1.Cigu Xiaozhi Prescription Alleviates NASH Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Activation of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Zhen REN ; Yongjia YANG ; Cai GUO ; Yujie ZHANG ; Yanhua MA
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):936-945
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of Cigu Xiaozhi Prescription(CGXP)in the treatment of non-alco-holic steatohepatitis(NASH)liver fibrosis.METHODS A NASH mouse model was established.The degree of liver enlargement was evaluated by calculating the liver index.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining were used to observe the degree of liver fibro-sis.In addition,immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of liver fibrosis-related proteins,including α-SMA,Collagen 1,MMP2,and MMP9.Western blot and qPCR techniques were used to detect the expression levels of HIF-1α,E-cadher-in,N-cadherin,Shh,Smo,Gli1,and Gli2 in the mouse liver.The alkaline hydrolysis method was used to measure the content of liv-er hydroxyproline.RESULTS CGXP could effectively reduce the liver index(P<0.001),alleviate liver enlargement and inflamma-tion,and significantly improve the pathological damage of liver tissue in mice with liver fibrosis.CGXP significantly decreased the ex-pression levels of liver fibrosis-related proteins α-SMA,Collagen 1,MMP2 and MMP9(P<0.01,P<0.000 1);reduced the levels of HIF-1α,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Shh,Smo,Gli1,and Gli2,and the therapeutic effect of high-dose CGXP was particularly significant(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.000 1).CONCLUSION CGXP can relieve NASH liver fibrosis in mice by reducing the liver index,alleviating inflammation,and improving tissue pathological damage.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the Hedgehog signaling pathway,which alters the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and reduces the synthesis and dep-osition of extracellular matrix.
2.Cigu Xiaozhi Prescription Alleviates NASH Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Activation of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Zhen REN ; Yongjia YANG ; Cai GUO ; Yujie ZHANG ; Yanhua MA
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):936-945
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of Cigu Xiaozhi Prescription(CGXP)in the treatment of non-alco-holic steatohepatitis(NASH)liver fibrosis.METHODS A NASH mouse model was established.The degree of liver enlargement was evaluated by calculating the liver index.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining were used to observe the degree of liver fibro-sis.In addition,immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of liver fibrosis-related proteins,including α-SMA,Collagen 1,MMP2,and MMP9.Western blot and qPCR techniques were used to detect the expression levels of HIF-1α,E-cadher-in,N-cadherin,Shh,Smo,Gli1,and Gli2 in the mouse liver.The alkaline hydrolysis method was used to measure the content of liv-er hydroxyproline.RESULTS CGXP could effectively reduce the liver index(P<0.001),alleviate liver enlargement and inflamma-tion,and significantly improve the pathological damage of liver tissue in mice with liver fibrosis.CGXP significantly decreased the ex-pression levels of liver fibrosis-related proteins α-SMA,Collagen 1,MMP2 and MMP9(P<0.01,P<0.000 1);reduced the levels of HIF-1α,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Shh,Smo,Gli1,and Gli2,and the therapeutic effect of high-dose CGXP was particularly significant(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.000 1).CONCLUSION CGXP can relieve NASH liver fibrosis in mice by reducing the liver index,alleviating inflammation,and improving tissue pathological damage.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the Hedgehog signaling pathway,which alters the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and reduces the synthesis and dep-osition of extracellular matrix.
3.Development and validation of a predictive model for postoperative blood pressure outcomes in primary aldosteronism based on CYP11B2 gene polymorphism
Qiangfeng FU ; Yongjia CHEN ; Shengtao ZENG ; Haoxiang XU ; Chenglin YANG ; Yue YANG ; Zhi CAO ; Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(7):529-536
Objective:To construct and validate a clinical model combining CYP11B2 gene polymorphisms with clinical parameters to predict complete postoperative hypertension remission in primary aldosteronism patients.Methods:The clinical data of a total of 116 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy from April 2018 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. There were 63 males and 53 females,with a body mass index(BMI)of(25.50 ± 2.03)kg/m 2. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood leukocytes before surgery,and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms(PCR-RFLP)were used to detect CYP11B2(rs1799998)promoter region 344(C > T)base substitution. The follow-up duration was more than 6 months,with the following parameters recorded at the last follow-up:plasma aldosterone,renin,serum potassium,and sodium levels. Blood pressure progression and antihypertensive medication usage were also assessed. The postoperative outcome was determined according to the Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome score(PASO)for primary aldosteronism,and the specific criteria were as follows. ① Clinical complete remission:the patient's blood pressure returned to normal(< 140/90 mmHg,1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa)and all antihypertensive drugs were discontinued;②Partial clinical remission:blood pressure returns to normal,and the number or dose of antihypertensive drugs is reduced compared with before;③Clinical non-remission:blood pressure does not drop and antihypertensive drugs do not change or increase compared with before surgery. Patients were divided into complete and incomplete remission groups. The chi-square test was used for univariate analysis,followed by binary logistic forward conditional regression for multivariate analysis,and a variety of machine learning algorithms such as random forest,logistic regression,support vector machine and gradient lifter were integrated,and the results of multivariate analysis were included to construct a postoperative blood pressure outcome model,and the predictive performance of the model was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve and clinical decision curve. Results:The PCR-RFLP detection results of 116 cases showed the genotype distribution of CYP11B2(344C > T)(rs1799998)as follows:CC type in 50 cases(43.1%),CT type in 46 cases(39.7%),and TT type in 20 cases(17.3%). There were 74 cases in the complete remission group and 42 cases in the incomplete remission group,and the rate of complete remission with hypertension at the end of the operation was 63.8%. Univariate analysis showed that the the differences between complete remission group and incomplete remission group in body mass index[(24.27 ± 2.90)kg/m 2 vs.(26.98 ± 3.17)kg/m 2, P<0.001],preoperative hypertension grade(grade 1/2/3:29/29/16 cases vs. 9/13/20 cases, P = 0.012),preoperative antihypertensive drugs(0/1/≥ 2:25/32/17 cases vs. 7/15/20 cases, P = 0.016),and CYP11B2(344C > T)(CC/TT + CT:39/35 cases vs. 11/31 cases, P = 0.006)were statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that the type of preoperative antihypertensive drugs[≥ 2: OR = 5.26(95% CI 1.12?24.61, P = 0.016;1: OR = 4.55(95% CI 1.23?22.47), P = 0.025]was the strongest independent predictor,followed by CYP11B2(344C > T)[ OR = 4.02(95% CI 1.16?13.82), P = 0.028]and BMI[ OR = 3.96(95% CI 2.26?6.92), P < 0.001]. Comparing the receiver operating feature(ROC)curves of the four types of machine learning models,the best model was the support vector machine model with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.88(95% CI 0.82?0.95),followed by the gradient elevator model of 0.83(95% CI 0.76?0.91),the logistic regression model of 0.78(95% CI 0.68?0.88),and the random forest model of 0.77(95% CI 0.68?0.86). The optimal threshold of the Yoden index of the support vector machine model was 0.588,with a sensitivity of 78.5% and a specificity of 86.5%. The clinical decision curve and calibration curve show that the support vector machine model has a higher net benefit and acceptable stability and reliability. Conclusions:The support vector machine model incorporating CYP11B2 gene polymorphisms,BMI,and types of preoperative antihypertensive medications could effectively predict postoperative hypertension remission in primary aldosteronism patients,providing new evidence for personalized treatment strategies
4.Development and validation of a predictive model for postoperative blood pressure outcomes in primary aldosteronism based on CYP11B2 gene polymorphism
Qiangfeng FU ; Yongjia CHEN ; Shengtao ZENG ; Haoxiang XU ; Chenglin YANG ; Yue YANG ; Zhi CAO ; Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(7):529-536
Objective:To construct and validate a clinical model combining CYP11B2 gene polymorphisms with clinical parameters to predict complete postoperative hypertension remission in primary aldosteronism patients.Methods:The clinical data of a total of 116 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy from April 2018 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. There were 63 males and 53 females,with a body mass index(BMI)of(25.50 ± 2.03)kg/m 2. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood leukocytes before surgery,and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms(PCR-RFLP)were used to detect CYP11B2(rs1799998)promoter region 344(C > T)base substitution. The follow-up duration was more than 6 months,with the following parameters recorded at the last follow-up:plasma aldosterone,renin,serum potassium,and sodium levels. Blood pressure progression and antihypertensive medication usage were also assessed. The postoperative outcome was determined according to the Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome score(PASO)for primary aldosteronism,and the specific criteria were as follows. ① Clinical complete remission:the patient's blood pressure returned to normal(< 140/90 mmHg,1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa)and all antihypertensive drugs were discontinued;②Partial clinical remission:blood pressure returns to normal,and the number or dose of antihypertensive drugs is reduced compared with before;③Clinical non-remission:blood pressure does not drop and antihypertensive drugs do not change or increase compared with before surgery. Patients were divided into complete and incomplete remission groups. The chi-square test was used for univariate analysis,followed by binary logistic forward conditional regression for multivariate analysis,and a variety of machine learning algorithms such as random forest,logistic regression,support vector machine and gradient lifter were integrated,and the results of multivariate analysis were included to construct a postoperative blood pressure outcome model,and the predictive performance of the model was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve and clinical decision curve. Results:The PCR-RFLP detection results of 116 cases showed the genotype distribution of CYP11B2(344C > T)(rs1799998)as follows:CC type in 50 cases(43.1%),CT type in 46 cases(39.7%),and TT type in 20 cases(17.3%). There were 74 cases in the complete remission group and 42 cases in the incomplete remission group,and the rate of complete remission with hypertension at the end of the operation was 63.8%. Univariate analysis showed that the the differences between complete remission group and incomplete remission group in body mass index[(24.27 ± 2.90)kg/m 2 vs.(26.98 ± 3.17)kg/m 2, P<0.001],preoperative hypertension grade(grade 1/2/3:29/29/16 cases vs. 9/13/20 cases, P = 0.012),preoperative antihypertensive drugs(0/1/≥ 2:25/32/17 cases vs. 7/15/20 cases, P = 0.016),and CYP11B2(344C > T)(CC/TT + CT:39/35 cases vs. 11/31 cases, P = 0.006)were statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that the type of preoperative antihypertensive drugs[≥ 2: OR = 5.26(95% CI 1.12?24.61, P = 0.016;1: OR = 4.55(95% CI 1.23?22.47), P = 0.025]was the strongest independent predictor,followed by CYP11B2(344C > T)[ OR = 4.02(95% CI 1.16?13.82), P = 0.028]and BMI[ OR = 3.96(95% CI 2.26?6.92), P < 0.001]. Comparing the receiver operating feature(ROC)curves of the four types of machine learning models,the best model was the support vector machine model with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.88(95% CI 0.82?0.95),followed by the gradient elevator model of 0.83(95% CI 0.76?0.91),the logistic regression model of 0.78(95% CI 0.68?0.88),and the random forest model of 0.77(95% CI 0.68?0.86). The optimal threshold of the Yoden index of the support vector machine model was 0.588,with a sensitivity of 78.5% and a specificity of 86.5%. The clinical decision curve and calibration curve show that the support vector machine model has a higher net benefit and acceptable stability and reliability. Conclusions:The support vector machine model incorporating CYP11B2 gene polymorphisms,BMI,and types of preoperative antihypertensive medications could effectively predict postoperative hypertension remission in primary aldosteronism patients,providing new evidence for personalized treatment strategies
5.Advances and Challenges in the Research of Integration Methods of Animal Experimental Evidence
Qingyong ZHENG ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Zhichao MA ; Na WANG ; Molan LI ; Wenjing YANG ; Peirun WU ; Haidong WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(5):567-576
Integrating evidence from animal experiments is a critical component of biomedical research, providing essential prior information for in-depth investigations of disease mechanisms and new drug development. Animal models have played an irreplaceable role in simulating human diseases. However, the integration of evidence from animal experiments has faced numerous challenges, including insufficient emphasis, significant heterogeneity in study designs, high publication bias, and discrepancies with clinical research practices. This paper first identifies existing issues in the original research evidence from animal experiments, such as the selection and applicability of animal models, considerations in the design of experimental studies, and factors influencing the translation of animal experimental evidence. It then discusses various methods for integrating this evidence, including systematic review and meta-analysis, overview of systematic review/umbrella review, scoping review, and evidence mapping, while highlighting recent advancements in their application. Finally, the paper addresses the main challenges currently encountered in the integration of evidence from animal experiments and proposes targeted improvement strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of translating research outcomes into clinical practice and promoting the advancement of evidence-based medicine. By continuously optimizing original experimental research protocols and evidence integration practices, this work aims to establish a more efficient and scientific environment for the synthesis of evidence from animal experiments, ultimately contributing to clinical trials and human health.
6.Double Center,Randomized Controlled Study of Huoxue Xiaoyi Granule in Inhibiting Recurrence of Endometriosis after Conservative Surgery
Jumei SHI ; Yongjia ZHANG ; Xinchun YANG ; Qian HAN ; Zijin WANG ; Ruihua ZHAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(7):733-739
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huoxue Xiaoyi Granule in inhibiting the recurrence of endometrio-sis(EMs)after conservative operation,and to provide evidence for Chinese medicine in inhibiting the recurrence of EMs.METHODS A total of 72 patients with qi-stagnation and blood-stasis after EMs operation were selected as the study objects and randomly divid-ed into the Chinese medicine group and the Western medicine group,36 cases in each group.The Chinese medicine group was treated with Huoxue Xiaoyi Granule,and the Western medicine group was treated with GnRH-α.The postoperative recurrence rate,TCM syn-drome score,carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),dysmenorrhea score,pelvic pain score,pregnancy rate,serum sex hormones[estra-diol(E2),luteinizing hormone(LH),follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)]and safety indexes of the two groups were observed.RE-SULTS At 9 months and 12 months after surgery,the total TCM syndrome scores of the two groups of patients were significantly re-duced(P<0.05),and the Chinese medicine group was better than the Western medicine group(P<0.05);12 months later,the TCM total clinical curative rate in the Chinese medicine group was better than that in the Western medicine group;after surgery,the serum CA125 levels,dysmenorrhea scores and pelvic pain severity of the two groups of patients were significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01);during treatment,the total incidence of adverse reactions in the Chinese medicine group was lower than that in the Western medicine group(P<0.01);the recurrence rate of the Chinese medicine group was slightly lower than that of the Western medicine group,but there was no statistical difference(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Huoxue Xiaoyi Granule can significantly improve TCM syndromes in patients with qi-stagnation and blood-stasis after EMs surgery.It is safe and has equivalent efficacy to GnRH-α in pre-venting postoperative recurrence of EMs,and worthy of clinical promotion and application.
7.Advances in genetic research on Non-syndromic congenital joint synostosis
Mei DENG ; Fang SHEN ; Yongjia YANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(8):1001-1009
Congenital joint synostosis (CJS) is a functional impairment resulting from failure in joint morphogenesis during embryonic development. Clinically, it may be classified as syndromic (sCJS) and non-syndromic (nsCJS) disorders. Common sCJS include chromosomal disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome and single-gene disorders like Apert/Pfeiffer/Crouzon syndromes, Holt-Oram syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Radial-ulnar synostosis with thrombocytopenia, presenting with multiple system/organ anomalies. By contrast, nsCJS manifest with only joint abnormalities, affecting one or multiple joints. This review has focused on human nsCJS and its genetic etiology. To date, variants in seven genes ( NOG, GDF5, FGF9, GDF6, FGF16, SMAD6, and MECOM) have been identified as causative factors for nsCJS. This review has focused on such genes and provided a comprehensive review for the clinical phenotypes, genetic patterns, common variants, and underlying mechanisms associated with nsCJS based on a literature review. In addition, it has also analyzed other candidate genes for nsCJS within the context of relevant signaling pathways involved in joint morphogenesis.
8.Clinical application of nutritional risk scale in pediatric cancer patients:a review
Chao YAN ; Yonghong LI ; Jing LI ; Runqin HUANG ; Yongjia ZHAN ; Shenghuan YANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2023;39(10):789-794
The basic information and clinical application of nutritional risk scales for children with cancer were reviewed, and the strengths and weaknesses of each scale were analyzed. After systematic search and reading, the scales with more clinical applications included universal scales: Pediatric Malnutrition Assessment Screening Tool (STAMP), Nutritional Risk and Stunting Malnutrition Screening Tool (STRONG kids), Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS), Pediatric Subjective Global Nutritional Risk Assessment (SGNA); specific scales: Nutritional Screening Tool for Childhood Cancer (SCAN), Nutritional Risk Screening for Childhood Cancer (NRS-PC). In order to effectively manage the nutritional risk of pediatric cancer patients, we should selectively use and further actively Chinese or develop specific nutritional risk measurement tools adapted to our national conditions.
9.Improvement of inflammation and glucolipid metabolism in adipose tissues of obese mice by Mushroom
Yi Chen ; Binbin Zhu ; Mingxuan Zheng ; Fenfen Sun ; Yue Zhang ; Yongjia Liu ; Yinghua Yu ; Wei Pan ; Xiaoying Yang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2022;57(6):885-890
Objective:
To investigate the ameliorative effects of Mushroom on adipose tissue inflammation and glucolipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet, and to provide a theoretical basis for the mechanisms of Mushroom regulating glucolipid metabolism and inflammatory responses.
Methods:
C57 BL/6 J mice were fed with normal diet(LF) group, high-fat diet(HF)group and high-fat diet + Mushroom(HF+Mushroom) group for 15 weeks.Then, body weight subcutaneous and epididymal white adipose tissue weight were measured. The morphological changes of adipose tissues were compared by HE staining, and the expression of genes related to inflamation, glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation pathways were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.
Results:
Compared with the LF group, the HF group had increased body weight, increased subcutaneous and epididymal white fat weight and adipocyte size, and upregulated expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), CD68, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), pyruvate kinase(PK), phosphofructokinase(PFK), hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha(PPARα) in adipose tissues, while the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 A(CPT-1 A), cytochrome P450 4 a10(CYP4 a10) and medium-chain acyl-coenzyme a dehydrogenase(MCAD) were downregulated(P<0.05). Compared with the HF group, Mushroom supplementation reduced body weight, adipose tissue weight and adipocyte size, and downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and glycolytic pathway-related factors in adipose tissues, while the expression of fatty acid oxidation pathway-related factors were upregulated(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Mushroom can ameliorate inflammation and disorders of glycolipid metabolism in adipose tissues of obese mice.
10.Genotype and phenotype analysis of two monozygotic twins with neurofibromatosis type 1 but inconsistent congenital pseudarthrosis
Yu ZHENG ; Guanghui ZHU ; Zhengmao HU ; Yaoxi LIU ; Yongjia YANG ; Zhenqing LUO ; Haibo MEI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2022;42(16):1054-1064
Objective:To compare the genotypes and phenotypes between the monozygotic twins via whole genome sequencing to further clarify the autosomal dominant inherited neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) variants related to congenital pseudarthrosis (CP).Methods:According to the diagnostic criteria of congenital tibial pseudarthrosis and the clinical diagnostic criteria of NF1, two pairs of monozygotic twins with NF1 were included. Both were female and only one of each pair had congenital pseudarthrosis. The other did not have congenital pseudarthrosis. Whole genome sequencing was performed using the peripheral blood of the two pairs of monozygotic twins. Customized bioinformatics analysis was then performed to identify single nucleotide variants (SNVs), short insertion deletion variants (InDel), copy number variants (CNVs), and structural variants (SVs). Classified the variants according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and ClinGen criteria. The germline variants within the monozygotic twins were compared to identify the CP patients' unique variants. The shared pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants between the unique variants in the CP patients from the twins were also analyzed. Further, the identified disease-causing variants were validated by Sanger sequencing in the family of the twins and their parents. Finally, the genotypes and phenotypes regarding the pathogenic variants of the NF1 gene among the twins were characterized. Results:Both the two monozygotic twins were identified pathogenic variants in the NF1 gene. One with c.3047_3048del (p.Cys1016SerfsTer4), and the other with c.4267A>G (p.Lys1423Glu). By Sanger sequencing validation in family quads, the two CP patients and their siblings harbored de novo heterozygous variants of the NF1 gene. In addition to the NF1 gene, no other genes were identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants uniquely in the CP patients compared with their twin sisters, as well as SVs and CNVs. In addition, by analyzing the rare and damaging variants in the two CP patients from the two twins, they had no overlapping genes against the SNVs, InDels, SVs, or CNVs. Conclusion:Whole genome sequencing revealed that both the two monozygotic twins with NF1 were detected pathogenic variants of gene NF1. No other pathogenic variants specific to the CP patients among the twins were identified. The two CP patients shared no other common genes from the detected likely pathogenic variants.


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