1.Changes of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood and immunological pathogenesis of Graves disease
Tieqiang LIU ; Shan HUANG ; Li LIAO ; Xinyang LI ; Peng SUN ; Yi WANG ; Yijian ZHANG ; Bingxia LI ; Xuemin WEI ; Yufang LI ; Shixin SUN ; Yanli NI ; Yi FANG ; Bin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(11):1439-1445
Objective:To retrospectively analyze the changes in the proportion of refined lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of patients with Graves disease (GD), and their correlation with the clinical characteristics and efficacy of GD, and to explore the immunological pathogenesis of Graves disease for seeking new therapeutic targets.Methods:A total of 97 newly diagnosed GD patients (GD group), 27 patients after treatment (treatment group), and 31 healthy individuals (control group) who visited the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from 2018 to 2021 were included in this study. The data of refined lymphocyte subsets, thyroid function, blood routine and clinical treatment of the three groups were compared and analyzed. The t-test and rank sum test were used to compare the proportions of lymphocyte subsets among different groups, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the proportions of lymphocyte subsets and thyroid function indicators.Results:The proportion of B cells in GD group was higher than that in the control group [16.2%(11.8%, 21.8%) vs 10.2%(8.1%,13.6%)], while the proportion of natural killer (NK) cells was lower [9.4%(4.9%, 13.6%) vs 14.6%(12.1%,18.8%)], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Abnormal T cell differentiation: the proportions of functional cells, including activated T cells, memory T cells, clustering antigen(CD)4+memory T cells, Th1 cells, and Tc1 cells, were lower than that in the control group [3.2%(2.1%, 5.7%) vs 5.8%(3.0%, 9.3%), P<0.05; 36.7% (29.9%, 48.1%) vs 48.0%(39.2%,57.7%), P<0.05; 23.1%(17.4%, 30.1%) vs 28.9%(23.3%,34.6%), P<0.05; 16.4% (11.8%, 23.6%) vs 24.3%(16.9%,28.5%), P<0.05; 28.5% (14.7%, 39.2%) vs 46.3%(21.6%,69.2%), P<0.05]. The proportion of activated T cells in the treatment group was higher than that in the GD group [6.5% (4.6%, 13.6%) vs 3.2% (2.1%, 5.7%), P<0.05]. The total triiodothyronine results showed positive correlations with B cells ( r=0.356, P<0.01) and negative correlations with NK cells ( r=?0.416, P<0.01), while the total thyroxine values showed negative correlations with NK cells and activated T cells ( r=?0.318,?0.335; P<0.01). Thyroid stimulating hormone and CD8+initial T cells were positively correlated ( r=0.382, P<0.01). The proportion of B cells, cytotoxic T cells and suppressor T cells in CD8+cells of patients with complications [such as Graves orbitopathy (GO), thyroid toxic cardiomyopathy, etc.] was significantly different from that of the simple GD patients [18.3% (14.1%, 27.1%) vs 14.6% (10.8%, 21.4%), Z=2.54, P<0.05; 73.4%(65.6%,83.6%)vs 65.0%(50.3%,79.3%), Z=2.93, P<0.05; 26.6%(16.4%, 37.5%)vs 35.0%(20.7%,49.7%), Z=?2.74, P<0.05]. The proportion of suppressor T cells in GO patients was lower than that in non-GO patients [6.1% (3.4%, 8.1%) vs 8.5% (4.9%, 13.6%), Z=?3.20 P<0.05]. Conclusion:There are significant alterations in the circulating immune cells of GD patients, suggesting that immunological abnormalities play a crucial role in the onset and progression of the disease.
2.ShenXiankang formula modulates the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway to ameliorate renal fibrosis
Yufang NI ; Luna ZHANG ; Shuhan YAN ; Qianqian LI ; Hongwei SU ; Qiongdan HU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Jianchun LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):501-511
Objective To evaluate the protective effects of the traditional Chinese medicine formula Shenxiankang on renal injury and fibrosis,and to explore its potential mechanisms of action.Methods Chronic kidney disease(CKD)model was established in mice using unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).The mice were randomly divided into four groups:sham,UUO,and Shenxiankang(SXK)Low/High dose groups(1500,4500 mg/(kg·d)),each comprising eight mice.The each SXK groups received daily oral administration of Shenxiankang,and the remaining mice were gavaged equivalent volumes of saline for 7 d.After the experiment,renal tissues were collected for assessment of renal injury and fibrosis using HE and Masson staining.The expression levels of fibrosis markers and proteins involved in the epithelial membrane protein 3(Emp3)and Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway were determined by Real-time PCR,immunohistochemistry,and Western Blot.In cell-based experiments,the effects of Shenxiankang on the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 pathway and its interaction with TGF-beta receptor R2(Tgfβ2)were further analyzed using an Emp3 knockdown and Co-IP assays.Results Shenxiankang significantly reduced immune cell infiltration and tubular atrophy in the UUO model group and decreased the expression of kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule 1(Kim1)and Lipocalin 2(Lcn2),confirming its efficacy in alleviating renal injury.Masson staining and analysis of fibrosis markers Fibronectin(Fn)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)indicated that Shenxiankang effectively suppressed fibrosis induced by UUO.Mechanistic studies revealed that Shenxiankang exerted its effects by selectively downregulating the abnormal activation of the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway,a finding further supported by cellular experiments showing that Shenxiankang modulates Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling through Emp3 regulation.Moreover,the Co-IP experiment result indicate that Shenxiankang exerts its effects by regulating the interaction between Emp3 and Tgfβ2.Conclusions Shenxiankang exhibits significant protective effects in a mouse model of chronic kidney disease,effectively reducing renal injury and fibrosis.These effects are likely mediated through the downregulation of the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway,suggesting Shenxiankang's potential therapeutic value in renal protection.
3.ShenXiankang formula modulates the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway to ameliorate renal fibrosis
Yufang NI ; Luna ZHANG ; Shuhan YAN ; Qianqian LI ; Hongwei SU ; Qiongdan HU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Jianchun LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):501-511
Objective To evaluate the protective effects of the traditional Chinese medicine formula Shenxiankang on renal injury and fibrosis,and to explore its potential mechanisms of action.Methods Chronic kidney disease(CKD)model was established in mice using unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).The mice were randomly divided into four groups:sham,UUO,and Shenxiankang(SXK)Low/High dose groups(1500,4500 mg/(kg·d)),each comprising eight mice.The each SXK groups received daily oral administration of Shenxiankang,and the remaining mice were gavaged equivalent volumes of saline for 7 d.After the experiment,renal tissues were collected for assessment of renal injury and fibrosis using HE and Masson staining.The expression levels of fibrosis markers and proteins involved in the epithelial membrane protein 3(Emp3)and Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway were determined by Real-time PCR,immunohistochemistry,and Western Blot.In cell-based experiments,the effects of Shenxiankang on the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 pathway and its interaction with TGF-beta receptor R2(Tgfβ2)were further analyzed using an Emp3 knockdown and Co-IP assays.Results Shenxiankang significantly reduced immune cell infiltration and tubular atrophy in the UUO model group and decreased the expression of kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule 1(Kim1)and Lipocalin 2(Lcn2),confirming its efficacy in alleviating renal injury.Masson staining and analysis of fibrosis markers Fibronectin(Fn)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)indicated that Shenxiankang effectively suppressed fibrosis induced by UUO.Mechanistic studies revealed that Shenxiankang exerted its effects by selectively downregulating the abnormal activation of the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway,a finding further supported by cellular experiments showing that Shenxiankang modulates Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling through Emp3 regulation.Moreover,the Co-IP experiment result indicate that Shenxiankang exerts its effects by regulating the interaction between Emp3 and Tgfβ2.Conclusions Shenxiankang exhibits significant protective effects in a mouse model of chronic kidney disease,effectively reducing renal injury and fibrosis.These effects are likely mediated through the downregulation of the Emp3/Tgf-β/Smad3 signaling pathway,suggesting Shenxiankang's potential therapeutic value in renal protection.
4.Changes of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood and immunological pathogenesis of Graves disease
Tieqiang LIU ; Shan HUANG ; Li LIAO ; Xinyang LI ; Peng SUN ; Yi WANG ; Yijian ZHANG ; Bingxia LI ; Xuemin WEI ; Yufang LI ; Shixin SUN ; Yanli NI ; Yi FANG ; Bin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(11):1439-1445
Objective:To retrospectively analyze the changes in the proportion of refined lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of patients with Graves disease (GD), and their correlation with the clinical characteristics and efficacy of GD, and to explore the immunological pathogenesis of Graves disease for seeking new therapeutic targets.Methods:A total of 97 newly diagnosed GD patients (GD group), 27 patients after treatment (treatment group), and 31 healthy individuals (control group) who visited the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from 2018 to 2021 were included in this study. The data of refined lymphocyte subsets, thyroid function, blood routine and clinical treatment of the three groups were compared and analyzed. The t-test and rank sum test were used to compare the proportions of lymphocyte subsets among different groups, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the proportions of lymphocyte subsets and thyroid function indicators.Results:The proportion of B cells in GD group was higher than that in the control group [16.2%(11.8%, 21.8%) vs 10.2%(8.1%,13.6%)], while the proportion of natural killer (NK) cells was lower [9.4%(4.9%, 13.6%) vs 14.6%(12.1%,18.8%)], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Abnormal T cell differentiation: the proportions of functional cells, including activated T cells, memory T cells, clustering antigen(CD)4+memory T cells, Th1 cells, and Tc1 cells, were lower than that in the control group [3.2%(2.1%, 5.7%) vs 5.8%(3.0%, 9.3%), P<0.05; 36.7% (29.9%, 48.1%) vs 48.0%(39.2%,57.7%), P<0.05; 23.1%(17.4%, 30.1%) vs 28.9%(23.3%,34.6%), P<0.05; 16.4% (11.8%, 23.6%) vs 24.3%(16.9%,28.5%), P<0.05; 28.5% (14.7%, 39.2%) vs 46.3%(21.6%,69.2%), P<0.05]. The proportion of activated T cells in the treatment group was higher than that in the GD group [6.5% (4.6%, 13.6%) vs 3.2% (2.1%, 5.7%), P<0.05]. The total triiodothyronine results showed positive correlations with B cells ( r=0.356, P<0.01) and negative correlations with NK cells ( r=?0.416, P<0.01), while the total thyroxine values showed negative correlations with NK cells and activated T cells ( r=?0.318,?0.335; P<0.01). Thyroid stimulating hormone and CD8+initial T cells were positively correlated ( r=0.382, P<0.01). The proportion of B cells, cytotoxic T cells and suppressor T cells in CD8+cells of patients with complications [such as Graves orbitopathy (GO), thyroid toxic cardiomyopathy, etc.] was significantly different from that of the simple GD patients [18.3% (14.1%, 27.1%) vs 14.6% (10.8%, 21.4%), Z=2.54, P<0.05; 73.4%(65.6%,83.6%)vs 65.0%(50.3%,79.3%), Z=2.93, P<0.05; 26.6%(16.4%, 37.5%)vs 35.0%(20.7%,49.7%), Z=?2.74, P<0.05]. The proportion of suppressor T cells in GO patients was lower than that in non-GO patients [6.1% (3.4%, 8.1%) vs 8.5% (4.9%, 13.6%), Z=?3.20 P<0.05]. Conclusion:There are significant alterations in the circulating immune cells of GD patients, suggesting that immunological abnormalities play a crucial role in the onset and progression of the disease.
5.Methodology for Developing Patient Guideline (3):Reporting Frameworks and Presentation
Lijiao YAN ; Ning LIANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Nannan SHI ; Ziyu TIAN ; Ruixiang WANG ; Xiaojia NI ; Yufang HAO ; Wei CHEN ; Yingfeng ZHOU ; Dan YANG ; Shuyu YANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Jianping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2304-2309
Standardized reporting is a crucial factor affecting the use of patient guidelines (PGs), particularly in the reporting and presentation of recommendations. This paper introduced the current status of PG reporting, including the research on PG content and presentation formats, and provided comprehensive recommendations for PG reporting from aspects such as overall framework, recommendations, presentation format, and readability. First, the presentation of PG recommendations should include clearly defined clinical questions, recommendations and their rationale, and guidance on how patients should implement the interventions; for specific content in the PG, such as level of evidence, level of recommendation, it is recommended to explain in text the reasons for giving different levels of recommendation, i.e., to present the logic behind giving the level of recommendation to the patient; additional information needed in the recommendation framework should be supplemented by tracing references or authoritative textbooks and literature that support the recommendations. Subsequently, the PG text should be written based on the Reporting Checklist for Public Versions of Guidelines (RIGHT-PVG) reporting framework. Finally, to enhance readability and comprehension, it is recommended to refer to the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) for translating PG content. To enhance the readability of PGs, it is suggested to present the PG content in a persona-lized and layered manner.
6.Methodology for Developing Patient Guideline(1):The Concept of Patient Guideline
Lijiao YAN ; Ning LIANG ; Ziyu TIAN ; Nannan SHI ; Sihong YANG ; Yufang HAO ; Wei CHEN ; Xiaojia NI ; Yingfeng ZHOU ; Ruixiang WANG ; Zeyu YU ; Shuyu YANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Jianping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(20):2086-2091
Since the concept of patient versions of guidelines (PVGs) was introduced into China, several PVGs have been published in China, but we found that there is a big difference between the concept of PVG at home and abroad, and the reason for this difference has not been reasonably explained, which has led to ambiguity and even misapplication of the PVG concept by guideline developers. By analyzing the background and purpose of PVGs, and the understanding of the PVG concept by domestic scholars, we proposed the term patient guidelines (PGs). This refers to guidelines developed under the principles of evidence-based medicine, centered on health issues that concern patients, and based on the best available evidence, intended for patient use. Except for the general attribute of providing information or education, which is typical of common health education materials, PGs also provide recommendations and assist in decision-making, so PGs include both the patient versions of guidelines (PVG) as defined by the Guidelines International Network (GIN) and "patient-directed guidelines", i.e. clinical practice guidelines resulting from the adaptation or reformulation of recommendations through clinical practice guidelines.
7.Methodology for Developing Patient Guideline (2):Process and Methodology
Lijiao YAN ; Ning LIANG ; Nannan SHI ; Sihong YANG ; Ziyu TIAN ; Dan YANG ; Xiaojia NI ; Yufang HAO ; Wei CHEN ; Ruixiang WANG ; Yingfeng ZHOU ; Shibing LIANG ; Shuyu YANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Jianping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(21):2194-2198
At present, the process and methodology of patient guidelines (PGs) development varies greatly and lacks systematic and standardised guidance. In addition to the interviews with PG developers, we have sorted out the relevant methodology for the adaptation and development of existing clinical practice guideline recommendations and facilitated expert deliberations to achieve a consensus, so as to finally put forward a proposal for guidance on the process and methodology for the development of PGs. The development of PGs can be divided into the preparation stage, the construction stage, and the completion stage in general, but the specific steps vary according to the different modes of development of PGs. The development process of Model 1 is basically the same as the patient version of the guideline development process provided by the International Guidelines Network, i.e., team formation, screening of recommendations, guideline drafing, user testing and feedback, approval and dissemination. The developer should also first determine the need for and scope of translating the clinical practice guideline into a patient version during the preparation phase. Model 2 adds user experience and feedback to the conventional clinical practice guideline development process (forming a team, determining the scope of the PG, searching, evaluating and integrating evidence, forming recommendations, writing the guideline, and expert review). Based on the different models, we sort out the process and methods of PG development and introduce the specific methods of PG development, including how to identify the clinical problem and how to form recommendations based on the existing clinical practice guidelines, with a view to providing reference for guideline developers and related researchers.
8.Application of endoscopic ultrasound-guided enteroenterostomy in treatment of malignant bowel obstruction
Zishan LI ; Hua YANG ; Lei WANG ; Yufang TENG ; Qin ZHAO ; Muhan NI
China Journal of Endoscopy 2024;30(9):47-55
Objective To assess the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided enteroenterostomy(EUS-EE)in the management of malignant bowel obstruction(MBO).Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 14 patients who underwent EUS-EE for MBO from June 2022 to December 2023.A modified intestinal preparation protocol was employed prior to the procedure,and the resolution of symptoms,improvement in nutritional status,and occurrence of complications were statistically analyzed post-EUS-EE.Results EUS-EE was successfully performed in all 14 cases.The Colorectal obstruction scoring system(CrOSS)was used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative symptom relief and alleviation of bowel obstruction.One week after the procedure,CrOSS scores increased from 1 to 2 before surgery to 2~4.The patient-generated subjective global assessment(PG-SGA)score for malignancy patients demonstrated a mean score of(9.64±3.13)one week after surgery among the study cohort of 14 patients.This score showed a significant decrease compared to their preoperative PG-SGA score(12.36±3.22),with a statistical difference(t=2.26,P=0.032).Postoperatively,five patients experienced elevated body temperature,three had pneumoperitoneum,and two developed short bowel syndrome;However,these complications were effectively managed through symptomatic treatment resulting in recovery or relief thereof.At one-year follow-up,the median survival time was recorded as 81(41,500)d with a one-year survival rate at 64.29%.Conclusion EUS-EE offers advantages such as high remission rates for symptoms,minimal trauma,and low reintervention rates.For patients with poor baseline conditions or limited life expectancy,EUS-EE can alleviate physical discomfort symptoms,improve quality of life,and prolong survival period.
9.Shen-Xiankang formula alleviates renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease mice by regulating Smad3-mediated ferroptosis
Yufang NI ; Luna ZHANG ; Qiong ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Jianchun LI
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(6):1097-1104
AIM:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Shen-Xiankang formula on renal interstitial fibrosis in-duced by unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO)in mice and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham group,UUO model group,and Shen-Xiankang formula intervention groups receiving either a low dose(150 mg·kg-1·d-1)or a high dose(450 mg·kg-1·d-1),with 8 mice in each group.All mice except those in sham group underwent UUO to establish chronic kidney disease(CKD)model.After modeling,cor-responding doses of Shen-Xiankang or an equivalent volume of saline were administered daily for 7 d.Upon completion of treatment,renal tissues were collected for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining to assess tissue damage and fibro-sis.Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were used to detect the markers of fibrosis,oxidative stress,and fer-roptosis.The effect of Shen-Xiankang formula on the interaction between activating transcription factor 3(ATF3)and Smad3 was assessed using co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP).RESULTS:The untreated UUO model group exhibited nota-ble pathological changes such as expanded renal tubules and collagen deposition.Shen-Xiankang treatment significantly alleviated these changes(P<0.05).It markedly reduced Smad3 phosphorylation,ATF3,4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE),and NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4)aberrant expression,while increasing glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)expression.Co-IP results indicated a significant modulation of the ATF3-Smad3 interac-tion by Shen-Xiankang.CONCLUSION:Shen-Xiankang formula effectively mitigates UUO-induced renal interstitial fi-brosis in mice.The mechanism may involve modulating the ATF3/Smad3 interaction,which in turn attenuates oxidative stress and ferroptosis,consequently leading to the amelioration of renal fibrosis.These findings provide important insights for further research and clinical application of Shen-Xiankang formula.
10.Influencing factors of life quality in middle-aged diabetic patients in a community of Shanghai
Hengru NI ; Yufeng PAN ; Yufang BI ; Jinli GAO ; Minghua YANG ; Haihong SONG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;34(1):46-49
Objective To understand the situation and the influencing factors of life quality in diabetic patients in Shanghai, and to develop effective intervention measures. Methods A total of 212 diabetic patients in Baoshan District, Shanghai were selected as the research objects. Diabetes specific quality of life scale (DSQL) was used to investigate the basic situation and quality of life of patients. Combined with biochemical detection indexes and questionnaire survey, data were analyzed by variance analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis. Blood glucose level was assessed according to the 1999 WHO diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes. Results The overall quality of life score in the patients was 4.31±7.82, which was higher than the domestic norm. The best quality of life was in the dimension of physiological function with the score of 1.84±6.00, which was lower than the domestic norm. The next was the dimension of social relationship, and the worst was the dimension of treatment. The single factor analysis and multivariate analysis identified the following influence factors of quality of life in the patients: family history, educational level, exercise habit, blood glucose control and diet control. There was a negative correlation with educational level and blood glucose control, and a positive correlation with diet control. Conclusion The quality of life in the middle-aged diabetic patients was affected by the education level, blood glucose control and diet control. We suggest to strengthen the community management, health education, and improve the living habits.

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