1.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
2.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
3.Effects of circadian rhythm on anxiety,depression,and cognitive behavior in mice with chronic restraint stress
Meng QIANG ; Ning JIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Yiwen ZHANG ; Fang CHEN ; Zhaohui LI ; Xinmin LIU ; Guanghua LYU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(2):45-57
Objective To investigate the effects of chronic restraint stress for 28 days(day and night)on mood and cognitive-like behavior in male and female ICR mice,to provide a basis for the selection of sex and restraint period in chronic restraint stress model animals.Methods A total of 72 male and female(1∶1)ICR mice were divided into six groups:male control,daytime restraint,and nighttime restraint groups,and female control,daytime restraint,and nighttime restraint groups.Mice in all but the control groups were bound for 10 h/d and restrained continuously for 28 days to establish a chronic restraint stress model.The emotional and cognitive behaviors induced by restraint in male and female mice at different times were observed by open field,Y maze,novel inhibition feeding,elevated cross maze,tail suspension,forced swimming,and dark-avoidance experiments.Results In the tail suspension experiment,the immobility time of male mice in the daytime restraint group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group(P<0.05),and the immobility times of male mice in the daytime and nighttime restraint groups were also significantly increased in the forced swimming experiment,compared with those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the female daytime restraint and female control groups in the novelty inhibition feeding experiment,but the feeding latency of the nighttime restraint group was significantly longer than that of the control group(P<0.05)and the daytime restraint group(P<0.05).The feeding latency of female mice was significantly longer than that of males during nighttime restraint(P<0.05).In the open field test,compared with the male control group,the female control group showed a significant decrease in central area time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time(P<0.05).Compared with the female control group,the female daytime restraint group exhibited a significant decrease in central area time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the groups in the elevated cross maze and Y maze experiments.There was no significant difference in dark latency between the daytime restraint group and the control group,but darkness latency was significantly shorter in the nighttime restraint group compared with those in the control group(P<0.05).When male and female mice were combined,the immobility time in the daytime restraint group was significantly increased in the tail suspension experiment(P<0.05),the immobility times of mice in the daytime and nighttime restraint groups were significantly increased in the forced swimming experiment(P<0.01,P<0.05),and the central zone time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time of daytime restraint mice were significantly shorter compared with those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in the central zone time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time in the nighttime restraint groups,and no significant difference in average speed or total distance between the daytime and nighttime restraint groups.Conclusions Male mice exhibited depression after 28 d of chronic restraint stress during the daytime,while female mice were prone to anxiety after 28 d of chronic restraint stress.Male mice experienced learning and memory impairment after 28 d of chronic restraint stress during the night.
4.LI Xinmin's Experience in Treating Childhood Epilepsy by Employing the Method of Strengthening the Essence,Removing Phlegm,Regulating Qi and Awakening the Mind
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(5):582-585
[Objective]To summarize Professor LI Xinmin's clinical experience in treating childhood epilepsy by utilizing the method of strengthening the essence,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and awakening the mind.[Methods]By learning from the teacher,recording and organizing typical medical cases,the clinical experience of Professor LI in treating childhood epilepsy by using the method of"strengthening the essence,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and awakening the mind"was summarized and concluded from the aspects of etiology,pathogenesis,treatment methods and prescriptions,etc.A verified case was attached for corroboration.[Results]Professor LI believes that childhood epilepsy is based on the root cause of deficiency of the essential Qi and the manifestation of phlegm and Qi.He proposes that the disorder of Qi movement and the obstruction of the spirit with phlegm are the key to its pathogenesis,and clinically advocates the application of the method of strengthening the essence,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and awakening the mind.According to the characteristics of different epilepsy syndromes and combined with the classification of modern medicine,he summarizes and puts forward the following viewpoints:"treating generalized tonic-clonic seizures by strengthening the spleen,regulating Qi,eliminating phlegm and calming the wind""treating pediatric psychomotor epilepsy with the method of regulating Qi and eliminating phlegm""treating pediatric abdominal epilepsy by strengthening the spleen,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and harmonizing the middle""differentiating and treating pediatric epilepsy absence seizures from the perspectives of the liver and spleen".The attached verified case was an epileptic absence seizure,the syndrome differentiation belonged to the evil depression,and Shaoyang meridians and the gallbladder meridian Qi reversal,and the treatment adopted the law of evacuating the Shaoyang Qi and calming the nerves;the prescription was modified from Chaihu and Longgu Muli Decoction.[Conclusion]Professor LI's use of the method of strengthening the essence,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and awakening the mind in the treatment of childhood epilepsy has demonstrated certain clinical efficacy and possesses certain practical value,which is worthy of learning and reference.
5.Progress on vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer and its supplementation applications
Shujun ZHANG ; Tiantian LI ; Mingliang ZHONG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xinmin DONG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(3):404-408
Colorectal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in digestive system,because of its incidence and mortality rates rising annually in China,seriously threating to people's lives and health.Vitamin D plays an im-portant role in inhibiting colorectal cancer by suppressing tumor cell proliferation,promoting tumor cell apoptosis,inhibiting tumor cell migration,invasion,and angiogenesis and also,enhancing the body's immune system.This article summarizes and analyzes the specific mechanisms by which vitamin D inhibits the occurrence and develop-ment of colorectal cancer,and discusses the current progress in research on vitamin D supplementation,providing new references for the early prevention and adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer.
6.Effects of circadian rhythm on anxiety,depression,and cognitive behavior in mice with chronic restraint stress
Meng QIANG ; Ning JIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Yiwen ZHANG ; Fang CHEN ; Zhaohui LI ; Xinmin LIU ; Guanghua LYU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(2):45-57
Objective To investigate the effects of chronic restraint stress for 28 days(day and night)on mood and cognitive-like behavior in male and female ICR mice,to provide a basis for the selection of sex and restraint period in chronic restraint stress model animals.Methods A total of 72 male and female(1∶1)ICR mice were divided into six groups:male control,daytime restraint,and nighttime restraint groups,and female control,daytime restraint,and nighttime restraint groups.Mice in all but the control groups were bound for 10 h/d and restrained continuously for 28 days to establish a chronic restraint stress model.The emotional and cognitive behaviors induced by restraint in male and female mice at different times were observed by open field,Y maze,novel inhibition feeding,elevated cross maze,tail suspension,forced swimming,and dark-avoidance experiments.Results In the tail suspension experiment,the immobility time of male mice in the daytime restraint group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group(P<0.05),and the immobility times of male mice in the daytime and nighttime restraint groups were also significantly increased in the forced swimming experiment,compared with those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the female daytime restraint and female control groups in the novelty inhibition feeding experiment,but the feeding latency of the nighttime restraint group was significantly longer than that of the control group(P<0.05)and the daytime restraint group(P<0.05).The feeding latency of female mice was significantly longer than that of males during nighttime restraint(P<0.05).In the open field test,compared with the male control group,the female control group showed a significant decrease in central area time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time(P<0.05).Compared with the female control group,the female daytime restraint group exhibited a significant decrease in central area time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the groups in the elevated cross maze and Y maze experiments.There was no significant difference in dark latency between the daytime restraint group and the control group,but darkness latency was significantly shorter in the nighttime restraint group compared with those in the control group(P<0.05).When male and female mice were combined,the immobility time in the daytime restraint group was significantly increased in the tail suspension experiment(P<0.05),the immobility times of mice in the daytime and nighttime restraint groups were significantly increased in the forced swimming experiment(P<0.01,P<0.05),and the central zone time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time of daytime restraint mice were significantly shorter compared with those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in the central zone time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time in the nighttime restraint groups,and no significant difference in average speed or total distance between the daytime and nighttime restraint groups.Conclusions Male mice exhibited depression after 28 d of chronic restraint stress during the daytime,while female mice were prone to anxiety after 28 d of chronic restraint stress.Male mice experienced learning and memory impairment after 28 d of chronic restraint stress during the night.
7.LI Xinmin's Experience in Treating Childhood Epilepsy by Employing the Method of Strengthening the Essence,Removing Phlegm,Regulating Qi and Awakening the Mind
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(5):582-585
[Objective]To summarize Professor LI Xinmin's clinical experience in treating childhood epilepsy by utilizing the method of strengthening the essence,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and awakening the mind.[Methods]By learning from the teacher,recording and organizing typical medical cases,the clinical experience of Professor LI in treating childhood epilepsy by using the method of"strengthening the essence,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and awakening the mind"was summarized and concluded from the aspects of etiology,pathogenesis,treatment methods and prescriptions,etc.A verified case was attached for corroboration.[Results]Professor LI believes that childhood epilepsy is based on the root cause of deficiency of the essential Qi and the manifestation of phlegm and Qi.He proposes that the disorder of Qi movement and the obstruction of the spirit with phlegm are the key to its pathogenesis,and clinically advocates the application of the method of strengthening the essence,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and awakening the mind.According to the characteristics of different epilepsy syndromes and combined with the classification of modern medicine,he summarizes and puts forward the following viewpoints:"treating generalized tonic-clonic seizures by strengthening the spleen,regulating Qi,eliminating phlegm and calming the wind""treating pediatric psychomotor epilepsy with the method of regulating Qi and eliminating phlegm""treating pediatric abdominal epilepsy by strengthening the spleen,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and harmonizing the middle""differentiating and treating pediatric epilepsy absence seizures from the perspectives of the liver and spleen".The attached verified case was an epileptic absence seizure,the syndrome differentiation belonged to the evil depression,and Shaoyang meridians and the gallbladder meridian Qi reversal,and the treatment adopted the law of evacuating the Shaoyang Qi and calming the nerves;the prescription was modified from Chaihu and Longgu Muli Decoction.[Conclusion]Professor LI's use of the method of strengthening the essence,removing phlegm,regulating Qi and awakening the mind in the treatment of childhood epilepsy has demonstrated certain clinical efficacy and possesses certain practical value,which is worthy of learning and reference.
8.Persistent HPV Infection Among Women in Zhengzhou, China: A Prevalence Study
Haixia DUAN ; Jin QIAN ; Yao ZHANG ; Zhimin REN ; Guohong ZHAO ; Junyan HONG ; Xinmin LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(9):770-775
Objective To analyze the status of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the distribution of viral subtypes in the Zhengzhou region. Methods Clinical data of
9.Analysis of cardiovascular related adverse events in older patients with second-generation H1-antihistamines
Zhonghui LIU ; Jiayu LI ; Shuang ZHOU ; Ying ZHOU ; Xinmin LIU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(1):68-73
Objective:To conduct signal detection and analysis of cardiovascular-related adverse events associated with second-generation H1 antihistamines(sgAH)in the elderly population, utilizing the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system(FAERS)database.The findings provide a reference for assessing the clinical drug safety of sgAH in the elderly.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.Four methods were utilized to detect signals of cardiovascular-related adverse events associated with sgAHs in the FAERS database, covering the period from the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2024.These methods included the reporting odds ratio, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency method, the Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network method, and the multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker method.Subgroup analyses were performed on both the overall population and the elderly population(aged ≥65).Results:A total of 1 065 reports of cardiovascular-related adverse events involving sgAHs such as loratadine, desloratadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, and fexofenadine were collected.In the overall population, palpitations were identified as a positive signal, while desloratadine also demonstrated positive signals for tachycardia and prolonged electrocardiogram QT interval.In the elderly population, both palpitations and prolonged electrocardiogram QT interval were recognized as positive signals, exhibiting higher information component(IC)values and empirical Bayesian geometric mean(EBGM)values compared to the overall population.Furthermore, loratadine and desloratadine were also identified as positive signals for prolonged electrocardiogram QT interval in the elderly.Conclusions:Palpitations have been identified as a significant indicator of cardiovascular-related adverse events associated with sgAHs.Elderly patients should be particularly vigilant regarding the risk of prolonged QT intervals on electrocardiograms.
10.LI Xinmin's Experience in Treating Functional Constipation in Children Based on the Theory of Spleen Movement
Hongxiang CHEN ; Xinmin LI ; Yaowei HAN
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(8):1040-1043
[Objective]To summarize Professor LI Xinmin's clinical experience in treating functional constipation in children based on the theory of spleen movement.[Methods]Through learning from the teacher,reading ancient medical books and sorting out clinical medical cases,this paper expounds the theoretical origin of the spleen-transportation theory,analyzes Professor LI's exploration of the etiology and pathogenesis of functional constipation in children from the perspective of"spleen transportation",as well as the clinical experience in treating children's functional constipation with the spleen-transportation theory,and attaches a verified case for evidence.[Results]Professor LI holds that the main etiology of functional constipation in children is the damage to the spleen and stomach caused by dietary stagnation.The key pathogenesis is characterized by"dry fecal accumulation being the secondary aspect with dysfunction of large intestine conduction,and spleen-stomach deficiency being the primary aspect with disharmony of Qi movement in internal organs",among which the disorder of ascending-descending mechanisms in the spleen-stomach and liver-lung axis is particularly prominent.Guided by the"spleen-transportation"theory and the principle of"three-adaptation therapy",clinical treatment employs the strategies of"strengthening the spleen for root cultivation with tonification in transportation,regulating pivotal mechanisms through combined therapies",forming the spleen-transporting pivot-regulation method featured by"dredging-transportation and pivot-regulation".The self-formulated Yunpi Decoction is used to invigorate spleen-earth,focusing on ascending spleen-Yang,regulating middle-Jiao,and regulating Qi movement.In clinical practice,therapies like digestion-promoting,heat-clearing,purging and Qi-supplementing are flexibly integrated based on concomitant syndromes.The harmony method is adeptly applied to reconcile cold-heat and deficiency-excess,emphasizing that medications should be mild to avoid excessive purgation from damaging vital Qi.The pathogenesis of the attached case belonged to spleen deficiency and lack of health,with poor pivot function and internal food stagnation.The treatment adopted the methods of invigorating the spleen and stomach,regulating Qi and promoting smoothness,guiding stagnation and relieving constipation,and administered with the self-designed modified Yunpi Decoction.[Conclusion]Based on the"spleen-transportation theory",Professor LI applies the spleen-transportation and pivot-regulation method featuring dredging-transportation and pivot-regulation.With its unique theory,this approach provides new ideas and methods for clinical practice,making it worthy of promotion and learning.

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