1.Analysis of factors affecting renal function and surgical complications in recipients after living donor kidney transplantation
Dingran LI ; Jingcheng LÜ ; Yichen ZHU
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):77-85
Objective To explore factors affecting the postoperative renal function and surgical complications in recipients of living donor kidney transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of 119 patients who underwent living donor kidney transplantation at Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, from January 2020 to September 2024. The severity of surgical complications was evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo score. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between preoperative general data, surgical data, preoperative laboratory data and the Clavien-Dindo score. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed on the correlated factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the factors affecting the occurrence of delayed graft function (DGF) after surgery. Results The body mass index, history of hypertension, cold ischemia time, the first warm ischemia time, the second warm ischemia time, prothrombin activity and international normalized ratio were all correlated with the Clavien-Dindo score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the longer the second warm ischemia time and the first warm ischemia time were, the higher the Clavien-Dindo score was, and the more severe the postoperative surgical complications were (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long the first warm ischemia time and long dialysis time were independent risk factors for the occurrence of DGF after surgery (all P<0.05). Conclusions Prolonged the second warm ischemia time and the first warm ischemia time may increase the severity of surgical complications in recipients after living donor kidney transplantation. Long the first warm ischemia time and long dialysis time are independent risk factors for the occurrence of DGF after surgery.
2.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Their Correlation with Ocular Manifestations in Chronic Hepatitis B Complicated by Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease
Jingdong CUI ; Dingqi LI ; Yichen PENG ; Xiaoxiao DENG ; Zhenglong ZHENG ; Zilin XIONG ; Haiyang HU ; Peijie WU ; Yuelian WANG ; Liang HUANG ; Quansheng FENG ; Baixue LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):144-154
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) complicated by metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and explore the correlations between these syndrome types and clinical indicators, as well as ocular manifestation characteristics, thereby providing a reference for syndrome differentiation and treatment strategies in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsGeneral data, information from the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, clinical indicators, and ocular manifestation data were collected from 506 patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD enrolled at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu between June 2024 and December 2024. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and complex network models were employed to identify the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Correlations between different syndrome types and clinical indicators, as well as ocular manifestation characteristics, were further analyzed. ResultsThe predominant syndromes identified in patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD were dampness and heat accumulation (51.58%), liver depression with spleen deficiency (31.62%), blood stasis obstructing collaterals (8.89%), and Qi-Yin deficiency (7.91%). No statistically significant differences were found among the four syndrome types in routine blood tests and liver function indicators. However, patients with the dampness and heat accumulation type exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), along with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), compared with those with other syndrome types. Regarding ocular manifestations, the incidence of moon halo signs was significantly higher in patients with the blood stasis obstructing collaterals type than in those with other syndrome types. Additionally, the incidence in scleral zone 3 (corresponding to the large intestine) was higher in patients with the damp and heat accumulation type. ConclusionDampness and heat accumulation is the core syndrome type in patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD, commonly accompanied by spleen deficiency, liver depression, blood stasis, and Yin deficiency. A complex syndrome pattern characterized by a predominance of dampness and heat, along with a mixture of deficiency and excess, is formed. Different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types are associated with distinct clinical indicators and ocular manifestation characteristics. Among them, patients with the dampness and heat accumulation type exhibit more pronounced metabolic disturbances and liver injury, whereas those with the blood stasis type show a higher incidence of moon halo signs. Abnormalities in scleral zone 3 are also more prevalent in patients with dampness and heat type.
3.TCM Syndrome Distribution Patterns and Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Comorbid with Metabolically Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Dingqi LI ; Liang HUANG ; Baixue LI ; Rui ZHAO ; Zhenglong ZHENG ; Yichen PENG ; Yu LIANG ; Caiying HE ; Jingdong CUI ; Zilin XIONG ; Xiyang LIU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):259-270
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) comorbid with metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and analyze their correlation with clinical characteristics and the progression of liver fibrosis. MethodsA cross-sectional study method was employed, and 506 patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD who attended the Hepatology Outpatient Department of Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu from June 2024 to December 2024 were enrolled. General information, traditional Chinese medicine syndromes information, laboratory indicators, and imaging examination results were collected using case report forms (CRF). Tongue images of patients were acquired using a tongue diagnosis instrument, and tongue feature parameters were extracted using computer image processing technology. Frequency analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis, and other methods were used to explore syndrome categories and distribution patterns. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the differences in clinical characteristics among different syndromes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and the progression of liver fibrosis. ResultsThe main traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD were mainly dominated by damp-heat accumulation syndrome, liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome, and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome, with damp-heat accumulation syndrome accounting for the highest proportion (41.89%). Compared with those without damp-heat accumulation syndrome, patients with damp-heat accumulation syndrome had significantly lower tongue proper H value, tongue coating H value, and tongue coating a* value (P<0.05), significantly higher tongue coating b* value (P<0.05), significantly increased levels of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and glucose (GLU), increased CAP values (P<0.05), a higher proportion of males (P<0.05), and a younger age (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses show that age, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), diabetes, and damp-heat accumulation syndrome are independent risk factors for liver fibrosis (P<0.05), and that damp-heat accumulation syndrome is predominantly distributed in liver fibrosis stage F0-F1. ConclusionDamp-heat accumulation syndrome is a typical syndrome in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD, which is significantly associated with enhanced inflammatory response, metabolic disorders, and early liver fibrosis, and is a key link in disease progression. Clinical attention and early intervention are needed.
4.TCM Data Hub: A traditional Chinese medicine data platform powered by YiYuan large language models
Chongyun ZHOU ; Qin LI ; Tangming CUI ; Chaohui CUI ; Peiyu WANG ; Meiling SUN ; Ying NIE ; Yichen BAI ; Haiyan LI
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(2):140-151
The digitization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has generated vast amounts of data. However, these data are characterized by significant heterogeneity and complex semantic structures, posing substantial challenges for systematic integration and intelligent analysis, and limiting its potential for modern clinical and computational research. To address the challenges posed by the high heterogeneity and complex structure in TCM data, we designed and developed the TCM Data Hub platform, which is powered by the YiYuan large language models (LLMs). This platform aims to enhance intelligent data processing capabilities and unlock the potential for clinical application of TCM data through systematic integration and efficient utilization, thereby bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern computational research. This study first analyzed the heterogeneity and complexity of TCM information with respect to data types, structures, and semantics. A standardized data framework was constructed to enhance data integration and interoperability. Based on the TCM Intelligent Computing Platform of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, we trained the YiYuan LLMs to acquire domain-specific semantic understanding of TCM, thereby improving the platform’s comprehension of specialized terminology and knowledge systems. Leveraging the natural language processing capabilities of the LLMs, we developed a human-in-the-loop data processing system to enable efficient extraction, cleansing, and structured organization of TCM data. In addition, utilizing Vue and Java technologies, we developed multiple LLM-powered intelligent agents and systems, including a human-in-the-loop data processing system, as well as automated prescription mining and network pharmacology analysis agents. Task-specific agents tailored to TCM data processing were developed to enhance the model’s effectiveness in clinical knowledge discovery. System functionality and platform infrastructure were implemented using Java and Vue technologies.The TCM Data Hub platform has completed system construction and core functionality implementation. It supported integrated management and efficient access to 8 key types of TCM data: prescriptions, materia medica, ingredients, targets, diseases (Western medicine), diseases (TCM), syndromes, and therapeutic methods. The human-in-the-loop data processing system achieved an accuracy of 95.34% in structuring TCM data and supported annotation for data requiring manual labeling. The intelligent agent-driven big-data analytics module enabled 1-click, end-to-end workflows for TCM prescription mining, herb-syndrome association analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular biology research, completing a full data mining task in approximately 30 minutes. Users can interact with and manipulate data through a visual front-end interface. The system demonstrated stable performance, strong scalability, and a user-friendly experience. Empowered by the YiYuan LLMs, the TCM Data Hub platform significantly improves the accessibility, usability, and intelligence of TCM data. It effectively bridges traditional TCM knowledge with modern intelligent technologies, providing robust data support and intelligent tools for TCM research and clinical applications.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma, Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Li LU ; Yichen YANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Hui CHANG ; Li AN ; Shibao WANG ; Cunde MA ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):218-247
This article systematically reviews and verifies the medicinal materials of Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma(DHR), Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma(DSR), Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma(SCR) and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma(SGR) from the aspects of name, origin, producing area, quality, harvesting, processing and efficacy by consulting historical literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing the four medicinal materials. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR have a long history of application as medicinal materials. However, due to their similar growth environment and medicinal properties, as well as their functions of promoting dampness, dispelling wind and removing numbness, there have been instances of homonymous foreign objects and homonymous synonyms throughout history, resulting in confusion of the origin. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct comparative analysis and systematic research for clarifying the historical development and changes of the four, in order to provide a basis for safe and effective medication. According to research, Bixie was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing and has been historically known as Baizhi, Chijie, Zhumu, and other aliases. From ancient times to the mid-20th century, there has always been a situation where the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants and Smilax plants, and even the rhizomes of Heterosmilax plants, were mixed together to be used as medicinal herbs for Bixie. However, since the Tang dynasty, it has been clearly advocated that the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants have excellent quality and have been the mainstream throughout history. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia categorized it into two types of medicinal herbs(DHR and DSR). Among them, the origin of DHR is the dry rhizomes of Dioscorea hypoglauca, and the origins of DSR are the dry rhizomes of D. spongiosa and D. futschauensis. In ancient times, due to different types, the corresponding production areas of DHR and DSR were also different. Nowadays, They are mainly produced in the southern region of the Yangtze River. Since the Tang dynasty, the quality of Bixie has been characterized by its white color and soft nature. In modern times, it has been summarized that those with white color, large and thin pieces, powdery texture, tough and elastic texture, and neat and unbreakable are the best. The harvesting times of DHR and DSR are in spring or autumn, with the best quality harvested in autumn. The mainstream processing methods of them are slicing and then using the raw products or wine-processed products. SCR was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu and has been known as Jinganggen, Tielingjiao, Tieshuazi, and other aliases in history. The mainstream source is the dry rhizomes of Smilax china in the past dynasties, with the best quality being those that are tough and rich in powder. The harvesting time is from the late autumn to the following spring, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. SGR was first recorded under the item of Yuyuliang in Variorum of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It was listed as an independent medicinal material from Bencao Gangmu. In history, there were such aliases as Cao Yuyuliang, Lengfantuan, Xianyiliang, Tubixie, etc. The main source of the past dynasties was dry rhizomes of S. glabra. In history, there have also been instances of multiple plants belonging to the same genus, and even cases of mixing the rhizomes of plants in the genus Heterosmilax. It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other regions, its quality has been summarized as large in size, powdery in texture, with few veins, and light brown in cross-section since modern times. The harvesting time is in spring or autumn, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR all have the effects of promoting dampness, dispelling wind, relieving rheumatism and detoxifying. However, their detoxification abilities are ranked as follows:SGR>SCR>Bixie(DHR and DSR). Especially for the treatment of limb spasms, arthralgia and myalgia, scrofula, and scabies caused by syphilis and mercury poisoning, SGR has a unique effect. Based on the research results, DHR is recommended to develop the famous classical formulas containing Bixie as the first choice for medicinal herbs. It should be harvested in autumn, sliced thinly while fresh, and processed according to the requirements of the famous classical formulas, without any requirements for raw use. Selecting the rhizomes of S. china, harvested in late autumn, and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, use it raw. Selecting the rhizomes of S. glabra, it is harvested in autumn and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, raw products can be used.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
8.Global burden of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: A systematic analysis of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Yichen WANG ; Xiaoquan HUANG ; Sitao YE ; Tian LI ; Yuting HUANG ; Mahesh CHERYALA ; Shiyao CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2947-2954
BACKGROUND:
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common liver disease and may become the leading cause of severe liver disease in the future. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study assesses MAFLD's impact in countries and regions worldwide, providing insights into its prevalence.
METHODS:
Prevalence data for MAFLD from 1990 to 2021 by country and region in all sex and age groups were collected from the Global Health Data Exchange. The categorization of countries and geographic areas by development was performed using the Sociodemographic Index (SDI).
RESULTS:
Between 1990 and 2021, the global crude prevalence rate of MAFLD increased from 10.6% to 16.1% (beta-coefficient: 0.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2-0.2%, P <0.001), and the age-standardized prevalence rate was increased from 12.1% to 15.0% (beta-coefficient: 0.1%, 95% CI: 0.1-0.1%, P <0.001). In 2021, MAFLD was estimated to have affected 1.3 billion people worldwide. Significant uptrends were observed in all regions, super regions, and SDI categories. The fastest increase from 1990 to 2021 and the highest prevalence rate in 2021 were experienced by countries and territories with high-middle and middle SDI. An increase in the prevalence of MAFLD from 1990 to 2021 was demonstrated in all but six countries.
CONCLUSIONS
In 2021, the number of patients affected by MAFLD was doubled compared to 1990, and the prevalence rate increased by over 50%. The burden of MAFLD, as measured by prevalence, was more prominent in countries and territories with middle SDI and in those located in North African and Middle Eastern, possibly due to changes in lifestyle in these areas over the past 30 years.
Humans
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Prevalence
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Global Health
;
Fatty Liver/epidemiology*
;
Aged
9.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription in Regulating PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Rat Model of Premature Ovarian Failure
Kailing WANG ; Yichen JING ; Guiyun WANG ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):150-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) in regulating premature ovarian failure in rats through the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkinson's protein (Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsA total of 48 rats were randomly divided into a blank group consisting of eight rats, while the remaining 40 rats underwent modeling. The modeling group was intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg·kg-1 cisplatin solution, followed by a second injection one week later, for a total of two injections. The estrous cycle was observed through vaginal smears for 14 consecutive days to determine whether the modeling was successful. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP at 9.72, 19.44, and 38.88 g·kg-1·d-1 (BSHXP-L, BSHXP-M, and BSHXP-H groups), and a positive control group treated with estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1·d-1), for 21 consecutive days. The body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the final administration, rats were anesthetized, and their blood and ovaries were collected. The ovarian weight was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Assay kits were used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect microtubule autophagy-related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B) protein expression in ovarian tissue, and electron microscopy was employed to examine the mitochondrial and autophagosome changes in the rat ovaries. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, and ovarian weight (P<0.01), along with decreased serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01), while FSH and LH levels were increased (P<0.01). Serum MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The ovarian tissue structure was disordered, and the zona pellucida was wrinkled into an irregular acidophilic annular object, accompanied by an increased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, unclear structure, and no obvious autophagosomes and autolysosome structures. The proteins and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in the ovarian tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increases in body weight and ovarian weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP-L group, all treatment groups showed increased body weight gain (P<0.01). All treatment groups showed significantly increased serum AMH and decreased FSH levels (P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increase and decrease in serum E2 and LH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed reduced serum MDA levels (P<0.01), while the BSHXP-M, BSHXP-H, and the positive control groups demonstrated improved serum SOD levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed an increased number of follicles at all stages, visible mature follicles, and a decreased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed relieved mitochondrial swelling, morphology close to normal, clear structure, and visible formation of autolysosomes in all treatment groups. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSHXP may improve ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, activating mitochondrial autophagy, and reducing oxidative damage.
10.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription in Regulating PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Rat Model of Premature Ovarian Failure
Kailing WANG ; Yichen JING ; Guiyun WANG ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):150-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) in regulating premature ovarian failure in rats through the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkinson's protein (Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsA total of 48 rats were randomly divided into a blank group consisting of eight rats, while the remaining 40 rats underwent modeling. The modeling group was intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg·kg-1 cisplatin solution, followed by a second injection one week later, for a total of two injections. The estrous cycle was observed through vaginal smears for 14 consecutive days to determine whether the modeling was successful. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP at 9.72, 19.44, and 38.88 g·kg-1·d-1 (BSHXP-L, BSHXP-M, and BSHXP-H groups), and a positive control group treated with estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1·d-1), for 21 consecutive days. The body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the final administration, rats were anesthetized, and their blood and ovaries were collected. The ovarian weight was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Assay kits were used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect microtubule autophagy-related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B) protein expression in ovarian tissue, and electron microscopy was employed to examine the mitochondrial and autophagosome changes in the rat ovaries. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, and ovarian weight (P<0.01), along with decreased serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01), while FSH and LH levels were increased (P<0.01). Serum MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The ovarian tissue structure was disordered, and the zona pellucida was wrinkled into an irregular acidophilic annular object, accompanied by an increased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, unclear structure, and no obvious autophagosomes and autolysosome structures. The proteins and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in the ovarian tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increases in body weight and ovarian weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP-L group, all treatment groups showed increased body weight gain (P<0.01). All treatment groups showed significantly increased serum AMH and decreased FSH levels (P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increase and decrease in serum E2 and LH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed reduced serum MDA levels (P<0.01), while the BSHXP-M, BSHXP-H, and the positive control groups demonstrated improved serum SOD levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed an increased number of follicles at all stages, visible mature follicles, and a decreased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed relieved mitochondrial swelling, morphology close to normal, clear structure, and visible formation of autolysosomes in all treatment groups. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSHXP may improve ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, activating mitochondrial autophagy, and reducing oxidative damage.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail