1.Mechanism of Shenfu Xiongze Prescription in Regulating Autophagy Level to Intervene in Myocardial Remodeling in Rats via AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xueqing WANG ; Wei ZHONG ; Liangliang PAN ; Caihong LI ; Man HAN ; Xiaowei YANG ; Yuanwang YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):136-144
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the Shenfu Xiongze prescription regulates autophagy in rats with myocardial remodeling through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of myocardial remodeling induced by isoprenaline (ISO) was established. Rats were divided into the blank group,the model group,the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription,and the captopril group, 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group,the rat model of myocardial remodeling was established in the other groups by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg·kg-1 ISO for 3 consecutive weeks. At the same time of modeling, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription were administered the corresponding doses of Shenfu Xiongze prescription solution (8.4,16.8,and 33.6 g·kg-1),and the captopril group was administered captopril solution (25 mg·kg-1). As for the blank group and the model group, the same volume of normal saline was given. The treatment was continued for 3 weeks. Echocardiography was used to observe the cardiac structure and function,and the heart weight index was detected. Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to observe the pathological morphology changes of myocardial tissue. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Collagen Ⅰ),type Ⅲ collagen (Collagen Ⅲ),and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) proteins in myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),LC3,yeast Atg6 homolog protein (Beclin-1),AMPK,and mTOR in myocardial tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ,α-SMA,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),LC3,Beclin-1,p62, phosphorylation(p)-AMPK,p-mTOR,AMPK,and mTOR was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group,rats in the model group exhibited significantly decreased values of ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) (P<0.01), significantly increased values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group also showed increased degrees of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of myocardial tissue, significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA,and mTOR (P<0.01),and markedly decreased mRNA and protein levels of LC3,Beclin-1,and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription presented significantly elevated EF and FS values (P<0.01) and lowered LVIDd and LVIDs (P<0.05). In these groups, the inflammation and fibrosis were alleviated significantly. They also exhibited decreased serum levels of IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly reduced protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, p62, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), significantly decreased mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, and mTOR (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of LC3, Beclin-1, and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe Shenfu Xiongze prescription can improve the myocardial remodeling induced by ISO in rats by regulating the autophagy level,enhance cardiac function,and reduce inflammatory and fibrotic levels. This effect may be achieved through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Effects of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphism on Clinical Features of High-Risk Psychosis Before Schizophrenia
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):442-450
Objective:
High-risk psychosis before schizophrenia includes individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) and genetic high risk (GHR). Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene variants have been identified as risk factors for schizophrenia onset and symptom severity, though the effects of these polymorphisms in high-risk individuals remain unexplored. This study investigated the impact of MTHFR polymorphisms on clinical features of high-risk psychosis. We hypothesized that MTHFR variants may influence the progression of high-risk psychosis before schizophrenia.
Methods:
A total of 163 individuals were enrolled, comprising 76 healthy controls, 31 GHR, and 56 CHR. MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C, and G1793A) were detected. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was administered to assess cognitive ability. Additional recorded clinical features included sex, age, family history, cognitive scores, and the Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS) scores.
Results:
Higher MTHFR polymorphism levels were observed in high-risk individuals at the C677T site (p=0.006) and in multi-site variant analysis (p=0.012) compared to controls. Stratified by sex, both males and females showed similar increases in MTHFR polymorphism. Cognitive ability scores decreased in the high-risk group with an increase in MTHFR variant allele amounts. In the CHR group, SIPS scores non-significantly increased with the number of variant alleles.
Conclusion
Increased MTHFR polymorphism was associated with the risk progression of schizophrenia, being more pronounced in males than in females. Higher amounts of hypofunctional MTHFR variants tended to decrease the cognitive ability in both high-risk and healthy subjects, while higher risk levels are observed in CHR subjects.
3.Effect of Exercise on Blood Glucose Metabolism of Type 2 Diabetes Patients in East Asian Population: A Meta-Analysis
Yuxin SUN ; Bingtai HAN ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Xueqing ZHENG ; Shi CHEN ; Hongbo YANG ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):492-505
To explore the effects of different exercise prescriptions on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to compare the differences in the impact of population characteristics and exercise components on glycemic metabolism. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EmBase, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform to identify relevant studies published from database inception to June 15, 2024, on the effects of exercise on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with T2DM. The study type was limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where the intervention group received exercise interventions and the control group did not. Two researchers independently screened the literature based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted relevant data. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test in Stata 17.0 and funnel plots in RevMan 5.3. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. A total of 21 RCTs involving 1289 participants (675 in the intervention group and 614 in the control group) were included. Publication bias assessment indicated overall good quality of the included studies. The random-effects model showed that exercise interventions significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (MD=-1.31 mg/L, 95% CI: -1.55 to -1.07, Exercise interventions can improve glycemic control and reduce insulin resistance in East Asian patients with T2DM. Aerobic exercise and combined exercise are more effective exercise prescriptions for glycemic management in this population.
4.Effects of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphism on Clinical Features of High-Risk Psychosis Before Schizophrenia
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):442-450
Objective:
High-risk psychosis before schizophrenia includes individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) and genetic high risk (GHR). Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene variants have been identified as risk factors for schizophrenia onset and symptom severity, though the effects of these polymorphisms in high-risk individuals remain unexplored. This study investigated the impact of MTHFR polymorphisms on clinical features of high-risk psychosis. We hypothesized that MTHFR variants may influence the progression of high-risk psychosis before schizophrenia.
Methods:
A total of 163 individuals were enrolled, comprising 76 healthy controls, 31 GHR, and 56 CHR. MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C, and G1793A) were detected. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was administered to assess cognitive ability. Additional recorded clinical features included sex, age, family history, cognitive scores, and the Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS) scores.
Results:
Higher MTHFR polymorphism levels were observed in high-risk individuals at the C677T site (p=0.006) and in multi-site variant analysis (p=0.012) compared to controls. Stratified by sex, both males and females showed similar increases in MTHFR polymorphism. Cognitive ability scores decreased in the high-risk group with an increase in MTHFR variant allele amounts. In the CHR group, SIPS scores non-significantly increased with the number of variant alleles.
Conclusion
Increased MTHFR polymorphism was associated with the risk progression of schizophrenia, being more pronounced in males than in females. Higher amounts of hypofunctional MTHFR variants tended to decrease the cognitive ability in both high-risk and healthy subjects, while higher risk levels are observed in CHR subjects.
5.Effects of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphism on Clinical Features of High-Risk Psychosis Before Schizophrenia
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):442-450
Objective:
High-risk psychosis before schizophrenia includes individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) and genetic high risk (GHR). Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene variants have been identified as risk factors for schizophrenia onset and symptom severity, though the effects of these polymorphisms in high-risk individuals remain unexplored. This study investigated the impact of MTHFR polymorphisms on clinical features of high-risk psychosis. We hypothesized that MTHFR variants may influence the progression of high-risk psychosis before schizophrenia.
Methods:
A total of 163 individuals were enrolled, comprising 76 healthy controls, 31 GHR, and 56 CHR. MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C, and G1793A) were detected. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was administered to assess cognitive ability. Additional recorded clinical features included sex, age, family history, cognitive scores, and the Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS) scores.
Results:
Higher MTHFR polymorphism levels were observed in high-risk individuals at the C677T site (p=0.006) and in multi-site variant analysis (p=0.012) compared to controls. Stratified by sex, both males and females showed similar increases in MTHFR polymorphism. Cognitive ability scores decreased in the high-risk group with an increase in MTHFR variant allele amounts. In the CHR group, SIPS scores non-significantly increased with the number of variant alleles.
Conclusion
Increased MTHFR polymorphism was associated with the risk progression of schizophrenia, being more pronounced in males than in females. Higher amounts of hypofunctional MTHFR variants tended to decrease the cognitive ability in both high-risk and healthy subjects, while higher risk levels are observed in CHR subjects.
6.Effects of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphism on Clinical Features of High-Risk Psychosis Before Schizophrenia
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):442-450
Objective:
High-risk psychosis before schizophrenia includes individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) and genetic high risk (GHR). Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene variants have been identified as risk factors for schizophrenia onset and symptom severity, though the effects of these polymorphisms in high-risk individuals remain unexplored. This study investigated the impact of MTHFR polymorphisms on clinical features of high-risk psychosis. We hypothesized that MTHFR variants may influence the progression of high-risk psychosis before schizophrenia.
Methods:
A total of 163 individuals were enrolled, comprising 76 healthy controls, 31 GHR, and 56 CHR. MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C, and G1793A) were detected. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was administered to assess cognitive ability. Additional recorded clinical features included sex, age, family history, cognitive scores, and the Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS) scores.
Results:
Higher MTHFR polymorphism levels were observed in high-risk individuals at the C677T site (p=0.006) and in multi-site variant analysis (p=0.012) compared to controls. Stratified by sex, both males and females showed similar increases in MTHFR polymorphism. Cognitive ability scores decreased in the high-risk group with an increase in MTHFR variant allele amounts. In the CHR group, SIPS scores non-significantly increased with the number of variant alleles.
Conclusion
Increased MTHFR polymorphism was associated with the risk progression of schizophrenia, being more pronounced in males than in females. Higher amounts of hypofunctional MTHFR variants tended to decrease the cognitive ability in both high-risk and healthy subjects, while higher risk levels are observed in CHR subjects.
7.Effects of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphism on Clinical Features of High-Risk Psychosis Before Schizophrenia
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):442-450
Objective:
High-risk psychosis before schizophrenia includes individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) and genetic high risk (GHR). Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene variants have been identified as risk factors for schizophrenia onset and symptom severity, though the effects of these polymorphisms in high-risk individuals remain unexplored. This study investigated the impact of MTHFR polymorphisms on clinical features of high-risk psychosis. We hypothesized that MTHFR variants may influence the progression of high-risk psychosis before schizophrenia.
Methods:
A total of 163 individuals were enrolled, comprising 76 healthy controls, 31 GHR, and 56 CHR. MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C, and G1793A) were detected. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was administered to assess cognitive ability. Additional recorded clinical features included sex, age, family history, cognitive scores, and the Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS) scores.
Results:
Higher MTHFR polymorphism levels were observed in high-risk individuals at the C677T site (p=0.006) and in multi-site variant analysis (p=0.012) compared to controls. Stratified by sex, both males and females showed similar increases in MTHFR polymorphism. Cognitive ability scores decreased in the high-risk group with an increase in MTHFR variant allele amounts. In the CHR group, SIPS scores non-significantly increased with the number of variant alleles.
Conclusion
Increased MTHFR polymorphism was associated with the risk progression of schizophrenia, being more pronounced in males than in females. Higher amounts of hypofunctional MTHFR variants tended to decrease the cognitive ability in both high-risk and healthy subjects, while higher risk levels are observed in CHR subjects.
8.Clinical Practice Guidelines for TCM in Children with Adenoidal Hypertrophy
Bin YUAN ; Zhiyan JIANG ; Huaan MA ; Mei HAN ; Zhuyun LIU ; Xianzhi REN ; Weiwei LI ; Sumei WANG ; Xueqing ZHANG ; Xiaohui ZHU ; Lei WANG ; Chanchan HU ; Jun MA ; Tianhan WANG ; Shuo LI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(2):184-189
Literature related to children's adenoid hypertrophy was retrieved to form an expert questionnaire.According to the group standard writing rules of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,the peer consultation,quality evaluation and suitability eval-uation were completed through three rounds of Delphi expert questionnaire surveys and expert discussion meetings,and the Clinical Practice Guidelines for TCM in Children with Adenoidal Hypertrophy was finally formed.The guidelines have been formulated to clarify the scope of application of the guidelines,normative reference documents,terms and definitions,diagnosis,syndrome differentiation,treatment,prevention and care,and to provide an important reference for the clinical practice and diagnosis and treatment norms of tra-ditional Chinese medicine for children with adenoid hypertrophy.
9.Effects of group psychological counseling on perioperative negative emotions and vision-related quality of life in patients with primary glaucoma
Xiaoqing MA ; Xueqing HAN ; Shaojuan CUI ; Yuqin GUO ; Lu LI ; Qian LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2021;27(24):3308-3311
Objective:To explore the effect of group psychological counseling on the improvement of negative emotion and vision-related quality of life in patients with primary glaucoma during the perioperative period.Methods:A total of 96 patients who underwent primary glaucoma surgery in Ophthalmology Ward of Beijing Tongren Hospital were selected from June 2018 to December 2019 and they were divided into the intervention group ( n=48) and the control group ( n=48) by the random number table method. The control group was given routine care during the perioperative period of glaucoma, while the intervention group was given group psychological counseling on the basis of the control group. Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) , Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and self-made Vision-related Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to evaluate the patients. Results:The SAS score of the intervention group and the control group before intervention was respectively (56.79±1.86) and (56.77±1.92) , and the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05) . After the intervention, SAS score of the intervention group and the control group was respectively (41.31±3.37) and (47.45±2.05) , and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01) . The SDS score of the intervention group and the control group before intervention was respectively (66.97±3.27) and (66.64±2.43) , and the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05) . After the intervention, SDS score of the intervention group and the control group was respectively (44.91±2.04) and (52.52±1.86) , and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01) . The sleep quality and self-care ability in the intervention group were better than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Group psychological counseling can help to reduce negative emotions of patients, improve their sleep quality and self-care ability and improve their quality of life.
10.Identification and Molecular Analysis of Ixodid Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Infesting Domestic Animals and Tick-Borne Pathogens at the Tarim Basin of Southern Xinjiang, China
Li ZHAO ; Jizhou LV ; Fei LI ; Kairui LI ; Bo HE ; Luyao ZHANG ; Xueqing HAN ; Huiyu WANG ; Nicholas JOHNSON ; Xiangmei LIN ; Shaoqiang WU ; Yonghong LIU
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 2020;58(1):37-46
Livestock husbandry is vital to economy of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China. However, there have been few surveys of the distribution of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens affecting domestic animals at these locations. In this study, 3,916 adult ixodid ticks infesting domestic animals were collected from 23 sampling sites during 2012-2016. Ticks were identified to species based on morphology, and the identification was confirmed based on mitochondrial 16S and 12S rRNA sequences. Ten tick species belonging to 4 genera were identified, including Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rh. bursa, H. asiaticum asiaticum, and Rh. sanguineus. DNA sequences of Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever group) and Anaplasma spp. were detected in these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses revealed possible existence of undescribed Babesia spp. and Borrelia spp. This study illustrates potential threat to domestic animals and humans from tick-borne pathogens.

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