1.Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, Weakness in Limbs, Edema, and Dyspnea: A Rare Inflammatory Myopathy with Positive Aniti-mitochondrial Antibodies and Cardiac Involvement
Chunsu LIANG ; Xuchang ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jiaqi YU ; Yingxian LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Yanli YANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Ruijie ZHAO ; Na NIU ; Xuelian YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):248-255
This article presents a case study of a patient who visited the Geriatric Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to "palpitations, shortness of breath for more than 2 years, limb weakness for 6 months, edema, and nocturnal dyspnea for 2 months". The patient exhibited decreased muscle strength in the limbs and involvement of swallowing and respiratory muscles, alongside complications of heart failure and various arrhythmias which were predominantly atrial. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of multiple autoantibodies and notably anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with anti-mitochondrial antibody-associated inflammatory myopathy. Treatment involved a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, along with resistance exercises for muscle strength and rehabilitation training for lung function, resulting in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. The case underscores the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing and treating rare diseases in elderly patients, where careful consideration of clinical manifestations and subtle abnormal clinical data can lead to effective interventions.
2.Analyzing the occupational health literacy level and its influencing factors among workers in non-metallic mineral product industry in Yunfu City
Xiaoyue CHEN ; Xiaotang SU ; Jiabin CHEN ; Min YANG ; Huiqing CHEN ; Xiaoyi LI ; Jichao CHEN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):94-98
Objective To analyze the occupational health literacy (OHL) level and its influencing factors of workers in non-metallic mineral product industry in Yunfu City. Methods A total of 947 frontline workers from 24 non-metallic mineral products enterprises in Yunfu City were selected as the research subjects using the stratified random sampling method. The OHL level of the workers were assessed using the Occupational Health Literacy Questionnaire of National Key Populations. Results The overall OHL level of the research subjects was 58.3% (552/947). The OHL levels across four dimensions, from highest to lowest, were basic knowledge of occupational health protection (94.7%), healthy work practices and behaviors (81.8%), legal knowledge of occupational health (65.5%), and basic skills of occupational health protection (25.9%). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that workers with 2.0-<10.0 years and ≥10 years of work experience had higher OHL levels than those with <2.0 years of work experience (all P<0.01). Workers with a high school education or above had higher OHL levels than those with a junior high school education or below (all P<0.01). Workers in large- and medium-sized enterprises had higher OHL levels than those in small and micro-sized enterprises (both P<0.01). Conclusion The OHL levels of workers in Yunfu City's non-metallic mineral products industry can be further improved, particularly the occupational health protection skills and related legal knowledge. Workers with short seniority, low educational level, and in small and micro enterprises should be the key groups for improving OHL levels.
3.Therapeutic Effect of Wenweishu Granules on Functional Dyspepsia Rats with Spleen-stomach Deficiency Cold Syndrome Based on Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation
Xinyu YANG ; Xiaoyi JIA ; Zihua XUAN ; Shuangying GUI ; Yanfang WU ; Yuhan MA ; Qin RUAN ; Jia ZHENG ; Zhiyong JIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):30-40
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wenweishu granule (WWSG) on functional dyspepsia (FD) with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome in rats by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsActive components and corresponding targets of WWSG were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Disease-related targets for FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome were screened using GeneCards and the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP). Core therapeutic targets were identified via Cytoscape and validated by molecular docking. A rat model of FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome was established using vinegar gavage combined with tail-clamping. The rats were randomly divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose WWSG groups (2.0, 4.0, 8.0 g·kg-1), a domperidone group (3.0 mg·kg-1), a Fuzi Lizhong pillwan (0.8 g·kg-1), and a normal control group (n=10 per group). Drugs were administered once daily by gavage for 14 consecutive days. After treatment, body weight, symptom scores, and gastrointestinal motility indices were recorded. Gastric and duodenal pathologies changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Brain-gut peptides were measured in serum and tissue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to assess stem cell factor (SCF) and receptor tyrosine kinase (c-Kit) protein expression in gastric tissues. ResultsA total of 305 drug targets, 1 140 disease targets, and 116 overlapping targets were identified. Cytoscape analysis revealed 104 core targets. Enrichment analysis indicated that the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway was the key mechanism. Molecular docking confirmed a strong binding affinity between active components of WWSG and SCF/c-Kit proteins (binding energy<-5.1 kcal·mol-1). Compared with the normal group, model rats exhibited slower weight gain (P<0.05), reduced gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion (P<0.01), mild gastric mucosal shedding, duodenal inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased levels of gastrin (GAS), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) (P<0.05, P<0.01), and elevated somatostatin (SS) expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). WWSG treatment ameliorated weight gain, symptom scores, and low-grade inflammation in gastric/duodenal tissues. High-dose WWSG significantly improved gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion, upregulated GAS, 5-HT, and VIP, and downregulated SS expression in serum and tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot demonstrated that SCF and c-Kit protein expression was decreased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), which was reversed by WWSG intervention (P<0.05). ConclusionWWSG exerts therapeutic effects on FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome in rats, potentially by regulating the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway to enhance gastrointestinal motility.
4.Evidence-based study on postoperative chemotherapy guidelines/consensuses for ovarian epithelial tumor
Xiandan LUO ; Yanli LU ; Yihang WU ; Yanxiang GUO ; Xiaoyi YAN ; Yongchao HUO ; Hui YAN ; Zhenjiang YANG ; Hongliang ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2328-2333
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the methodological quality of the postoperative chemotherapy guidelines/ consensuses for ovarian epithelial tumor. METHODS A search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, VIP, Chinese Medical Journal Data, Wanfang Data, and CNKI, as well as the official websites of GIN, NICE, Medlive, AHRQ, CSCO, ASCO, and NCCN. The search period was from the establishment of the databases/websites to March 10, 2025. The quality of the included guidelines/consensus was evaluated by using the AGREE-Ⅱ tool. RESULTS A total of 16 guidelines/consensuses were included. The domain scores of AGREE-Ⅱ evaluation were as follows: scope and purpose of 85.07%, participants of 47.92%, rigor of development of 57.49%, clarity of presentation of 88.02%, applicability of 8.20%, and independence of 53.39%. Among them, 14 were recommended at grade B and 2 were recommended at grade C. The subgroup analysis by different countries/regions and different types of studies showed that the scores for participants, rigor of development, and independence of the guidelines/consensuses in China were significantly lower than foreign countries (P<0.05); the scores for participants and rigor of development of the guidelines were significantly higher than consensuses (P<0.05). The guideline/ consensus recommendation results indicated that grade B guidelines/consensus recommend platinum-based combination chemotherapy as the preferred adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for stage Ⅰ high-grade serous carcinoma patients;platinum-based combination chemotherapy±bevacizumab was recommended as the preferred adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ high- grade serous carcinoma patients and for platinum-sensitive recurrent high-grade serous carcinoma patients; non-platinum single- agent chemotherapy±bevacizumab was recommended as the preferred chemotherapy regimen for platinum-resistant recurrent high- grade serous carcinoma patients. CONCLUSIONS The overall quality of postoperative chemotherapy guidelines/consensuses for ovarian epithelial tumor is not high. The methodological quality of guidelines/consensuses in China is still lagging behind that of foreign countries. The recommendations differ from those in foreign countries. It is recommended to improve the aspects of participants, rigor of development, and independence, to recommend treatment plans based on the different stages of ovarian cancer, and develop guidelines/consensuses that align with China’s national conditions.
5.Analyzing the impact of individual and enterprise characteristics on occupational health literacy of key populations
Min YANG ; Huiqing CHEN ; Xinyang YU ; Junle WU ; Bing XIA ; Liping HUANG ; Xiaoyi LI
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):257-263
Objective To analyze the factors influencing the occupational health literacy (OHL) level among workers in key industries from the perspectives of both individual workers and enterprises. Methods A total of 32 336 front-line workers from 12 key industries in the secondary industry in Guangdong Province were selected as the research subjects by a stratified cluster random sampling method. Their OHL level was investigated using Occupational Health Literacy Questionnaire of National Key Populations, and the influencing factors were analyzed. Results The OHL level of the research subjects was 48.5%. The OHL level of the research subjects in four dimensions from high to low was basic knowledge of occupational health protection, occupational health practice and behavior, legal knowledge of occupational health, and basic skills of occupational health protection (80.7%, 61.2%, 48.3% and 29.5%, respectively). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the OHL level of female workers was lower than that of males (P<0.05). Lower OHL was also associated with older age, lower education level, lower personal monthly income of workers (all P<0.01). The workers with length of service < 3 years and ≥ 20 years had lower OHL level than those with length of service 3-<10 years and 10-<20 years, respectively (all P<0.05). Workers in larger enterprises had higher OHL levels (all P<0.01). The OHL level of workers in the sixth category of industries with occupational injuries had higher occupational injury risks than those in the third and fourth categories (all P<0.05). The OHL levels of workers in state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, foreign-funded enterprises, and other enterprises were higher than that of workers in public institutions (all P<0.05). Conclusion The influencing factors of workers′ OHL in key industries of the secondary industry include individual factors (gender, age, education level, personal monthly income, length of service) and enterprise factors (enterprise size, enterprise nature and industry injury risk category). Female, older workers, those with lower education or income, and those with short length of service represent priority groups for OHL interventions, while small and micro enterprises are priority units for future workplace health promotion intervention.
6.Mechanism of Si Junzitang in Treatment of Liver Injury in Rats with Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome Based on Liver and Spleen Correlation
Peng PENG ; Min BAI ; Jin JIN ; Qihui YUAN ; Xiaoyi YANG ; Juan DU ; Yongqiang DUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):11-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Si Junzitang in treating liver injury in rats with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome based on transcriptomics and to experimentally verify its effects. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low-dose Si Junzitang (6 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose Si Junzitang group (12 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose Si Junzitang group (24 g·kg-1·d-1), and natural recovery group, with 10 rats in each group. A composite multifactorial modeling method (forced swimming + intragastric administration of Xiao Chengqitang + irregular diet) was used to establish a spleen Qi deficiency model. After 30 days of continuous intervention, body weight and 3-hour food intake were measured, and macroscopic symptom scores for spleen Qi deficiency syndrome were evaluated. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in each group were detected, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological changes in liver tissue. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the blank, model, and high-dose Si Junzitang groups. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome(KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs. Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot were used to detect NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, and the N-terminal domain of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly reduced body weight and 3-hour food intake, significantly increased macroscopic symptom scores, and elevated serum AST and ALT levels (P<0.01), with mild inflammatory liver injury observed histologically. Compared with the model group, Si Junzitang at all doses significantly improved these parameters and alleviated liver injury in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05,P<0.01). RNA-Seq analysis revealed 1 254 DEGs between the blank and model groups, and 842 DEGs between the model and high-dose Si Junzitang groups. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway was activated in liver injury associated with spleen Qi deficiency, suggesting that the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a key target. Results from IF, IHC, and Westernblot showed that compared with the blank group, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and the downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01), while these levels were markedly decreased in the high-dose Si Junzitang group (P<0.01). ConclusionSi Junzitang effectively improves mild inflammatory liver injury in rats with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome in a dose-dependent manner. Its mechanism may be associated with inhibition of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway, downregulation of the pyroptosis executioner protein GSDMD-N, and reduction of pyroptosis-related inflammatory cytokine release.
7.Study on characteristic chromatogram of Chaenomeles sinensis and content determination of 3 flavones
Tianmi ZHU ; Shuhe CHEN ; Jingsong YAN ; Xingui WANG ; Yuqing DUAN ; Xiaoyi YANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(2):150-154
OBJECTIVE To establish the characteristic chromatogram of Chaenomeles sinensis, determine the contents of rutin, hyperin and quercitrin, and to identify C. sinensis and C. speciosa. METHODS HPLC method was performed on Agilent 5 TC-C18 column, with acetonitrile-0.2% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution, at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was 30 ℃ . The detection wavelength was 330 nm in characteristic chromatogram and 350 nm in content determination. The characteristic chromatogram of C. sinensis was established and similarity was evaluated by the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM (2012 edition). Hierarchical cluster analysis of 15 batches of C. sinensis (S1-S15) was performed by using SPSS 23.0 software. The contents of 3 flavones in 15 batches of C. sinensis and 7 batches of C. speciosa (S16-S22) were determined, while their characteristic chromatograms were compared. RESULTS The similarities of the characteristic chromatogram for 15 batches of C. sinensis ranged from 0.783 to 0.969, and 11 characteristic peaks were confirmed. Four constituents were identified as chlorogenic acid, rutin, hyperin and quercitrin. The medicinal materials in 15 batches of C. sinensis could be divided into 2 categories: S5-S8 were one category, and the others belonged to one category. The characteristic chromatogram of C. sinensis was obviously different from C. speciosa. The contents of rutin, hyperin and quercitrin in 15 batches of C. sinensis were 48.99-294.45, 3.49-102.55, 31.98-149.49 μg/g, respectively. The content of rutin in C. speciosa was lower than that in C. sinensis. None of hyperin (except for S20) and quercitrin were detected in C. speciosa. CONCLUSIONS The characteristic chromatogram and the method for content determination of 3 flavones in C. sinensis are established successfully and can be used for the quality control of C. sinensis and its identification from C. speciosa.
8.Inhibitory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on renal inflammation in diabetic nephropathy model mice and its mechanism
Jing CHEN ; Xiaoyi YANG ; Jing CHEN ; Xin SHAN ; Jie WANG ; Huiqin XU ; Zhiyang LYU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(2):186-191
OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on renal inflammation in diabetic nephropathy (DN) model mice, and its potential mechanism. METHODS KK/Ay mice were fed with high fat and high sugar to induce DN model. They were divided into model group, positive control group [metformin 200 mg/(kg·d)], GBE low-dose and high-dose groups [100, 200 mg/(kg·d)], with 6 mice in each group. Six C57BL/6J mice were fed with a regular diet as the control group. Administration groups were given relevant liquid intragastrically, control group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 8 consecutive weeks. The body weight, fasting blood glucose, 24-hour food intake, 24-hour urine output, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-10, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) of mice were measured, and the ratio of bilateral kidneys to body weight was also calculated. The pathological injury and fibrotic changes of the renal cortex were observed, and the expressions of macrophage polarization marker proteins [type M1: inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS); type M2: arginase-1 (Arg-1)] and AGEs-the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE)/Ras homolog gene pharm_chenjing@163.com family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway-related proteins were determined in renal cortex. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the symptoms such as renal cortical hyperplasia, vacuoles, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and renal cortical fibrosis had been improved in GBE low-dose and high-dose groups; body weight, serum level of IL-10, the expression of Arg-1 in the renal cortex were significantly higher than model group (P< 0.01); fasting blood glucose, 24-hour food intake, 24-hour urine output, serum levels of MCP-1, IL-12, BUN, Scr and AGEs, the ratio of bilateral kidneys to body weight, renal injury score, the proportion of renal interstitial fibrosis, the protein expressions of iNOS, RAGE, RhoA and ROCK1 (except for GBE low-dose group) in renal cortex were significantly lower than model group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS GBE could improve kidney damage and alleviate inflammatory response in DN model mice, the mechanism of which may be related to inhibiting the AGEs-RAGE/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and regulating macrophage polarization.
9.Biological Activities of Sesquiterpenoids: A Review
Liyuan YANG ; Ju CHENG ; Jianjun CHEN ; Xiaozheng CHEN ; Xiaoyi SHI ; Rasheed AMNA ; Wenjing SHI ; Xiuzhu LIU ; Xiaodong XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):289-298
Sesquiterpenoids are natural compounds composed of 15 carbon atoms, which can be divided into sesquiterpene alcohols, ketones, lactones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids according to oxygen groups. These compounds are widely distributed in nature, and their physiological activities are diverse. For example, many sesquiterpenes with potential anticancer effects have been found for anti-tumor effects, including cytotoxicity, antioxidant, immune regulation, cell proliferation, and so on. In addition, some sesquiterpenoids have good application prospects in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cardiovascular diseases. Malignant tumors, inflammation, bacterial diseases, and cardiovascular diseases are the main diseases that cause human death, and natural products have unique advantages in the treatment of these diseases. Therefore, the development of new drugs that are easy to promote has become a new research hotspot. In this paper, the sesquiterpenes extracted from the natural components of Chinese herbs and plants with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-cardiovascular activities, such as Xanthium, Atractylodes, Convolvulus, Acanthium, Ligularia, Artemisia, Ligularia, Ligularia, Labiaceae Mint, Acanthophyllum, Turmeria, Ginger, and other Chinese herbs and plants, were discussed. The biological activities and related mechanisms of this compound were reviewed, which provided a reference for further research and clinical application of sesquiterpenes.
10.Attenuation and synergism of Hugan buzure recipe combined with oxaliplatin on hepatocellular carcinoma tumor bearing nude mice and its mechanism
Xiaoyi MENG ; Jianhua YANG ; Limei WEN ; Tuerhong AYIZIBA ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(3):283-289
OBJECTIVE To investigate the attenuation and synergism of Hugan buzure recipe (HBR) combined with oxaliplatin on hepatocellular carcinoma tumor bearing nude mice and its mechanism. METHODS Eight nude mice were selected from 40 nude mice as the blank group (normal saline), and the remaining nude mice were inoculated with hepatoma cells Huh7 to establish the tumor-bearing model. The 32 modeled nude mice were randomly allocated to four groups: model group (normal saline, ig), HBR group (0.69 g/kg, ig), oxaliplatin group (10 mg/kg, ip), and combination group (intraperitoneal injection of 0.69 g/kg HBR+intragastric administration of 10 mg/kg oxaliplatin), with 8 mice in each group. Administer drug/normal saline once a day for 32 consecutive days; administer subcutaneous injection once every 7 days for a total of 5 times. During the experiment, the general condition of nude mice in each group was observed, and the tumor volume was measured every 4 days. On the 30th day of administration, the thermal stimulation paw withdrawal latency of nude mice in each group were detected. The tumor inhibition rate, spleen coefficient, the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the whole blood of nude mice in each group, and the content of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine in serum were detected after the end of administration. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in tumor tissues in nude mice in each group. The expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3),selective autophagy adaptor protein p62, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and Caspase-3 protein in tumor tissues. RESULT Compared with the model group, the tumor volume, tumor weight, white blood cells,red blood cells in the whole blood and spleen coefficients of nude mice in the oxaliplatin group were significantly decreased (P<0.01); the thermal stimulation paw withdrawal latency, AST and creatinine in serum were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the oxaliplatin group, the tumor volume and tumor weight of nude mice in the combination group were significantly decreased (P<0.01); the white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in the whole blood and spleen coefficients of nude mice were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the thermal stimulation paw withdrawal latency, AST and creatinine in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.01); the expression levels of LC3, Bax and Caspase-3 proteins in tumor tissues of nude mice were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression levels of p62 and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS HBR enhances the tumor inhibition rate of oxaliplatin by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and can alleviate the peripheral neurotoxicity, hematological toxicity, hepatorenal toxicity, and immune organ toxicity caused by oxaliplatin in nude mice.

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