimulates the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the activation of both LEPR and ADRB2, resulting in increased ROS production. These findings highlight LEPR and ADRB2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TNBC.
3.Analysis of electroencephalogram power spectrum in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression under eyes-open and eyes-closed resting states
Youjun HUANG ; Xinyu HE ; Chengyao HUANG ; Ze'an YU ; Xiaofei HOU ; Guo'er ZHANG ; Ruizhi WANG ; You WANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(1):24-29
Objective:To analyze the electroencephalogram(EEG) average relative power spectrum in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression under the eyes-open and eyes-closed resting states.Methods:A total of 38 patients with unipolar depression (UD group), 48 patients with bipolar depression (BD group), and 43 healthy controls (HC group) were recruited from August 2022 to December 2023.The 64-channel EEG was recorded under eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) resting states which alternated twice. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were performed by SPSS 25.0 software. Results:There were no significant differences in the average relative power of delta and beta bands among the UD, BD and HC groups in all EO and EC states (all P>0.05). The average relative power of theta band in the three groups showed statistically significant differences in all EO and EC states ( H=7.852-12.583, all P<0.05). Further pairwise comparisons showed that in the first EO and EC stage, the average relative power of theta band of the UD and BD groups were significantly higher than that of the HC group (EO1: 0.18(0.17, 0.21), 0.19(0.16, 0.21), 0.16(0.14, 0.18), EC1: 0.15(0.13, 0.21), 0.15(0.13, 0.20), 0.13(0.10, 0.16); all P<0.05).In the second EO and EC stage, the average relative power of theta band of the BD group was significantly higher than that of the HC group (EO2: 0.18(0.15, 0.22), 0.16(0.14, 0.18), EC2: 0.15(0.13, 0.19), 0.13(0.11, 0.16); both P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in the average relative power of alpha band among the three groups in the first EO and EC stage, as well as the second EC stage ( H=5.027-10.668, all P<0.05). Further pairwise comparisons showed that in the first EO stage, the average relative power of alpha band in the BD group was significantly higher than that in the UD group (0.20(0.16, 0.25), 0.14(0.11, 0.22), P=0.003), and in the following EC stages, the average relative power of alpha band in the UD group was significantly lower than that in the HC group (EC1: 0.40(0.33, 0.46), 0.51(0.40, 0.58), EC2: 0.41(0.35, 0.50), 0.48(0.43, 0.58); both P<0.05). Conclusion:At the initial stage of the resting state, both unipolar and bipolar depression patients demonstrate abnormal theta band activity under the eyes-open and eyes-closed states, while the alpha band activity under the eyes-open condition differs between the two groups of patients. These findings may provide potentially objective biomarkers to assist the diagnosis of unipolar and bipolar depression patients in clinical settings.
4.Radionuclide Drug Conjugates:China's 15-Year Research and Development Process and Latest Policy Support
Dan LIU ; Xiuqi LI ; Shupeng LIU ; Xiaofei WU ; Mengyang YU ; Hongyun WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):847-854
Radionuclide drug conjugates(RDC)represent the culmination of interdisciplinary integra-tion.By virtue of their precise targeting capability,high diagnostic sensitivity,and remarkable therapeutic effi-cacy in tumor diagnosis and treatment,RDC has emerged as promising theranostic agents with immense applica-tion potential.This article systematically reviews the progress in RDC development in China from 2009 to 2024,encompassing an overview of RDC,its structure and classification,trends in clinical research,advances in clinical trials,and national policy support.The aim is to provide valuable insights for researchers in related fields,thereby facilitating further development and application of RDC-based therapeutics.
5.Analysis of electroencephalogram power spectrum in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression under eyes-open and eyes-closed resting states
Youjun HUANG ; Xinyu HE ; Chengyao HUANG ; Ze'an YU ; Xiaofei HOU ; Guo'er ZHANG ; Ruizhi WANG ; You WANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(1):24-29
Objective:To analyze the electroencephalogram(EEG) average relative power spectrum in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression under the eyes-open and eyes-closed resting states.Methods:A total of 38 patients with unipolar depression (UD group), 48 patients with bipolar depression (BD group), and 43 healthy controls (HC group) were recruited from August 2022 to December 2023.The 64-channel EEG was recorded under eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) resting states which alternated twice. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were performed by SPSS 25.0 software. Results:There were no significant differences in the average relative power of delta and beta bands among the UD, BD and HC groups in all EO and EC states (all P>0.05). The average relative power of theta band in the three groups showed statistically significant differences in all EO and EC states ( H=7.852-12.583, all P<0.05). Further pairwise comparisons showed that in the first EO and EC stage, the average relative power of theta band of the UD and BD groups were significantly higher than that of the HC group (EO1: 0.18(0.17, 0.21), 0.19(0.16, 0.21), 0.16(0.14, 0.18), EC1: 0.15(0.13, 0.21), 0.15(0.13, 0.20), 0.13(0.10, 0.16); all P<0.05).In the second EO and EC stage, the average relative power of theta band of the BD group was significantly higher than that of the HC group (EO2: 0.18(0.15, 0.22), 0.16(0.14, 0.18), EC2: 0.15(0.13, 0.19), 0.13(0.11, 0.16); both P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in the average relative power of alpha band among the three groups in the first EO and EC stage, as well as the second EC stage ( H=5.027-10.668, all P<0.05). Further pairwise comparisons showed that in the first EO stage, the average relative power of alpha band in the BD group was significantly higher than that in the UD group (0.20(0.16, 0.25), 0.14(0.11, 0.22), P=0.003), and in the following EC stages, the average relative power of alpha band in the UD group was significantly lower than that in the HC group (EC1: 0.40(0.33, 0.46), 0.51(0.40, 0.58), EC2: 0.41(0.35, 0.50), 0.48(0.43, 0.58); both P<0.05). Conclusion:At the initial stage of the resting state, both unipolar and bipolar depression patients demonstrate abnormal theta band activity under the eyes-open and eyes-closed states, while the alpha band activity under the eyes-open condition differs between the two groups of patients. These findings may provide potentially objective biomarkers to assist the diagnosis of unipolar and bipolar depression patients in clinical settings.
6.Teaching and practice exploration on the integration of multi-disciplines in teaching of operative dentistry
Chunyan WAN ; Keqing PAN ; Jing DENG ; Shuai WANG ; Lingshuang LIU ; Haiping XU ; Xiaofei YU ; Lei MA ; Jing FU ; Mengdong LIU ; Wen SU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(4):529-534
Objective:In order to effectively educate students on tooth defect diseases and restoration techniques, the teaching and research team at the School of Stomatology of Qingdao University developed an integrated course operative dentistry. This course is specifically designed to align with the undergraduate curriculum reform requirements of "Three Early, Two Multiple and One Integration".Methods:The teaching practice of operative dentistry was conducted with the stomatology undergraduates of grade 2020 and 2021. The course group redesigned the curriculum by reorganizing teaching content, rebuilding teaching resources, reconstructing teaching mode, and reshaping the evaluation system. Evaluation of the curriculum design included test scores, satisfaction questionnaires, and teacher self-evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software, including independent sample t-tests for numerical variables and Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for categorical variables. Results:Through the integrated course learning, 92.68% (38/41) of the students of grade 2020 and 97.44% (38/39) of the students of grade 2021 can basically or completely master various dental defect repair schemes and understand the importance of preserving natural tooth. 82.93% (34/41) of the students of grade 2020 and 100.00% (39/39) of the students of grade 2021 could basically or completely master the key points of various dental defect restorations.Conclusions:Through the practice of teaching, it has been confirmed that the integrated course of operative dentistry is beneficial to students' mastering the knowledge and skills of dental defect diseases and their restoration in a more comprehensive way, and is conducive to the cultivation of clinical thinking, hands-on ability and the patient-centered, comprehensive problem-solving thinking, which is in line with the guidance on the innovation and development of medical education.
7.Comparison of the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy between 2.0 L and 1.5 L polyethylene glycol under optimized dietary restrictions: a multicenter randomized controlled study
Peng PAN ; Yuping WANG ; Junyan GAO ; Xiaofei LI ; Danian JI ; Haoran LI ; Yu BAI
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2025;42(8):634-638
Objective:To compare bowel preparation quality between 2.0 L and 1.5 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimens with optimized dietary restrictions.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in three hospitals: the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University ( n=57), Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University ( n=30), and General Hospital of Northern Theater Command ( n=30) from May 5th to 30th, 2024. Participants consumed food for special medical purpose one day before examination or therapeutic colonoscopy and were randomized to receive either 2.0 L PEG (group A) or 1.5 L PEG (group B). Outcomes included the completion rate of bowel preparation, the adequate/excellent bowel preparation rate, Boston bowel preparation scale scores, the subject/endoscopist satisfaction, the willingness to repeat the preparation regimen, and incidence of adverse events. Results:A total of 60 subjects in group A and 57 in group B were included. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups ( P>0.05). The adequate bowel preparation rate [81.7% (49/60) VS 64.9% (37/57), χ2=4.21, P=0.040] and endoscopist satisfaction [88.3% (53/60) VS 70.2% (40/57), χ2=5.91, P=0.015] in group A were significantly higher than those in group B. There were no significant differences in bowel preparation completion rates, the excellent bowel preparation rate, the bowel preparation score, subject satisfaction, willingness to repeat the preparation regimen, or incidence of adverse events ( P>0.05). Conclusion:When combined with optimized dietary restrictions, 2.0 L PEG provides superior bowel preparation quality compared with 1.5 L PEG.
8.Radionuclide Drug Conjugates:China's 15-Year Research and Development Process and Latest Policy Support
Dan LIU ; Xiuqi LI ; Shupeng LIU ; Xiaofei WU ; Mengyang YU ; Hongyun WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):847-854
Radionuclide drug conjugates(RDC)represent the culmination of interdisciplinary integra-tion.By virtue of their precise targeting capability,high diagnostic sensitivity,and remarkable therapeutic effi-cacy in tumor diagnosis and treatment,RDC has emerged as promising theranostic agents with immense applica-tion potential.This article systematically reviews the progress in RDC development in China from 2009 to 2024,encompassing an overview of RDC,its structure and classification,trends in clinical research,advances in clinical trials,and national policy support.The aim is to provide valuable insights for researchers in related fields,thereby facilitating further development and application of RDC-based therapeutics.
9.Thoracolubmar adhesive spinal arachnoiditis:disease characteristics
Zhaolong YU ; Xiaojiang SUN ; Xiaofei CHENG
Chinese Journal of Spine and Spinal Cord 2025;35(1):36-43
Objectives:To summarize the disease characteristics of thoracolumbar adhesive spinal arach-noiditis.Methods:The clinical data of 35 patients with thoracoland lumbar adhesive spinal arachnoiditis treated in our hospital from May 2012 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,including 26 males and 9 females,aged 34 to 80 years(56.0±10.4 years).There were 17 cases secondary to thoracolumbar fracture,12 cases of lumbar disc herniation or combined with lumbar spinal stenosis,3 cases of thoracic spinal stenosis,and 3 cases of intradural tumor.14 cases were primarily characterized by persistent burning pain in the trunk or lower limbs,or accompanied by limb spasms.Another 17 cases mainly presented with numbness and weakness.Additionally,13 cases experienced urinary dysfunction,and 4 cases lost the ability to walk.Com-puted tomography myelography(CTM)and MRI were used to determine the location and imaging features of thoracolumbar adhesive spinal arachnoiditis.The treatment plans of patients were recorded,and the visual analogue scale(VAS)for lumbar and leg pain and Oswestry disability index(ODI)were observed before treat-ment,at 3 months after treatment and final follow-up.The McCormick grading was used to assess the recov-ery of patients who underwent surgery at the final follow-up.Results:The lesions were located in the tho-racic spinal cord in 11 cases,the conus medullaris in 7 cases,the cauda equina in 14 cases,and long seg-ments from the thoracic spinal cord to conus medullaris or cauda equina in 3 cases.11 patients received conservative treatment,and the VAS score was 7(7,8)and ODI was 54%(32%,64%).Only 3 patients showed mild alleviation of pain symptoms after conservative treatment,with a final follow-up VAS score of 7(6,8)and an ODI of 50%(32%,64%).24 patients underwent surgical treatment,and 9 of whom showed no significant improvement in symptoms at the final follow-up,with preoperative and final follow-up VAS scores of 8(8,9)and ODI of 72%(60%,85%),and McCormick grade Ⅲ;5 patients had a significant long-term im-provement in symptoms after operation,who could walk independently or with the aid of assistive devices and recovered to some extent in bowel and bladder functions,with preoperative VAS score of 7(6,8)and ODI of 58%(33%,68%)improving to 4(3,4)and 32%(19%,35%)respectively at final follow-up,and McCormick grade Ⅰ;3 patients recovered to grade Ⅰ postoperatively,and worsened to grade Ⅱ between 2 and 6 months;6 patients recovered to grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ postoperatively,with symptoms worsening to preoperative level(grade Ⅲ)between 2 weeks and 2 years;1 patient was implanted with electrical spinal cord stimulation de-vice,who was recovered in symptoms(grade Ⅱ).Conclusions:Conservative treatment for thoracolumbar adhesive spinal arachnoiditis is relatively limited in efficacy.While surgical treatment can achieve significant clinical improvement in some patients,its effects vary significantly among individuals.Some patients show no significant improvement in symptoms after surgery,and there are even cases where symptoms recur or worsen over time.
10.Synergistic Activation of LEPR and ADRB2 Induced by Leptin Enhances Reactive Oxygen Specie Generation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Chang LIU ; Jing YU ; Yongjun DU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaofei SONG ; Chang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Yue WANG ; Junfang QIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):457-477
Purpose:
Leptin interacts not only with leptin receptor (LEPR) but also engages with other receptors. While the pro-oncogenic effects of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) are well-established, the role of leptin in activating ADRB2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.
Materials and Methods:
The pro-carcinogenic effects of LEPR were investigated using murine TNBC cell lines, 4T1 and EMT6, and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Expression levels of LEPR, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and ADRB2 in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were analyzed via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry and MitoSox staining, while immunofluorescence double-staining confirmed the co-localization of LEPR and ADRB2.
Results:
LEPR activation promoted NOX4-derived ROS and mitochondrial ROS production, facilitating TNBC cell proliferation and migration, effects which were mitigated by the LEPR inhibitor Allo-aca. Co-expression of LEPR and ADRB2 was observed on cell membranes, and bioinformatics data revealed a positive correlation between the two receptors. Leptin activated both LEPR and ADRB2, enhancing intracellular ROS generation and promoting tumor progression, which was effectively countered by a specific ADRB2 inhibitor ICI118551. In vivo, leptin injection accelerated tumor growth and lung metastases without affecting appetite, while treatments with Allo-aca or ICI118551 mitigated these effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that leptin stimulates the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the activation of both LEPR and ADRB2, resulting in increased ROS production. These findings highlight LEPR and ADRB2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TNBC.

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