1.Effect of Qingxin Jieyu Granules Regulating Mitophagy on Ventricular Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction of C57B/L6 Mice
Yifan CHEN ; Jianfeng CHU ; Zhonghui JIANG ; Zhuye GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):70-78
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Qingxin Jieyu granules on ventricular remodeling of mice after myocardial infarction, and their regulatory role in mitophagy. MethodsSixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to six groups: sham-operated group, model group, Qingxin Jieyu granules low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (1.3, 2.6, 5.2 g·kg-1), and sacubitril valsartan sodium group (0.03 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the sham-operated group, all other groups utilized left anterior descending coronary artery ligation to build a myocardial infarction model. Ultrasound was used to measure left ventricular parameters, including end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters (LVIDd, LVIDs), diastolic and systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd, LVPWs), end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (LV Vold, LV Vols), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and fractional shortening (LVFS). Additionally, the heart mass index and heart weight/tibia length ratio of mice were calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the serum of mice. Histological analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining was conducted to examine morphological changes in myocardial tissue. Immunohistochemistry assessed the expression of vascular growth factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Transmission electron microscopy was used to scrutinize mitochondrial morphology in the myocardial tissue of mice. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) proteins in myocardial tissue from each experimental group. ResultsCompared to the sham-operated group, the model group mice exhibited significantly elevated levels of LV Vold, LV Vols, LVIDd, LVIDs, cardiac mass index, heart weight/tibia length ratio, BNP, LDH, and p-mTOR protein expression (P<0.05), along with decreased levels of LVPWd, LVPWs, LVEF, LVFS, and p-AMPK protein expression (P<0.05). The model group also displayed substantial inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition in myocardial cells, reduced expression of bFGF and VEGF, mitochondrial swelling, and cristae fragmentation. Compared to the model group, the sacubitril/valsartan group and mid-dose Qingxin Jieyu granules group showed significant reductions in LVIDs, LV Vold, LV Vols, BNP, CK-MB, LDH, and p-mTOR protein expression (P<0.05), coupled with increases in LVEF, LVFS, and p-AMPK expression (P<0.05). Improvements were observed across all treatment groups, including reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, increased bFGF and VEGF expression, alleviated mitochondrial swelling, and the presence of autophagosomes and lysosomes
2.Exploring the mechanism and treatment principles of testicular radiation injury from the perspective of "the struggle between vital qi and pathogen" theory
Xiaoying CHEN ; An WANG ; Yifan YE ; Yan WANG ; Yuankai GAO ; Qing XU ; Shuran WANG ; Zhangdi ZHAO ; Sumin HU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):379-385
Testicular radiation injury is a structural and functional abnormality of the testes caused directly or indirectly by radiation, which disrupts spermatogenesis and compromises male fertility. The development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions is essential because of the high prevalence of this condition in clinical settings and its profound effect on patients′ reproductive health and overall well-being. The concept of "the struggle between vital qi and pathogen" is first seen in the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases. It denotes the dynamic struggle between vital and pathogenic qi. The occurrence, development, and sequelae of all diseases reflect this ongoing conflict. In this context, this study defines the "vital qi" of the testis as its capacity to generate and preserve the essence of reproduction and to resist damage. The pathogenic qi associated with testicular radiation injury is categorized into two types: ionizing poison and retaining evil. The pathogenesis of testicular radiation damage is delineated into three stages by integrating the characteristics of vital and pathogenic qi: the injury, adhesion, and recovery phases. Based on the theoretical framework advanced by this study, the therapeutic approach for testicular radiation injury should adhere to the fundamental principle of strengthening vital qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. Although the primary focus of treatment should be on strengthening vital qi, it should also be complemented by strategies to eliminate pathogenic influences. This paper aims to provide a novel perspective and strategic approach to the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of testicular radiation injury. By elucidating the process of testicular radiation injury and its corresponding treatment principles, it seeks to offer valuable insights for clinical practice.
3.Metabolome and transcriptome association study reveals biosynthesis of specialized benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in Phellodendron amurense.
Tingxia LIU ; Wanran ZHANG ; Sijia WANG ; Ya TIAN ; Yifan WANG ; Ranran GAO ; Shilin CHEN ; Wei SUN ; Wei MA ; Zhichao XU
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):178-188
OBJECTIVE:
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) have pharmacological functions and clinical use. BIAs are mainly distributed in plant species across the order Ranunculales and the genus Phellodendron from Sapindales. The BIA biosynthesis has been intensively investigated in Ranunculales species. However, the accumulation mechanism of BIAs in Phellodendron is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to unravel the biosynthetic pathways of BIAs in Phellodendron amurens.
METHODS:
The transcriptome and metabolome data from 18 different tissues of P. amurense were meticulously sequenced and subsequently subjected to a thorough analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), a powerful systems biology approach that facilitates the construction and subsequent analysis of co-expression networks, was utilized to identify candidate genes involved in BIAs biosynthesis. Following this, recombinant plasmids containing candidate genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, a widely used prokaryotic expression system. The purpose of this genetic engineering endeavor was to express the candidate genes within the bacteria, thereby enabling the assessment of the resultant enzyme activity.
RESULTS:
The synonymous substitutions per synonymous site for paralogs indicated that at least one whole genome duplication event has occurred. The potential BIA biosynthetic pathway of P. amurense was proposed, and two PR10/Bet v1 members, 14 CYP450s, and 33 methyltransferases were selected as related to BIA biosynthesis. One PR10/Bet v1 was identified as norcoclaurine synthase, which could catalyze dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde into (S)-norcoclaurine.
CONCLUSION
Our studies provide important insights into the biosynthesis and evolution of BIAs in non-Ranunculales species.
4.Research progress on the mechanisms of alkaloid components against colorectal cancer
Di LIU ; Zongyue GAO ; Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Dan CAO ; Tiantian DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(24):3143-3148
The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China have been on a steady rise. Current therapeutic approaches can curb the progression of CRC to a certain extent, but issues such as toxic side effects, high metastasis rate, and high recurrence rate cannot be ignored. In recent years, alkaloid components derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have demonstrated tremendous potential in the prevention and treatment of CRC due to their diverse structures, complex mechanisms, and broad biological activities. Representative alkaloids such as matrine, berberine and evodiamine exert anti-CRC effects through multiple pathways: regulating signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear factor-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin; inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells; inducing cell apoptosis and autophagy; arresting the cell cycle progression; regulating the gut microbiota; suppressing cellular glycolysis; and inducing ferroptosis.
5.Discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus complicated with heart failure based on the theory of "excessive fire consumes qi while mild fire generates qi"
Yanjiao LIU ; Yifan CHEN ; Yuhan LI ; Zhan LIU ; Zhuye GAO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(12):1658-1663
With the development of society and changes in people's lifestyles, diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a major risk factor threatening human health, with its incidence rate increasing year by year. Based on the theory of "excessive fire consumes qi while mild fire generates qi", combined with the pathological mechanism and symptom characteristics of DM complicated with heart failure (HF), it is considered that deficiency and insufficiency of "less fire" and excessive "strong fire" consume qi are the fundamental pathogenesis of the occurrence and development of the two diseases. Phlegm, dampness, blood stasis and water are all from this, which further aggravates the disease. The basic treatment principle of "tonifying qi, activating yang, supporting Shao fire, clearing heat, detoxifying and strengthening fire" was proposed. Combined with the different emphasis of patients' syndromes, the treatment methods of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, diuresis and phlegm were supplemented, in order to improve the clinical symptoms of patients and improve the survival rate.
6.Clinical effect of intensive treatment of obese type 2 diabetes with Degu asparagus insulin and semaglutide
Pingli LIU ; Yifan GAO ; Xiaocui QIAN ; Yuxiao LI
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(2):189-193
Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of intensive treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes with Degu asparagus insulin and semaglutide.Methods A total of 92 obese patients with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to Rugao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2020 to May 2023 were selected and randomly divided into two groups by randomnumber table method,with 46 cases in each group.The treatment group received Degu asparagus insulin and semaglutide,and the control group was treated with semaglutide.Glucose and lipid metabolism indicators(fasting blood glucose,glycated hemoglobin,fructosamine,2-hour postprandial blood glucose,and total cholesterol),blood glucose fluctuations(standard deviation of blood glucose,amplitude of postprandial blood glucose fluctuations,24-hour average blood glucose),insulin resistance index,visceral fat index,antioxidant indicators(malondialdehyde[MDA],lipid peroxide[LPO],superoxide dismutase[SOD],and paraoxonase-1[PON1]),and adverse reactions were observed before and after 4 weeks of treatment.Results After 4 weeks of treatment,the treatment group showed a significant improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism compared to the control group,including decreased fasting blood glucose,glycated hemoglobin,fructosamine,2-hour postprandial blood glucose,and total cholesterol(P<0.05).In addition,the treatment group showed significant reduction in the standard deviation of blood glucose,amplitude of postprandial blood glucose fluctuations,and 24-hour average blood glucose.Insulin resistance and visceral fat index were also significantly decreased in the treatment group(P<0.05).The decreases in MDA and LPO and the increases in SOD and PON1 indicated that the treatment group had better antioxidant capacity(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions,hypoglycemia,or liver damage between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Degu asparagus insulin combined with semaglutide can effectively improve metabolic indicators of obese patients with type 2 diabetes and it provide an effective program for the comprehensive treatment of obese type 2 diabetes.
7.The value of applying animal model teaching in improving scientific research ability of graduate students in interventional medicine
Yifan LI ; Pengchao ZHAN ; Zhen LI ; Huzhi RONG ; Yue GAO ; Wenguang ZHANG ; Kewei REN ; Tengfei LI ; Xin LI ; Shuwen YE ; Yuyuan ZHANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(1):96-100
Objective To evaluate the application of rabbit liver cancer model in teaching interventional medicine for graduate students.Methods A total of 10 first-year master graduate students majoring in Radiological Imaging(Interventional Medicine).who were studying at Zhengzhou University of China,were enrolled in this study.The rabbit liver cancer model was used as the experimental teaching materials.The teaching contents included the establishment of rabbit liver cancer model,the interventional operation of rabbit liver cancer,the method of scientific research and teaching,the evaluation of the teaching effect,and the survey of student satisfaction.Results Under the guidance of teaching tutor,the success rate of VX2 rabbit liver cancer modeling performed by the 10 master graduate students majoring in interventional medicine was 100%,and the mean operational quality assessment score was(11.5±2.0)points.During the operation of interventional surgery,the success rate of femoral artery puncture was also 100%,and the mean score for each interventional operation was(11.8±2.3)points.The students'experimental designs were evaluated by the expert group,the results were as follows:2 cases were rated as excellent,7 cases were rated as good,and one case was rated as moderate.The degree of students'satisfaction with experimental teaching method was high,the specific scores of each item are as follows:the understanding of the rabbit liver cancer model was(4.80±0.40)points,the command of interventional technology was(4.60±0.49)points,and the quality and practicability of teaching materials was(4.90±0.30)points.Conclusion This teaching method of using rabbit liver cancer model experiment can improve the animal experiment ability,interventional operation ability and scientific research innovation ability of graduate students.Animal model teaching method is an innovation of teaching mode for graduate students majoring in interventional medicine.
8.Effect of Huangqi Yixin Decoction combined with sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type
Yaran XIN ; Ying SHI ; Yifan LI ; Mingwei LI ; Shaokun TAN ; Jingjing GAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(11):85-88,94
Objective To observe the clinical effect of Huangqi Yixin Decoction combined with sacubitril/valsartan in treatment of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type.Methods A total of 86 patients with HFpEF of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type were randomly divided into western medicine group and combination group using the random number table method,with 43 cases in each group.The western medicine group was trea-ted with sacubitril/valsartan sodium tablets on the basis of conventional anti-heart failure therapy,while the combination group was additionally treated with Huangqi Yixin Decoction on the basis of the western medicine group's treatment.The therapeutic efficacy,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,cardiac function indicators[Tei index,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)],exercise tolerance[6-minute walk distance(6MWD),maximum exercise heart rate,metabolic equivalent(MET)],and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The overall clinical effective rate in the combination group was 93.02%,which was higher than that in the western medicine group(76.74%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores in both groups were lower than those before treatment,and the scores in the combination group were lower than those in the western medicine group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of Tei index and NT-proBNP in both groups were lower than those before treatment,and the levels in the combination group were lower than those in the western medicine group,with a statistically sig-nificant difference(P<0.05).After treatment,the 6MWD,maximum exercise heart rate,and MET in both groups were higher than those before treatment,and the values in the combination group were higher than those in the western medicine group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the western medicine group was 18.60%,which was higher than that in the combination group(4.65%),and the difference was statistically signifi-cant(P<0.05).Conclusion Huangqi Yixin Decoction combined with sacubitril/valsartan has a good therapeutic effect on HFpEF of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type.It can reduce the TCM syn-drome scores of patients,improve exercise tolerance,and has good safety.
9.Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for acute myocardial infarction complicated by malignant ventricular arrhythmias
Dongli SONG ; Shengnan LIU ; Shuo WU ; Jie GAO ; Xiao ZHANG ; Weikai CUI ; Yifan WANG ; Jiali WANG ; Yuguo CHEN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(7):923-931
Objective:To analyze the risk factors for in-hospital malignant ventricular arrhythmia (MVA) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to construct and validate a risk prediction model.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients aged≥18 years who were admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University with a diagnosis of AMI and underwent coronary angiography (CAG) from May 2016 to March 2023 were selected, and the patients' clinical routine test indicators and CAG results were collected. Univariate and bidirectional stepwise logistic regression were used to screen out the risk factors for constructing the best prediction model. The prediction model was constructed by combining the results of multivariate logistic regression. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and ROC curve, calibration curve, and decision curve were drawn to evaluate the model. The nomogram was drawn to visualize the model, and the Bootstrap self-sampling method was used for internal validation. The ROC curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive performance of each risk factor and prediction model. Finally, a multicollinearity test was performed.Results:Among the 4 205 patients finally included in the study, 115 patients (2.735%) developed MVA during hospitalization. The predictive factors screened out included age (X1), diastolic blood pressure (X2), respiratory rate (X3), blood glucose (X4), serum potassium (X5), logarithmic NT-proBNP (X6), myocardial infarction type (NSTEMI=X7, unclassified=X8), J wave (X9), Killip grade (Ⅱ=X10, Ⅲ=X11, Ⅳ=X12), and the regression equation was ln(p/1-p)=-4.699+0.029×X1-0.012×X2+0.059×X3+0.148×X4-1.175×X5+0.866×X6-1.427×X7-0.475×X8+0.758×X9+0.294×X10+0.902×X11+1.815×X12. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the model was 0.855 (95% CI: 0.816-0.894), and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test ( χ2=14.178, P=0.077) and the calibration curve showed that the predicted probability was consistent with the actual probability. The probability threshold of 0% to 65% had a better clinical net benefit. The area under the internal validation ROC curve (AUC) was 0.855, 95% CI: 0.813-0.891. The prediction performance of the nine variables was stronger than that of any single variable. There was no multicollinearity between the variables. Conclusions:Age, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood glucose, serum potassium, NT-proBNP, type of AMI, J wave, and Killip class are forecasting indicator for in-hospital MVA in AMI. The risk prediction model based on the above factors has good predictive performance.
10.Discussion on the Pathogenic Mechanism and Treatment of Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Remodeling Based on the Theory of "Yang Transforms into Qi,While Yin Constitutes Form"
Yifan CHEN ; Zhonghui JIANG ; Liuding WANG ; Dan MA ; Zhuye GAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(17):1762-1768
Ventricular remodeling is a crucial pathological process in the prognosis and regression of myocardial infarction. Guided by the theory of “yang transforms into qi, while yin constitutes form" of The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), combined with the pathological characteristics and manifestations of ventricular remodelling, it is believed that insufficient "yang transforms into qi" and excess "yin constitutes form" resulting to heart yang deficiency and turbid pathogen obstruction are the basic pathomechanism of ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction; insufficient "yin constitutes form" and excess "yang transforms into qi" resulting to inadequate nourishment of the heart meridians and the emergence of various pathological changes are the key pathomechanism of prognosis and regression. Combined with clinical practice, we advocated that harmonizing yin and yang to maintain the dynamic balance of "yang transforms into qi" and "yin constitutes form". We also proposed the use of warming and tonifying to harmonise qi and transform it to help yang transport; resolving phlegm and removing dampness, invigorating blood and resolving toxins to disperse yin accumulation; clearing heat and extinguishing wind, and nourishing yin and channels to improve the prognosis. All these findings and summary could provide ideas on traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction.


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