1.Baicalein inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation via the AKT/GSK3 β pathway
Yan ZHAO ; Hui XU ; Yana FU ; Yuanyuan YUE ; Xuejie CHAI ; Yongzheng LI
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(1):73-79
Objective:To investigate the effects of baicalein on the protein kinase B(AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)pathway and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β)in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated BV2 microglial cells.Methods:BV2 microglial cells were cultured and divided into control group,LPS-induced group,and LPS+Baicalein group.Molecular docking was conducted to verify the bind-ing affinity of baicalein to AKT.Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the expression and phosphorylation levels of AKT,GSK3β,TNF-α,and IL-1β in activated BV2 cells.Results:Baicalein exhibited a strong binding affinity for AKT.Western blot results showed that LPS stimulation led to increased TNF-α and IL-1 βexpression and decreased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β in BV2 cells(P<0.05).After Baicalein treatment,TNF-α and IL-1 β expression significantly decreased,while AKT and GSK3β phosphorylation levels increased compared to the LPS group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence staining results were consistent with those of Western blot.Conclusion:Baicalein inhibits the expression of TNF-α and IL-1 β in activated microglia,potentially through activation of the AKT/GSK3β pathway.
2.A qualitative study on facilitators and barriers of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Mengshuang SHEN ; Shuangyu WANG ; Xuejie ZHAO ; Xin DING ; Mei LIN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(32):4348-4354
Objective:To explore the facilitators and barriers of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension, in order to provide a basis for medical staff to formulate precise pulmonary rehabilitation interventions.Methods:The maximum variation purposive sampling method was used. From October to December 2023, a total of 12 patients with pulmonary hypertension attending the Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, were selected as study participants and underwent semi-structured interviews. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was applied to analyze the data.Results:The facilitators of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation among patients with pulmonary hypertension included: capability factor (good exercise habits) ; opportunity factors (supervision and support from family members, professional guidance from medical staff) ; motivation factors (rehabilitation enthusiasm, perceived benefits of exercise). The barriers included: capability factors (obvious perception of physical symptoms, lack of knowledge about pulmonary rehabilitation, low level of e-health literacy) ; opportunity factors (unfavorable health environment, limited time) ; motivation factors (fear of exercise, lack of rehabilitation self-discipline) .Conclusions:Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension is affected by multiple factors. Medical staff should adopt targeted interventions to promote patients' engagement in home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, with the aim of improving cardiopulmonary health, exercise endurance, and quality of life, thereby enhancing clinical prognosis.
3.A qualitative study on facilitators and barriers of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Mengshuang SHEN ; Shuangyu WANG ; Xuejie ZHAO ; Xin DING ; Mei LIN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(32):4348-4354
Objective:To explore the facilitators and barriers of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension, in order to provide a basis for medical staff to formulate precise pulmonary rehabilitation interventions.Methods:The maximum variation purposive sampling method was used. From October to December 2023, a total of 12 patients with pulmonary hypertension attending the Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, were selected as study participants and underwent semi-structured interviews. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was applied to analyze the data.Results:The facilitators of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation among patients with pulmonary hypertension included: capability factor (good exercise habits) ; opportunity factors (supervision and support from family members, professional guidance from medical staff) ; motivation factors (rehabilitation enthusiasm, perceived benefits of exercise). The barriers included: capability factors (obvious perception of physical symptoms, lack of knowledge about pulmonary rehabilitation, low level of e-health literacy) ; opportunity factors (unfavorable health environment, limited time) ; motivation factors (fear of exercise, lack of rehabilitation self-discipline) .Conclusions:Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension is affected by multiple factors. Medical staff should adopt targeted interventions to promote patients' engagement in home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, with the aim of improving cardiopulmonary health, exercise endurance, and quality of life, thereby enhancing clinical prognosis.
4.Effect of roxadustat on thyroid function in patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis
Sa ZHAO ; Huimin QIU ; Xuejie CHEN ; Tong WANG ; Qingyan ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Qiuyuan SHAO ; Yanting YU ; Yuan FENG ; Chunming JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(5):348-357
Objective:To evaluate the impact of roxadustat on thyroid function and to identify the associated factors in patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD).Methods:This study was a single-center retrospective study. PD patients who received roxadustat or recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between January 2020 and June 2024 were included. The general and clinical information as well as laboratory indexes were collected. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were compared before and after treatment initiation. Hemoglobin (Hb) responses were also observed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with thyroid function changes.Results:A total of 120 patients were enrolled, with an age of (55.17±16.42) years, including 66 males (55.0%). There were 81 patients received roxadustat (roxadustat group) and 39 patiens received rHuEPO (rHuEPO group). Compared to the rHuEPO group, the roxadustat group had a higher proportion of patients with diabetes ( χ 2= 4.172, P=0.041), a shorter PD vintage ( Z=-3.406, P=0.002), a lower serum level of total cholesterol ( Z=-2.082, P=0.037) and a lower level of fasting blood glucose ( Z=-2.589, P=0.010). Following treatment with roxadustat, the levels of FT4 ( Z=-5.349, P<0.01) and TSH ( Z=-3.720, P<0.01) decreased significantly. In contrast, no significant changes in FT4 or TSH levels were observed in the rHuEPO group (both P>0.05). For both roxadustat and rHuEPO groups, there were no significant changes in FT3 levels after treatment (both P>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified that higher baseline TSH (TSH≥2.27 μIU/ml, OR=1.581, 95% CI 1.196-2.089, P=0.001) and roxadustat exposure ( OR=3.432, 95% CI 1.410-8.355, P=0.007) as independent associated factors of subsequent TSH decline, and identified that higher baseline FT4 (FT4≥14.9 pmol/L, OR=1.390, 95% CI 1.162-1.662, P=0.001) and roxadustat exposure ( OR=5.798, 95% CI 2.225-15.113, P=0.001) as independent associated factors of subsequent FT4 decline. The degrees of hemoglobin changes after roxadustat or rHuEPO treatment did not differ significantly between roxadustat group and rHuEPO group ( t=-1.062, P=0.290). Of the 31 patients who underwent a second thyroid function test during roxadustat treatment, 24 continued with the original regimen, while 7 discontinued roxadustat. Among 24 patients who maintained roxadustat treatment, TSH ( Z=-0.400, P=0.689) and FT4 ( t=0.143, P=0.888) remained stable between the second and third tests. All 7 patients who discontinued roxadustat treatment showed TSH rebound and the changes of TSH levels were more significant than that in continuers ( Z=-2.505, P=0.012). FT4 recovery occurred in only 3 of them, with no significant difference in FT4 change between discontinuers and continuers ( Z=-0.685, P=0.493). Conclusions:Roxadustat commonly suppresses TSH and FT4, but not FT3, in PD patients. Baseline levels of TSH and FT4 are key associated factors of the inhibitory effect of roxadustat on thyroid function. This suppression does not intensify with prolonged exposure and is reversible after discontinuation, with TSH levels normalizing more quickly than FT4. Roxadustat-induced thyroid suppression does not compromise its efficacy in treating renal anemia.
5.Baicalein inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation via the AKT/GSK3 β pathway
Yan ZHAO ; Hui XU ; Yana FU ; Yuanyuan YUE ; Xuejie CHAI ; Yongzheng LI
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(1):73-79
Objective:To investigate the effects of baicalein on the protein kinase B(AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)pathway and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β)in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated BV2 microglial cells.Methods:BV2 microglial cells were cultured and divided into control group,LPS-induced group,and LPS+Baicalein group.Molecular docking was conducted to verify the bind-ing affinity of baicalein to AKT.Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the expression and phosphorylation levels of AKT,GSK3β,TNF-α,and IL-1β in activated BV2 cells.Results:Baicalein exhibited a strong binding affinity for AKT.Western blot results showed that LPS stimulation led to increased TNF-α and IL-1 βexpression and decreased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β in BV2 cells(P<0.05).After Baicalein treatment,TNF-α and IL-1 β expression significantly decreased,while AKT and GSK3β phosphorylation levels increased compared to the LPS group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence staining results were consistent with those of Western blot.Conclusion:Baicalein inhibits the expression of TNF-α and IL-1 β in activated microglia,potentially through activation of the AKT/GSK3β pathway.
6.Visual analysis of research hotspots and frontiers in cardiac telerehabilitation based on CiteSpace
Mengshuang SHEN ; Xuejie ZHAO ; Shuangyu WANG ; Mei LIN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(4):519-526
Objective:To analyze the research status and emerging hotspots in the field of cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) and provide references for the development of CTR in China.Methods:A systematic search was conducted for relevant literature on CTR in the databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, China Biology Medicine disc, Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Embase, with a search timeframe from the establishment of the databases to February 28, 2024. EndNote and CiteSpace software were used for visual analysis of the search results.Results:A total of 889 papers were included, of which 269 were in Chinese and 620 were in English, showing an overall increasing trend in publication volume. The Chinese database revealed 12 clustering groups and 9 emerging keywords, while the English database identified 10 clustering groups and 16 emerging keywords.Conclusions:The publication volume of CTR is generally on the rise, but cooperation between countries and institutions still needs strengthening. Current research hotspots and frontiers include the demand for CTR, target populations, exercise program design, and the application of electronic information technology. Researchers in China should fully refer to these hotspots and frontiers and explore CTR models that are suitable for the Chinese patient population.
7.Visual analysis of research hotspots and frontiers in cardiac telerehabilitation based on CiteSpace
Mengshuang SHEN ; Xuejie ZHAO ; Shuangyu WANG ; Mei LIN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(4):519-526
Objective:To analyze the research status and emerging hotspots in the field of cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) and provide references for the development of CTR in China.Methods:A systematic search was conducted for relevant literature on CTR in the databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, China Biology Medicine disc, Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Embase, with a search timeframe from the establishment of the databases to February 28, 2024. EndNote and CiteSpace software were used for visual analysis of the search results.Results:A total of 889 papers were included, of which 269 were in Chinese and 620 were in English, showing an overall increasing trend in publication volume. The Chinese database revealed 12 clustering groups and 9 emerging keywords, while the English database identified 10 clustering groups and 16 emerging keywords.Conclusions:The publication volume of CTR is generally on the rise, but cooperation between countries and institutions still needs strengthening. Current research hotspots and frontiers include the demand for CTR, target populations, exercise program design, and the application of electronic information technology. Researchers in China should fully refer to these hotspots and frontiers and explore CTR models that are suitable for the Chinese patient population.
8.Effect of roxadustat on thyroid function in patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis
Sa ZHAO ; Huimin QIU ; Xuejie CHEN ; Tong WANG ; Qingyan ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Qiuyuan SHAO ; Yanting YU ; Yuan FENG ; Chunming JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(5):348-357
Objective:To evaluate the impact of roxadustat on thyroid function and to identify the associated factors in patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD).Methods:This study was a single-center retrospective study. PD patients who received roxadustat or recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between January 2020 and June 2024 were included. The general and clinical information as well as laboratory indexes were collected. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were compared before and after treatment initiation. Hemoglobin (Hb) responses were also observed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with thyroid function changes.Results:A total of 120 patients were enrolled, with an age of (55.17±16.42) years, including 66 males (55.0%). There were 81 patients received roxadustat (roxadustat group) and 39 patiens received rHuEPO (rHuEPO group). Compared to the rHuEPO group, the roxadustat group had a higher proportion of patients with diabetes ( χ 2= 4.172, P=0.041), a shorter PD vintage ( Z=-3.406, P=0.002), a lower serum level of total cholesterol ( Z=-2.082, P=0.037) and a lower level of fasting blood glucose ( Z=-2.589, P=0.010). Following treatment with roxadustat, the levels of FT4 ( Z=-5.349, P<0.01) and TSH ( Z=-3.720, P<0.01) decreased significantly. In contrast, no significant changes in FT4 or TSH levels were observed in the rHuEPO group (both P>0.05). For both roxadustat and rHuEPO groups, there were no significant changes in FT3 levels after treatment (both P>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified that higher baseline TSH (TSH≥2.27 μIU/ml, OR=1.581, 95% CI 1.196-2.089, P=0.001) and roxadustat exposure ( OR=3.432, 95% CI 1.410-8.355, P=0.007) as independent associated factors of subsequent TSH decline, and identified that higher baseline FT4 (FT4≥14.9 pmol/L, OR=1.390, 95% CI 1.162-1.662, P=0.001) and roxadustat exposure ( OR=5.798, 95% CI 2.225-15.113, P=0.001) as independent associated factors of subsequent FT4 decline. The degrees of hemoglobin changes after roxadustat or rHuEPO treatment did not differ significantly between roxadustat group and rHuEPO group ( t=-1.062, P=0.290). Of the 31 patients who underwent a second thyroid function test during roxadustat treatment, 24 continued with the original regimen, while 7 discontinued roxadustat. Among 24 patients who maintained roxadustat treatment, TSH ( Z=-0.400, P=0.689) and FT4 ( t=0.143, P=0.888) remained stable between the second and third tests. All 7 patients who discontinued roxadustat treatment showed TSH rebound and the changes of TSH levels were more significant than that in continuers ( Z=-2.505, P=0.012). FT4 recovery occurred in only 3 of them, with no significant difference in FT4 change between discontinuers and continuers ( Z=-0.685, P=0.493). Conclusions:Roxadustat commonly suppresses TSH and FT4, but not FT3, in PD patients. Baseline levels of TSH and FT4 are key associated factors of the inhibitory effect of roxadustat on thyroid function. This suppression does not intensify with prolonged exposure and is reversible after discontinuation, with TSH levels normalizing more quickly than FT4. Roxadustat-induced thyroid suppression does not compromise its efficacy in treating renal anemia.
9.Evaluation of GRADE Clinical Research Evidence of Chinese Patent Medicine Combined with Western Medicine in Treatment of Hypertension with Dyslipidemia
Jiaheng WANG ; Yukun LI ; Liangyu CUI ; Yilan ZHENG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Cong REN ; Tianyue JING ; Tong YIN ; Liying WANG ; Xuejie HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):95-105
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of antihypertensive and lipid-regulating Chinese patent medicine combined with conventional Western medicine in the treatment of hypertension with dyslipidemia. To carry out the evidence synthesis of clinical research and provide evidence-based evidence support for clinical decision-making. MethodThe databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (WF),VIP,SinoMed,Embase,PubMed,Web of Science (WOS),and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of all listed Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of hypertension with dyslipidemia from the establishment of the databases to April 15,2023. The literature was screened and extracted,and the risk of bias tool 2.0 (RoB2) was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the methodology. Revman 5.4.1 software was used to analyze the outcome indicators. Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to assess the quality of evidence formed by clinical research data. The inclusion and recommendation of Chinese patent medicines in the National Drug Catalogue for Basic Medical Insurance,Work-related Injury Insurance and Maternity Insurance (2022) and domestic guidelines and consensus were searched to form a bubble chart. ResultA total of 15 studies were included. The evaluation of the methodological quality of each study showed that the risk of bias stemmed from the lack of blinding and allocation concealment,and low sample size. The comprehensive analysis of clinical studies showed that Dengzhan Shengmai capsules combined with rosuvastatin and amlodipine besylate,Yindan Xinnaotong capsules combined with simvastatin and levamlodipine tablets,Xiaoshuan Tongluo capsules combined with nifedipine controlled release tablets and pravastatin sodium tablets,Xinshubao capsules combined with atorvastatin calcium tablets and irbesartan,Wenyading capsules combined with enalapril,and Jiangzhining tablets combined with conventional Western medicines were all superior to conventional Western medicines used in the control group in improving systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP),cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. The GRADE evaluation of the main outcome indicators showed that the evidence quality of SBP and incidence of adverse reactions was graded as B,that of DBP as C,and that of total TC,TG,LDL-C,and HDL-C as D. The evaluation of Chinese patent medicines covered by medical insurance and recommended by guidelines and consensus showed that Yindan Xinnaotong soft capsules,Dengzhan Shengmai capsules and Xiaoshuan Tongluo capsules belonged to class B drugs of medical insurance,and were recommended for 7,6 and 3 times in the guidelines and consensus,respectively. ConclusionCompared with simple medicine treatment,Chinese patent medicine combined with conventional Western medicine has more advantages in improving blood pressure and blood lipid,and shows higher safety. Among them,Yindan Xinnaotong soft capsules,Dengzhan Shengmai capsules and Xiaoshuan Tongluo capsules have stronger clinical applicability and economy. All the trials included in this article adhered to the principle of randomization and reported the outcome measures. However,the quality of evidence in related clinical studies was low. In terms of trial design,large-sample,multi-center,blinded randomized controlled trials based on the consolidated standards of reporting trials (CONSORT) statement are still needed for comprehensive trial designs and reporting,to further improve the GRADE quality evaluation and guideline formulation under the guidance of evidence-based medicine,so as to provide higher quality evidence-based research evidence for clinical decision-making.
10.GRADE Clinical Study Evidence Evaluation and Expert Consensus on Antihypertensive Chinese Patent Medicines Combined with Western Medicines for Treatment of Hypertension
Liangyu CUI ; Yukun LI ; Tianyue JING ; Yu WANG ; Cong REN ; Tong YIN ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaheng WANG ; Chenge SUN ; Dasheng LIU ; Zhizheng XING ; Xuejie HAN ; Liying WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):106-115
ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of research and evidence related to antihypertensive Chinese patent medicines combined with western medicines for the treatment of hypertension, synthesize and update the evidence, form expert consensus, and provide evidence for clinical decision-making. MethodThe databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform (WanFang), Vip Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (Sinomed), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and US Clinical Trials Registry were searched for randomized controlled trials of antihypertensive Chinese medicine combined with western medicine for the treatment of hypertension from database construction to July 31, 2022. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the bias risk assessment tool in Cochrane Handbook 6.3. Evidence synthesis of main outcome indicators was performed using R software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profiler (GRADEprofiler) 3.6 was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence. Expert consensus was formed based on the Delphi method after two rounds of voting. Result64 pieces of literature were included, and the results of literature quality evaluation and risk of bias showed that 70.31% (45/64) of the studies indicated some risks, and 29.69% (19/64) indicated high risks. Compared with conventional western medicines, the combination of Chinese patent medicines with western medicines can significantly lower systolic pressure (SBP) and diastolic pressure (DBP), increase the effective rate of antihypertensive, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, endothelin-1, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores. Egger's test showed that Songling Xuemaikang capsules reduced SBP and DBP. Tianma Gouteng granules reduced SBP and DBP and increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, and Xinmaitong capsules reduced SBP and increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, without significant publication bias. Songling Xuemaikang capsules increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, and Xinmaitong capsules decreased DBP, with significant publication bias. The results of the GRADE evidence quality evaluation showed that most evidence was at grades B and C. Finally, four strong recommendations and 14 weak recommendations were formed. ConclusionCompared with conventional western medicines for the treatment of hypertension, antihypertensive Chinese patent medicines combined with western medicines have advantages in reducing blood pressure and improving drug use safety, but they are mostly weak recommendations in terms of efficacy, and more high-quality evidence is needed.

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