1.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.
2.Preparation of spermine-pullulan-PLGA-CD3 nanoparticles and their effects on T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion
Mengyuan WANG ; Hongyang CHEN ; Yifan HE ; Xi LI ; Mengyuan ZHAO ; Xiaocong DONG ; Yichen HE ; Hongli CHEN
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(1):33-40
Objective:To prepare pullulan-spermine (PS)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with CD3 antibody, and to investigate their effects on T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.Methods:Purulan polysaccharide was sperminized to synthesize PS, hydrophobically modified, and then grafted with PLGA to synthesize PS-PLGA. Infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectrum were used to characterize the structure of PS-PLGA. PS-PLGA NPs were prepared by ultrasonic dialysis method and then coupled with CD3 antibody to prepare PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs. The morphological features of PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs were observed by the transmission electron microscope. The particle sizes, Zeta potential and dispersive coefficient of the NPs were measured using the dynamic laser particle size analyzer. The amount of coupled CD3 antibody on the surface of the NPs was determined using quantitative fluorescence analysis method. The effects of 1, 10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs on T-cell proliferation were determined using cell counting kit-8 method. The effects of 1, 10, 50, 100, 200 μg/ml PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs on secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β) by T cell were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparisons were made using independent sample t-test or one-factor analysis of variance. Results:Pullulan and PS showed strong absorption at 2 939 cm ?1, and PS had a weaker absorption peak at 3 384 cm ?1 than pullulan. The proton peaks of spermine appeared at chemical shifts of 1.25 to 1.50, 1.63, and 2.25 to 2.75. The characteristic peaks of PLGA appeared at chemical shifts of 1.50, 3.40, and 4.80 to 5.30. Compared to pullulan, the characteristic peaks of both PS and PLGA appeared in the corresponding intervals for PS-PLGA. The morphology of PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs with spermine substitution at 9.7% was all regular and circular, with a mean particle size of (173.3±24.5) nm, a Zeta potential of (?12.78±3.68) mV, the dispersive coefficient of 0.254±0.101, and the CD3 antibody mass fraction of (52.1±9.4) μg/mg. The differences in cell survival were statistically significant for PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs and PS-PLGA NPs, respectively, after co-incubation with T cell after 24, 48, and 72 h at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml, respectively (all P<0.05). The results of the three concentration comparisons after 24 h of co-incubation were [(129.8±23.1)% vs (95.5±8.9)%, (137.5±22.7)% vs (95.1±15.8)%, and (142.3±25.6)% vs (93.2±9.2)%]; and the results after 48 h were [(145.9±23.7)% vs (95.8±10.6)%, (149.3±23.5)% vs (94.9±16.3)%, and (161.2±26.9)% vs (91.5±8.3)%]; and the results after 72 h were [(147.6±20.1)% vs (95.9±17.8)%, (152.4±22.3)% vs (92.7±16.5)%, and (167.7±25.4)% vs (90.8±17.4)%]. The differences in the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-β were statistically significant (all P<0.05 or 0.01) at 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml concentrations for PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs and PS-PLGA NPs, respectively. For IFN-γ, the results of the comparison of the three concentrations were [(35.7±3.1) ng/ml vs (16.4±6.9) ng/ml, (67.3±5.2) ng/ml vs (19.6±2.8) ng/ml, and (79.0±4.2) ng/ml vs (19.3±2.3) ng/ml]; and for IL-2, the results were [(43.5±8.2) ng/ml vs (12.6±1.9) ng/ml, (53.5±7.8) ng/ml vs (15.8±3.3) ng/ml, and (64.0±8.2) ng/ml vs (17.4±3.8) ng/ml]; and for TNF-β, the results were [(108.4±18.9) pg/ml vs (40.8±1.3) pg/ml, (152.3±28.3) pg/ml vs (56.4±3.7) pg/ml and (185.0±33.6) pg/ml vs (81.6±10.2) pg/ml]. Conclusions:PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs are successfully prepared, which have the function of effectively promoting T cell proliferation and cytokine sectetion.
3.Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses
Junmin ZHU ; Junjie WANG ; Jianming YUE ; Yixin SUN ; Yichen LIU ; Lei WANG ; Lin LIN ; Jie LI ; Jinlan ZHAO ; Xuehua TU ; Ningying DING ; Jianrong HU ; Chunmei HE ; Leilei TIAN ; Hongtao TANG ; Jiasheng ZHAO ; Cheng CHEN ; Yongxiang SONG ; Yunwei TIAN ; Yong XIAO ; Kaidi LI ; Lin MA ; Yun WANG ; Longqi CHEN ; Dong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(11):1603-1609
Objective To assess the clinical value of a novel surgical technique—Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in the resection of anterior mediastinal masses. Methods Patients who underwent tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to April 2025 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 4 patients were included, with 2 males and 2 females, aged 58-75 years. The diameter of the tumor was 2.5-3.0 cm. The operation time was 60.0-150.0 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-10 mL, pain score on the 3rd day after surgery was 0 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 2-3 days. All patients achieved complete resection of the masses and thymus without perioperative complications. Conclusion The tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device technique optimizes surgical visualization and instrument maneuverability while avoiding complications related to conventional anesthesia and tubing, thereby markedly enhancing the minimally invasive profile of anterior mediastinal masses resections. In addition to maintaining procedural safety, this approach effectively reduces postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery, highlighting its potential for widespread clinical adoption.
4.Effect of evolocumab early use after PCI on blood lipids and inflammatory factors in patients with ultra-high-risk ASCVD
Weijian ZHANG ; Bingkun LIU ; Yichen LIU ; Yao YAN ; Chuanyan ZHAO
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(2):446-451
Objective To investigate the effects of evolocumab in the early postoperative period after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)on blood lipids and inflammatory cytokines in the patients with ul-tra-high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD).Methods A total of 65 patients with ultra-high-risk ASCVD treated by PCI in this hospital from October 2022 to March 2023 were selected as the study subjects and divided into the observation group(n=33)and control group(n=32)according to the used drugs.The patients in the control group received the treatment of oral rosuvastatin 10 mg;on the basis of the treatment in the control group,the observation group was treated with subcutaneous injection of evolocumab 140 mg immediately after PCI.The fasting blood samples were collected before surgery,on postoperative 3 d,1,3,6 months,and the levels of inflammation and blood lipid indexes were detected and recorded.The occur-rences of cardiovascular adverse events(MACE)and other complications in postoperative 6 months were re-corded.Results The levels of LDL-C,Lp-PLA2 and lipoprotein a on postoperative 3 d,1,3,6 months in the observation group were gradually decreased,moreover were lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of IL-6,homocysteine and hs-CRP on postoper-ative 3 d,1,3,6 months in the two groups were decreased,moreover the levels of various indexes in the obser-vation group were lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence rate of MACE in the observation group was lower than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the difference in the incidence rates of other complications between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).According to the Log Rank test,the sur-vival rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group,and the difference was statistical-ly significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The early application of evolocumab after PCI could reduce the blood lipid level and inflammatory cytokines levels of the patients with ultra-high-risk ASCVD,and increase their survival rate.
5.Treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children based on the"qi cycle in round"theory
Xinye ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Xiyu ZHAO ; Yichen LIN ; Kangle LIU ; Jia'an ZHAO ; Si'ang HAN ; Zhenqi WU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1127-1133
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a common behavioral disorder in children and has significant non-specific symptoms.The specific pathogenesis of ADHD remains unclear.Chinese medicine has a unique advantage in treating this disease.The"qi cycle in round"theory is a unique diagnosis and treatment system constructed by Huang Yuanyu,a Qing Dynasty physician,through systematic integration and innovative development of the theoretical framework of traditional Chinese medicine,which is widely used in clinical practice.Based on the"qi cycle in round"theory,the pathogenesis of ADHD in children was discussed,and the abnormal middle qi was proposed as the root cause of the disease,with hyperactivity of the liver,lung depletion,and fire as the key contributing factors.Guided by the"qi cycle in round"theory in the treatment of ADHD in children,the approach focuses on restoring and balancing central qi.It emphasized the understanding of the overall changes in the spleen,stomach,lungs,liver,heart,kidney,and other viscera,along with the movement of qi.Treatment focuses on methods such as lifting clear yang,reducing stomach turbidity,softening the liver and quenching the wind,suppressing the lungs and reducing the inversion,and reducing the fire and returning to the yuan.These interventions aim to promote the smooth circulation of the qi circulation from multiple perspectives,thereby facilitating recovery.
6.Study on Medicinal Properties of New Foreign Introducing Chinese Materia Medica Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn Based on Literature Research and Intelligent Sense
Yichen LIN ; Zhenqi WU ; Chang CAI ; Tianyu ZHANG ; Xiyu ZHAO ; Kangle LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):134-140
Objective To summarize the medicinal properties of new foreign introducing Chinese materia medica Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn based on literature research;To further verify its five flavors by applying intelligent sense;To provide new ideas for the medicinal properties research of new foreign introducing Chinese materia medica.Methods Literature about Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn was retrieved from CNKI,VIP,Wanfang Data,PubMed,Web of Science,and combined with the TCM theories medicinal properties of Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn was summarized.PEN3 electronic nose and SA402B electronic tongue were used to obtain intelligent sensory information of Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn,and the principal component analysis(PCA)was used to identify its five flavors.Results Literature research summarize Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn with antioxidant,anti-tumor,strengthening cardiac functions and diuresis,reducing cough and asthma and other pharmacological effects.Combined with the theories,it explored that its property was mainly slightly warm,the tastes were mainly bitter,pungent,sweet,and slightly toxic,belonging to the lung,spleen,stomach and heart meridians.Based on intelligent sense,identification results of five tastes of Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn were bitter,slightly pungent,slightly sweet,salty,non-acid,basically consistent with the literature research.Conclusion Literature research combined with intelligent sense can better summarize and recognize the medicinal properties of Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn.This study can provide a certain reference for a more objective and adequate medicinal properties analysis of new foreign introducing Chinese materia medica.
7.Treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children based on the"qi cycle in round"theory
Xinye ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Xiyu ZHAO ; Yichen LIN ; Kangle LIU ; Jia'an ZHAO ; Si'ang HAN ; Zhenqi WU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1127-1133
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a common behavioral disorder in children and has significant non-specific symptoms.The specific pathogenesis of ADHD remains unclear.Chinese medicine has a unique advantage in treating this disease.The"qi cycle in round"theory is a unique diagnosis and treatment system constructed by Huang Yuanyu,a Qing Dynasty physician,through systematic integration and innovative development of the theoretical framework of traditional Chinese medicine,which is widely used in clinical practice.Based on the"qi cycle in round"theory,the pathogenesis of ADHD in children was discussed,and the abnormal middle qi was proposed as the root cause of the disease,with hyperactivity of the liver,lung depletion,and fire as the key contributing factors.Guided by the"qi cycle in round"theory in the treatment of ADHD in children,the approach focuses on restoring and balancing central qi.It emphasized the understanding of the overall changes in the spleen,stomach,lungs,liver,heart,kidney,and other viscera,along with the movement of qi.Treatment focuses on methods such as lifting clear yang,reducing stomach turbidity,softening the liver and quenching the wind,suppressing the lungs and reducing the inversion,and reducing the fire and returning to the yuan.These interventions aim to promote the smooth circulation of the qi circulation from multiple perspectives,thereby facilitating recovery.
8.Study on Medicinal Properties of New Foreign Introducing Chinese Materia Medica Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn Based on Literature Research and Intelligent Sense
Yichen LIN ; Zhenqi WU ; Chang CAI ; Tianyu ZHANG ; Xiyu ZHAO ; Kangle LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):134-140
Objective To summarize the medicinal properties of new foreign introducing Chinese materia medica Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn based on literature research;To further verify its five flavors by applying intelligent sense;To provide new ideas for the medicinal properties research of new foreign introducing Chinese materia medica.Methods Literature about Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn was retrieved from CNKI,VIP,Wanfang Data,PubMed,Web of Science,and combined with the TCM theories medicinal properties of Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn was summarized.PEN3 electronic nose and SA402B electronic tongue were used to obtain intelligent sensory information of Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn,and the principal component analysis(PCA)was used to identify its five flavors.Results Literature research summarize Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn with antioxidant,anti-tumor,strengthening cardiac functions and diuresis,reducing cough and asthma and other pharmacological effects.Combined with the theories,it explored that its property was mainly slightly warm,the tastes were mainly bitter,pungent,sweet,and slightly toxic,belonging to the lung,spleen,stomach and heart meridians.Based on intelligent sense,identification results of five tastes of Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn were bitter,slightly pungent,slightly sweet,salty,non-acid,basically consistent with the literature research.Conclusion Literature research combined with intelligent sense can better summarize and recognize the medicinal properties of Drimia maritima(L.)Stearn.This study can provide a certain reference for a more objective and adequate medicinal properties analysis of new foreign introducing Chinese materia medica.
9.Changes in expressions of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases in placenta and fetal liver of rats before birth induced by maternal exposure to bisphenol A during pregnancy
Peili WANG ; Jun WANG ; Yichen ZHAO ; Panjie WANG ; Mingyue MA ; Zhiwen DUAN ; Xiucong PEI ; Haiyang YU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(11):1263-1269
Background Maternal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy is closely related to adverse growth and development conditions such as preterm birth and low birth weight, but the relevant mechanisms are still unclear. UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) can regulate the excretion of BPA conjugating with glucuronic acid through urine, which is one of the important pathways for BPA elimination. Objective To explore the changes in the expression of UGTs in placenta and fetal liver of rats before birth induced by maternal exposure to BPA during pregnancy. Methods Thirty SPF-grade healthy SD pregnant rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 50 mg·kg−1 BPA groups. The pregnant rats were exposed to BPA dissolved in corn oil via oral gavage daily from gestational day (GD) 5 to GD 19. After anesthesia, the pregnant rats were sacrificed on GD 20 and the placentas were collected. Body length, tail length, and weight of the fetal rats were measured. Fetal liver tissues were then separated, and organ weights were measured. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) were used to determine the mRNA and protein levels of UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B1 in the placenta and fetal liver tissues in each group. Results There were no differences in body length and tail length of the pups after maternal exposure to BPA during pregnancy. The fetal body weight and placenta weight in the 5 and 50 mg·kg−1 BPA groups and the liver weight in the 5 mg·kg−1 BPA group reduced compared with the control group (P<0.05). The results of UGTs expressions in placenta showed that compared with the control group, the UGT1A1 mRNA levels in placenta of the BPA groups (exposure dose≥0.5 mg·kg−1) and the UGT1A1 protein level in placenta of the 50 mg·kg−1 BPA group increased (P<0.05); the UGT1A6 mRNA and protein levels in placenta of each BPA group did not change (P>0.05); the UGT1A9 mRNA level in placenta of the 50 mg·kg−1 BPA group and the UGT1A9 protein levels in placenta of the BPA groups (exposure dose≥0.5 mg·kg−1) reduced (P<0.05); while the levels of UGT2B1 mRNA in placenta of the BPA groups (exposure dose≥0.5 mg·kg−1) reduced (P<0.05). The results of UGTs expressions in fetal liver showed that compared with the control group, the UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B1 mRNA levels of each BPA group increased (P<0.05); no obvious alternation was observed in UGT1A6 protein levels in each BPA group (P>0.05); the relative protein levels of UGT1A9 in fetal liver in the 50 mg·kg−1 BPA group increased (P<0.05); conversely, the relative protein levels of UGT2B1 in fetal liver in the BPA groups (exposure dose≥0.5 mg·kg−1) reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion Maternal exposure to BPA during pregnancy can elevate the UGT1A1 gene and protein expressions, inhibit the UGT1A9 gene and protein expressions and UGT2B1 gene expressions in placenta. Besides, maternal exposure to BPA during pregnancy can raise the gene expressions of UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B1 in fetal liver, as well as the protein expression of UGT1A9, but inhibit the protein expression of UGT2B1. These changes may contribute to fetal developmental abnormalities after maternal exposure to BPA during pregnancy.
10.Comparison of Direct and Extraction Immunoassay Methods With Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Measurement of Urinary Free Cortisol for the Diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome
Danni MU ; Jiadan FANG ; Songlin YU ; Yichen MA ; Jin CHENG ; Yingying HU ; Ailing SONG ; Fang ZHAO ; Qi ZHANG ; Zhihong QI ; Kui ZHANG ; Liangyu XIA ; Ling QIU ; Huijuan ZHU ; Xinqi CHENG
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2024;44(1):29-37
Background:
Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) measurement is the initial diagnostic test for Cushing’s syndrome (CS). We compared UFC determination by both direct and extraction immunoassays using Abbott Architect, Siemens Atellica Solution, and Beckman DxI800 with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, we evaluated the value of 24-hr UFC measured by six methods for diagnosing CS.
Methods:
Residual 24-hr urine samples of 94 CS and 246 non-CS patients were collected.A laboratory-developed LC-MS/MS method was used as reference. UFC was measured by direct assays (D) using Abbott, Siemens, and Beckman platforms and by extraction assays (E) using Siemens and Beckman platforms. Method was compared using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plot analyses. Cut-off values for the six assays and corresponding sensitivities and specificities were calculated by ROC analysis.
Results:
Abbott-D, Beckman-E, Siemens-E, and Siemens-D showed strong correlations with LC-MS/MS (Spearman coefficient r = 0.965, 0.922, 0.922, and 0.897, respectively), while Beckman-D showed weaker correlation (r = 0.755). All immunoassays showed proportionally positive bias. The areas under the curve were 0.975 for Abbott-D, 0.972 for LCMS/MS, 0.966 for Siemens-E, 0.948 for Siemens-D, 0.955 for Beckman-E, and 0.877 for Beckman-D. The cut-off values varied significantly (154.8–1,321.5 nmol/24 hrs). Assay sensitivity and specificity ranged from 76.1% to 93.2% and from 93.0% to 97.1%, respectively.
Conclusions
Commercially available immunoassays for measuring UFC show different levels of analytical consistency compared to LC-MS/MS. Abbott-D, Siemens-E, and Beckman-E have high diagnostic accuracy for CS.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail