1.Treatment of Edema with Zhulingtang: A Review
Yinuo LI ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Youcai YUAN ; Jie GAO ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):266-275
Edema, as a common pathological phenomenon, is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases, such as heart failure, impaired renal filtration function, or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system, strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body, while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However, long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects, including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia, posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang, as a classic and commonly used TCM formula, is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years, ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang, including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses, thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally, the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed, so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema, such as cardiogenic edema, renal edema, and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches, as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies, thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.
2.Treatment of Edema with Zhulingtang: A Review
Yinuo LI ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Youcai YUAN ; Jie GAO ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):266-275
Edema, as a common pathological phenomenon, is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases, such as heart failure, impaired renal filtration function, or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system, strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body, while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However, long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects, including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia, posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang, as a classic and commonly used TCM formula, is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years, ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang, including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses, thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally, the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed, so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema, such as cardiogenic edema, renal edema, and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches, as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies, thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.
3.Effect of ganoderic acid A on a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced acute immune liver injury and its mechanism
Yi CUI ; Fengjie QIAO ; Jiahao QIU ; Yufei LIU ; Zhujun GAO ; Zhi SHANG ; Yueqiu GAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(12):2415-2423
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of ganoderic acid A (GA-A) on a mouse model of concanavalin A (ConA)-induced autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). MethodsA total of 35 mice were randomly divided into control group (NC group), model group (ConA group), and low-, middle-, and high-dose GA-A treatment groups (GA-A-L, GA-A-M, and GA-A-H groups, respectively), with 7 mice in each group. ConA was injected via the caudal vein of mice to establish a classic mouse model of AIH, and different doses of GA-A were administered via intraperitoneal injection 1 hour later for treatment. Proteomic techniques were used to investigate the protective mechanism of GA-A on hepatocytes, and HL-60 cells were differentiated into dHL-60 neutrophils by all-trans retinoic acid in vitro to validate the mechanism of action of GA-A. Related indicators were measured, including inflammatory markers (the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST], HE staining, and inflammation-related genes), apoptosis markers (TUNEL staining), neutrophils, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) markers (myeloperoxidase [MPO], citrullinated histone H3 [CitH3], Ly6G, and free double-stranded DNA [dsDNA]), and p38 phosphorylation markers. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the ConA group had significant increases in the serum levels of ALT and AST (both P<0.001), and compared with the ConA group, GA-A treatment significantly reduced the levels of ALT and AST (both P<0.01). HE staining showed that the mice in the ConA group had significant liver necrosis, while GA-A treatment significantly reduced the area of liver necrosis and the number of TUNEL-positive cells (both P<0.05). Compared with the ConA group, the GA-A group had significant reductions in the expression levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon gamma in serum and liver tissue (all P<0.05). The proteomic analysis showed that GA-A alleviated ConA-induced acute immune liver injury by inhibiting the release of NET and the p38 MAPK pathway. Immunofluorescent staining of mouse liver tissue showed that compared with the ConA group, the GA-A group had significant reductions in the number of MPO-positive neutrophils and the number of cells with positive Ly6G and CitH3 (all P<0.01). Western Blot and dsDNA testing showed that GA-A significantly inhibited the levels of the NET markers dsDNA and CitH3 and the level of p38 phosphorylation in liver tissue and dHL-60 cells (all P<0.05). ConclusionGA-A alleviates liver inflammatory response and hepatocyte death by inhibiting the p38 MAPK pathway and the release of NET, thereby alleviating ConA-induced acute immune liver injury. This study provides a theoretical basis for the use of GA-A to treat immune liver injury by regulating neutrophil function.
4.Construction and verification of a prediction nomogram for in-hospital death in elderly CHF patients based on noninvasive hemodynamic parameters
Mingyan YANG ; Wei CHEN ; Yang GAO ; Yanan HU ; Yuan LIU ; Yufei MA ; Yan YU ; Riuhan LIU ; Jiang YU ; Jian CAO
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2024;26(2):124-127
Objective To construct a nomogram model for predicting the risk of in-hospital death in CHF patients by using noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring combined with age,DBP,CRP and renal insufficiency(serum creatinine≥ 442 μmol/L).Methods A total of 223 elderly patients with acute onset of CHF admitted in First,Second Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hos-pital from September 2022 to March 2023 were recruited in this study.According to their clinical outcomes,they were divided into survival group(196 cases)and death group(27 cases).Based on the in-hospital death and other related indicators,a nomogram model was constructed to predict the risk factors of in-hospital death in CHF.Results Noninvasive hemodynamic mornitoring indi-cated that the death group had significantly higher LVEF and LCWI values but lower LVEDV value than the survival group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age(OR=1.131,95%CI:1.052-1.213,P=0.001),DBP(OR=0.932,95%CI:0.882-0.982,P=0.011),CRP(OR=1.171,95%CI:1.021-1.352,P=0.024),LVEDV(OR=0.984,95%CI:0.962-0.992,P=0.011)and renal insufficiency(OR=5.863,95%CI:1.351-1.731,P=0.004)were independent risk factors for the short-term prognosis of the elderly CHF patients.The AUC value of the nomogram model was 0.902(95%CI:0.819-0.948,P<0.05),and calibration curve analysis showed the C-index was 0.902,indicating accurate predictive perform-ance.Conclusion Age,DBP,LVEDV,CRP and renal insufficiency are independent risk factors for the short-term prognosis of the elderly CHF patients.
5.Impact of revascularization therapy on intestinal rehabilitation therapy in patients with short bowel syndrome caused by acute mesenteric ischemia with chronic multivessel lesions
Yufei XIA ; Xin QI ; Minyi ZHU ; Xuejin GAO ; Li ZHANG ; Yudong SUN ; Xinying WANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;39(3):172-182
Objective:To investigate whether intestinal rehabilitation therapy (IRT)could optimize the effectiveness of IRT in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) caused by acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) with chronic multivessel lesions.Methods:Clinical data of 18 hospitalized patients diagnosed with AMI leading to SBS and undergoing IRT at the Eastern Theater General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from Jan 2012 to Oct 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.Result:Following IRT, the revascularization group showed significantly greater increases in ASMI and grip strength compared to the control group [(0.28±0.26) kg/m 2vs. (0.02±0.21) kg/m 2, P=0.033, and (0.97±0.33) kg vs. (0.48±0.34) kg, P=0.007, respectively]. Similarly, the increase in EN intake was significantly higher in the revascularization group compared to the control group [(572.5±93.6) ml/d vs. (375.2±176.3) ml/d, P=0.012], accompanied by a greater improvement in intestinal nitrogen absorption rate [(25.06±14.06)% vs. (13.84±4.62)%, P=0.034] and a more substantial decrease in GSRS scores [(-15.88±3.94) vs. (-6.33±5.13), P=0.030]. Moreover, there were significant differences in the composition of EN formulations between the two groups after IRT ( P=0.046). Additionally, SF-36 scores at discharge were significantly higher in the revascularization group than that in the control group for five indicators including BP, GH, VT, SF, and MH ( P<0.05). Conclusions:For patients with SBS resulting from AMI by chronic multivessel lesions, revascularization therapy may not leading to higher growth in weight and hematological nutritional indicators during IRT, but it is beneficial for improving muscle function, improving EN absorption, increasing the likelihood of PN independence, relieving gastrointestinal symptoms, and enhancing overall quality of life.
6.Evaluation of human cognitive performance using heart rate variability under sustained near-high temperature exposure
Hui ZHU ; Yufei WANG ; Yichao WANG ; Kun GAO ; Hua SU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(2):84-90
Objective To explore the influence of continuous thermal exposure on human cognitive performance.It provides solutions for the reduction of cognitive performance caused by high temperature emergency,and reduces the misoperation problems or even safety accidents of astronauts in high temperature emergency.Methods 14 right-handed male subjects were recruited and continuously exposed to four thermal environments of 32℃,35℃,38℃,and 41℃for 150 minutes,during which 5 different cognitive tasks(Posner Cueing Task,Deary-liewald Task,N-back Task,Wisconsin Card Task,Visual Search Task)were continuously performed to obtain relative cognitive performance.At the same time,a portable 2-lead holter was used to continuously capture ECG R signals during the cognitive test.Thereafter,the heart rate variability(HRV)analysis was conducted based on the ECG data,to explore the correlations between nonlinear indices(SD1,Shannon entropy,α2,D2)and the cognitive performance.Results Tresults showed that all nonlinear indexes changed with the exposure time and exposure temperature with certain patterns.In addition,through the correlation analysis between relative cognitive performance and nonlinear indicators,the most relevant indicator is α2(correlation coefficient 0.7).The correlation analysis results showed that the nonlinear index α2 had a U-shaped relationship with relative cognitive performance(correlation coefficient was 0.7).Based on that,a quantitative relationship between α2 and relative cognitive performance was obtained.It is found that when α2 was equal to 0.98,the worst relative cognitive performance was observed.Conclusion This study showed that the HRV nonlinear index α2 could serve as a reliable indicator of the cognitive performance of human during hot exposure,which provided a potential solution for the productivity and health evaluation of astronauts.
7.Identification of potential immune-related mechanisms related to the development of multiple myeloma
Yaomei WANG ; Wenli ZHANG ; Tiandong LI ; Mengmeng LIU ; Mengya GAO ; Xinqing LI ; Yufei CHEN ; Yongping SONG ; Wei LI ; Chunyan DU ; Fang WANG ; Lina LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(13):1603-1613
Background::Although significant advances have been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), leading to unprecedented response and survival rates among patients, the majority eventually relapse, and a cure remains elusive. This situation is closely related to an incomplete understanding of the immune microenvironment, especially monocytes/macrophages in patients with treatment-na?ve MM. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the immune microenvironment, especially monocytes/macrophages, in patients with treatment-na?ve MM.Methods::This study used the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of both patients with MM and heathy donors to identify immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and monocytes/macrophages. Transcriptomic data and flow cytometry analysis of monocytes/macrophages were used to further examine the effect of monocytes/macrophages in treatment-na?ve MM patients.Results::A significant difference was observed between the bone marrow (BM) immune cells of the healthy controls and treatment-na?ve MM patients through scRNA-seq. It is noteworthy that, through an scRNA-seq data analysis, this study found that interferon (IFN)-induced NK/T cells, terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA) cells, T-helper cells characterized by expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG +Th cells), IFN-responding exhausted T cells, mannose receptor C-type 1 (MRC1) + DCs, IFN-responding DCs, MHCII + DCs, and immunosuppressive monocytes/macrophages were enriched in patients with treatment-na?ve MM. Significantly, transcriptomic data of monocytes/macrophages demonstrated that "don’t eat me" -related genes and IFN-induced genes increase in treatment-na?ve MM patients. Furthermore, scRNA-seq, transcriptomic data, and flow cytometry also showed an increased proportion of CD16 + monocytes/macrophages and expression level of CD16. Cell-cell communication analysis indicated that monocytes/macrophages, whose related important signaling pathways include migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and interleukin 16 (IL-16) signaling pathway, are key players in treatment-na?ve MM patients. Conclusions::Our findings provide a comprehensive and in-depth molecular characterization of BM immune cell census in MM patients, especially for monocytes/macrophages. Targeting macrophages may be a novel treatment strategy for patients with MM.
8.Clinical application of CT angiography-derived fractional flow reserve in evaluating the risk stratification of coronary artery stenosis and the myocardial function
Yongguang GAO ; Ping XIA ; Yibing SHI ; Yu LI ; Jinyao ZHANG ; Yufei FU ; Yayong HUANG ; Yuanshun XU ; Gutao LI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(9):956-960
Objective To discuss the clinical application of coronary CT angiography(CCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)in evaluating the risk stratification of the coronary artery stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque quantitative parameters.Methods A total of 122 patients,who received CCTA examination at the Xuzhou Municipal Central Hospital of China,were enrolled in this study.The patients were divided into non-ischemia group(CT-FFR>0.8,n=66)and ischemia group(CT-FFR0.8,n=56).The characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque were compared between the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between plaque characteristics and ischemic lesions.Results There were 218 vessels having a CT-FFR>0.8 and 174 vessels having a CT-FFR ≤0.8.Statistically significant differences in the total plaque volume,calcified plaque volume,plaque length,and stenosis ratio>50%existed between the two groups(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that the total plaque volume,calcified plaque volume,plaque length,and stenosis ratio>50%were the risk factors for myocardial ischemia.Conclusion CT-FFR can be used for the risk stratification of coronary stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque characteristics,which can evaluate the local myocardial blood supply condition from the anatomical stenosis and functional level so as to optimize the diagnosis and treatment measures.
9.Path analysis of effects of death attitude and purpose in life on attitude toward hospice care of undergraduate intern nursing students
Huan YU ; Yan HU ; Lu WANG ; Yu ZHU ; Jiangyan SONG ; Yufei GAO ; Xianzhu YU ; Ziyao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(7):848-854
Objective:To explore the effect path of death attitude and purpose in life on attitude toward hospice care of undergraduate intern nursing students.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 229 undergraduate intern nursing students from two schools in Hefei, Anhui Province were selected as the research objects from October to December 2022. General data questionnaire, Chinese Version of Frommelt Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying Scale Form B (FATCOD-B-C), Chinese Version of Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) Scale and Chinese Version of Purpose in Life Test (PIL-C) were used to investigate. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between death attitudes, purpose in life and attitude toward hospice care among undergraduate intern nursing students. Structural equation model was used to examine the path relationship between attitude towards death and purpose in life on attitude toward hospice care.Results:A total of 229 questionnaires were sent out in this study, and 214 were effectively recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 93.45% (214/229). Among 214 undergraduate intern nursing students, the scores of FATCOD-B-C, Chinese Version DAP-R Scale, and PIL-C were (101.06±8.16), (91.21±12.13) and (94.45±11.90), respectively. The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that the purpose in life was positively correlated with attitude toward hospice care ( r=0.290, P<0.01), while the attitude to death was negatively correlated with attitude toward hospice care ( r=-0244, P<0.01). The results of structural equation model path analysis showed that the purpose in life (life goal, life attitude) can affect attitude toward hospice care through death attitude (escape acceptance, natural acceptance, fear of death) . Conclusions:Effective interventions on purpose in life and attitude towards death of undergraduate intern nursing students can improve their attitudes toward hospice care .
10.The role of dietary fiber in intestinal rehabilitation for patients with ultra-short bowel syndrome: a clinical study
Xin QI ; Yufei XIA ; Sirui LIU ; Xuejin GAO ; Li ZHANG ; Xinying WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2024;32(4):217-225
Objective:To investigate the role of dietary fiber in the intestinal rehabilitation for patients with ultra-short bowel syndrome.Methods:This study included 34 inpatients diagnosed with ultra-short bowel syndrome in the General Surgery Department of the Eastern Theater General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from January 2012 to October 2023. Patients were grouped based on whether they received intestinal rehabilitation and whether dietary fiber was added to the treatment plan, and were divided into three groups: nutritional therapy group (11 cases), growth hormone + glutamine intestinal rehabilitation treatment group (10 cases) and growth hormone injection + glutamine + dietary fiber intestinal rehabilitation treatment group (13 cases). The therapeutic regimen and its changes, pre- and post-treatment parameters of hematology, nutrition, intestinal absorption, fecal consistency, and quality of life were recorded and compared, and the impact of different treatment regimens on clinical outcomes was analyzed.Results:Compared with nutrition treatment group and growth hormone + glutamine intestinal rehabilitation treatment group, growth hormone injection + glutamine + dietary fiber intestinal rehabilitation treatment group, the increase of enteral nutritional fluid, the decrease of parenteral nutritional energy, the increase of intestinal moisture absorption, the decrease of defecation times and the appreciation of hemoglobin were significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). At the same time, the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein were significantly increased after treatment ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Nutritional support combined with intestinal rehabilitation can significantly improve the nutritional status and intestinal absorption rate of ultra-short bowel syndrome patients. The use of dietary fiber in the intestinal rehabilitation regimen for ultra-short bowel syndrome patients yields more significant benefits, as evidenced by improved clinical outcomes.

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